Easy Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe: The Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious, Bisquick sausage balls are your answer. This classic three-ingredient recipe has been a favorite at holiday gatherings, game day parties, and potlucks for generations. With just sausage, cheese, and Bisquick baking mix, you can create golden, savory bites that disappear within minutes.

What Are Bisquick Sausage Balls?

Bisquick sausage balls are bite-sized appetizers made by combining ground breakfast sausage, shredded cheese, and Bisquick baking mix. The mixture is rolled into small balls and baked until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. They’re similar to cheese balls or hush puppies but with a distinctive sausage flavor that makes them irresistible.

Classic Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (regular or spicy)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the sausage, cheese, and Bisquick mix using your hands or a sturdy spoon. The mixture should be well combined but not overworked.
3. Form balls by rolling the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get approximately 40-50 balls from this recipe.
4. Arrange on baking sheet with about 1 inch of space between each ball.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
6. Cool slightly before serving. Sausage balls are best served warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

Let ingredients come to room temperature. Cold cheese and sausage are harder to mix together. Let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before combining.

Don’t overmix the dough. Overworking the mixture can make your sausage balls tough. Mix just until combined.

Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. A small cookie scoop ensures all your sausage balls are the same size and cook evenly.

Freeze before baking if making ahead. Frozen sausage balls can go straight from freezer to oven, just add 5 minutes to the baking time.

Choose quality sausage. The sausage is the star of this recipe, so pick a brand you love. Jimmy Dean and Bob Evans are popular choices.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Spicy Sausage Balls

Use hot breakfast sausage and add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra kick.

Herb and Garlic Sausage Balls

Mix in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for an herby twist.

Ranch Sausage Balls

Add 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix to the mixture for a tangy flavor.

Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Balls

Fold in ¼ cup finely diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Three-Cheese Sausage Balls

Combine 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup parmesan for a richer cheese flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Unbaked sausage balls can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezer: Place formed sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cook time.

Cooked leftovers: Store baked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Bisquick sausage balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces:

• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Barbecue sauce
• Cream cheese dip

These appetizers pair wonderfully with other party foods like cheese platters, vegetable trays, and chips with dip.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on 1 sausage ball (recipe makes approximately 45 balls):

• Calories: 60-70
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

Note: Nutritional values vary based on sausage brand and ingredients used.

Common Questions About Sausage Balls

Can I use homemade biscuit mix instead of Bisquick? Yes, any biscuit baking mix works as a substitute for Bisquick.

Do I need to cook the sausage first? No, the raw sausage cooks completely during baking.

Why are my sausage balls dry? This usually happens from too much Bisquick or overbaking. Make sure to measure accurately and check them at 20 minutes.

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute gluten-free Bisquick or a gluten-free baking mix.

What cheese works best? Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can use any cheese that melts well, including Colby, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Bisquick sausage balls lies in their simplicity. The Bisquick provides structure and a tender crumb, the sausage adds savory flavor and fat, and the cheese creates that irresistible golden-brown exterior while adding richness. The combination is greater than the sum of its parts, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These versatile appetizers work for:

• Holiday parties (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving)
• Game day gatherings
• Baby and bridal showers
• Potluck dinners
• Breakfast buffets
• Kids’ parties
• Casual get-togethers

Conclusion

Bisquick sausage balls are the ultimate easy appetizer that never goes out of style. With just three simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of hands-on time, you can create a batch of golden, savory bites that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these crowd-pleasing sausage balls are guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this classic recipe at your next gathering and watch them disappear before your eyes. Don’t forget to make a double batch—trust us, you’ll need it!