Warm, cheesy southern sausage balls have been a beloved staple at potlucks and gatherings across the southern United States for generations.
These bite-sized morsels pack a punch of flavor that instantly transports you to comfort food heaven.
Made with simple ingredients like sharp cheddar, breakfast sausage, and baking mix, they come together in mere minutes.
The aroma of sizzling sausage and melted cheese will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to sample these irresistible treats.
Each golden-brown ball delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory goodness that keeps people coming back for more.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature.
Grab your ingredients and get ready to become the star of your next gathering with these addictive southern sausage balls.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 245 kcal
Servings: 21
What Goes Into Southern Sausage Balls
For Protein and Flavor Base:
Ground Sausage: Delivers rich, savory taste and provides primary protein foundation.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and helps bind ingredients together with melty goodness.
For Binding and Texture:
Bisquick Mix: Creates light, fluffy texture and ensures perfect consistency for holding sausage balls.
Milk: Helps moisten the mixture and enhances overall blending of ingredients.
For Moisture Control:
Milk: Softens the mixture and prevents dry, crumbly texture during baking.
Ingredient Selection Tips:
Choose spicy or mild ground sausage based on personal heat preference.
Select sharp cheddar for more intense cheese flavor.
Use whole milk for richer, more tender sausage balls.
Pick fresh Bisquick mix to ensure maximum rising potential.
Tools for Rolling and Baking Southern Sausage Balls
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
Baking Sheet: Key for evenly cooking sausage balls and preventing sticking.
Parchment Paper: Helps create easy cleanup and prevents burning.
Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
Spoon or Spatula: Needed for mixing ingredients and shaping balls.
Instructions for Classic Southern Sausage Balls
Oven Warmup Southern Style A cozy kitchen starts with preheating the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect environment for these crowd-pleasing bites.
Mixing Magic A large mixing bowl becomes your canvas for blending sausage, Bisquick, and cheese into a harmonious flavor explosion. Gently combine ingredients until they dance together seamlessly, creating a mixture that promises pure Southern comfort.
Ball Crafting Transform your mixed ingredients into bite-sized treasures. Roll the mixture into perfect little spheres, each one a promise of deliciousness. Space them generously on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each ball room to become its best self.
Golden Transformation Place your creation in the oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the sausage balls turn a gorgeous golden brown, their edges crisping up and cheese bubbling with excitement. After 20-25 minutes, they'll emerge as irresistible Southern treats.
Resting and Serving Allow these savory morsels a moment to cool and settle. This brief pause lets them firm up, making them easy to transfer from baking sheet to serving plate, ready to be devoured by hungry guests.
Tips to Make Southern Sausage Balls Even Better
Swap cheddar for pepper jack, smoked gouda, or sharp white cheddar to add exciting depth and complexity to your classic sausage balls.
Prepare the mixture and shape balls up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. This strategy lets you quickly pop them in the oven when unexpected guests arrive or during busy holiday cooking.
Kick the flavor into high gear by adding dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes directly into the mixture. These small additions can transform the entire character of your sausage balls with minimal effort.
Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for a convenient make-ahead appetizer.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage Balls from the South
Serve with Dipping Delights: Pair these savory sausage balls with zesty ranch dressing, tangy honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra flavor kick that'll make taste buds dance.
Brunch Buddy Platter: Arrange sausage balls alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and crispy bacon to create a mouthwatering Southern-style brunch spread that'll impress family and friends.
Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Pile these bite-sized treats onto a large platter for the perfect appetizer during football watch parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.
Holiday Gathering Star: Wow your guests by serving these warm, cheesy sausage balls as a festive appetizer during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special family celebration where comfort food is welcome.
Sausage Ball Storage and Meal Planning Tips
Maximize Freshness: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they maintain their delicious flavor and texture.
Freeze for Later: Prepare a batch ahead of time by freezing uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep perfectly for up to 3 months, ready to bake whenever hunger strikes.
Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture and maintain their crispy exterior.
Meal Prep Magic: Make a double batch during weekend cooking sessions. Pack individual portions in grab-and-go containers for quick breakfasts, game day snacks, or unexpected hungry moments.
Southern sausage balls combine hearty cheddar cheese, zesty sausage, and biscuit mix for a classic Southern appetizer. Savory bites promise rich flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal for gatherings where you’ll want a quick, delicious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (0.45 kg) sausage (can use spicy)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
2 cups Bisquick
Instructions
Preparation: Crank the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy release and minimal cleanup.
Mixing: In a large bowl, blend ground pork sausage, Bisquick, sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk until the mixture forms a cohesive, uniform texture that holds together effortlessly.
Forming: Craft compact, uniform spheres roughly 1 inch in diameter using hands or a cookie scoop, maintaining consistent size for balanced cooking and appealing presentation.
Positioning: Distribute sausage spheres across the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight gaps to promote optimal air circulation and prevent merging during baking.
Baking: Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 22-26 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and slightly crisp cheese edges that indicate perfect doneness.
Resting and Serving: Allow sausage balls to settle for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven, then plate as a tantalizing appetizer or snack, potentially paired with a complementary dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile.
Notes
Cheese Selection Matters: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity and ensure it’s freshly shredded for better melting and binding.
Handling Tip: Wet hands slightly when forming balls to prevent mixture from sticking and achieve smoother, more uniform shapes.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and shape sausage balls in advance, then refrigerate or freeze before baking for convenient meal prep.
Texture Trick: Let mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before forming balls to help ingredients bind together more effectively and improve overall consistency.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.