Cheesy Sausage Balls are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or when you need a quick, satisfying snack. Made with sausage, cheddar cheese, and simple spices, these savory bites are baked to golden perfection, with a crispy outside and a melty, cheesy inside.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Sausage Balls:

  • 1 lb ground sausage

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Shape the Sausage Balls:
   Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Cool and Serve:
   Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients (per 2 balls)

• Calories: 180

• Protein: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Sodium: 320mg

• Cholesterol: 35mg

Why Cheesy Sausage Balls Work So Well

What makes Cheesy Sausage Balls so irresistible is the combination of ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful bite. The savory ground sausage pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar cheese, and the baking mix (such as Bisquick) provides structure to the balls, helping them hold their shape while baking. The garlic powder and onion powder enhance the natural flavors of the sausage, adding just the right amount of aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.

Baked to perfection, these sausage balls have a golden-brown exterior that’s slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft, cheesy, and satisfying. They’re incredibly versatile, too! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or marinara, or enjoy them as is. These sausage balls can be made in advance and stored, making them ideal for meal prepping or party appetizers.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Balls

• Ground Sausage: Ground sausage is the key ingredient that provides the rich, savory flavor of the sausage balls. Choose a sausage that you like, whether it’s spicy, mild, or sweet. The sausage is the base flavor for the dish, and it’s what gives the balls their heartiness and moisture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice for this dish. It has a bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage. The cheese melts into the sausage balls, creating a gooey, cheesy center that’s a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior.

• Baking Mix (e.g., Bisquick): The baking mix helps bind the sausage and cheese together and gives the sausage balls their texture. It acts as a base for the mixture and helps them hold their shape while baking. Bisquick or any all-purpose baking mix will do the trick.

• Milk: A small amount of milk is added to help bring the mixture together and ensure the sausage balls aren’t too dry. It also helps achieve the perfect consistency for rolling the mixture into balls.

• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices enhance the savory flavor of the sausage and cheese, adding a subtle layer of depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Balls

Making these Cheesy Sausage Balls is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this tasty appetizer:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the sausage balls bake evenly and reach the perfect golden-brown color.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture will be a bit thick, but that’s normal.

3. Shape the Sausage Balls: Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

4. Bake the Sausage Balls: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The edges will crisp up, and the cheese will melt inside, making for a perfectly baked bite.

5. Cool and Serve: Once the sausage balls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with a dipping sauce on the side if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. They’re perfect as an appetizer at parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. For an extra touch, offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, mustard, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.

These sausage balls can also be served as part of a hearty breakfast, brunch, or lunch spread. Pair them with scrambled eggs, a fruit salad, or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. Alternatively, they make a great snack to enjoy on their own, or you can serve them with a side of pickled vegetables for some tangy contrast.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cheesy Sausage Balls (two balls) provides about 180 calories, 8g of protein, 6g of carbohydrates, and 14g of fat. The fat content is primarily from the sausage and cheese, both of which add richness and flavor to the dish. The saturated fat content is 6g, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your intake of saturated fats. The sodium content is 320mg per serving, which is primarily from the sausage and baking mix.

With 9g of fiber per serving, these sausage balls are filling and satisfying, making them a great option when you’re looking for something that will keep you full between meals. The combination of protein from the sausage and cheese, along with the healthy fats from the cheese, provides a well-rounded snack or appetizer.

Conclusion: A Savory, Cheesy Delight

Cheesy Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and spices, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden ball. They’re incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, these cheesy, flavorful bites will satisfy any craving. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a tasty, crowd-pleasing treat ready whenever you need it!