These 3 ingredient sausage balls are a classic game day appetizer that are simple and crowd-pleasing! They are easy to make with ground sausage, biscuit mix and cheese!
More three ingredient appetizer recipes include BBQ meatballs, lil smokies recipe and Hawaiian meatballs.
Table of Contents
Three Ingredient Sausage Balls
Any appetizer made with only 3 ingredients is a friend of mine. I’m all about making easy recipes that taste delicious, which is exactly why I love these 3 ingredient sausage balls!
I learned how to make these sausage balls in a home economics class in Jr. High. I honestly haven’t made them since then and forgot how delicious they were. They make a great addition to any game day spread, the perfect appetizer for any party or you can even serve them at brunch.
Easy Sausage Balls Recipe Ingredients
This sausage ball recipe is made with only 3 simple ingredients!
- Pork sausage: Make sure to get ground pork sausage. My favorite brand is Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage.
- Biscuit mix: I used Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, but you can make a Bisquick sausage balls recipe or use the batter from my cheddar bay biscuits.
- Cheddar cheese: You can use any kind of cheese, however my preference is shredded cheddar, like sharp cheddar cheese or triple cheddar.
How to Make Sausage Balls
- Let the meat soften. Leave the sausage out on the counter for about 10 minutes before getting started.
- Combine mixture. Add the sausage and biscuit baking mix into a large mixing bowl or zip top bag. Sprinkle in some pepper and mix well. Then stir in cheese and some fresh parsley (if desired). Mix again until combined. You can add a few Tablespoons of milk if the mixture is dry.
- Form into balls. Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 Tablespoons in size. I like to use a medium cookie scoop to make it easier. Then add to a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in oven. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to flip halfway through.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve sausage cheese balls on a platter with dip of choice, like ranch, bleu cheese or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Make sure to really work the biscuit mix into the meat before adding the cheese. Wear gloves if you don’t love touching raw meat.
- Combine in a food processor or stand mixer.
- Use hot sausage or Italian sausage for a kick of flavor
- Use your favorite kind of cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better but I often have pre-shredded cheese in my fridge.
- Add 4 ounces cream cheese if desired
- Add fresh herbs such as chopped parsley
- Serve cheesy sausage balls with BBQ sauce, ranch, buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor
Make-Ahead and Freezing
- To make in advance: Roll the mixture into balls, then place on a baking sheet. Cover uncooked sausage balls and place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- To freeze before baking: Form into balls, then place on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden. Add to a freezer container and freeze. When baking, add 10 more minutes to the cooking time and let sit on the baking sheet while the oven warms up.
- To freeze after baking: You can easily cook the sausage balls, then freeze them. Let cool completely, then place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. Add the sausage balls to a freezer bag and store in freezer.
Want more party favorites? Check out my slow cooker sausage cream cheese dip or these easy pigs in a blanket with cheese.
More Easy Appetizers
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Sausage Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage , I prefer Jimmy Dean
- 1 ¼ cups biscuit mix , dry
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 Tablespoons freshly chopped parsley , optional
For serving: Ranch, bleu cheese dressing or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prep. Leave the sausage out for about 10 minutes to soften. You won't be pre-cooking the sausage.
- Preheat oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. These tend to stick to the pan if not.
- Combine. In a large bowl or zip top bag, add one pound ground sausage and 1 1/4 cups biscuit mix. Add a dash of pepper. Mix very well. Then add in 2 cups cheese and parsley if desired. Mix until combined. You may need to mix with your hands. Add a Tablespoon or two of milk if your mix seems dry.
- Form into balls. I like to use a medium size cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 Tablespoons).
- Bake for 20 minutes (flipping half way through), or until cooked through.
- Serve on a platter with ranch, bleu cheese dressing or BBQ sauce. I like to add toothpicks for easy serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Freezer-Friendly, Low Carb, Mini appetizers, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Made them for a party. Another big hit!
2nd time making using the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. These are awesome. I add little sprinkling of red pepper flakes to the mix to bump it up.
Yes!! Delicious. I did use the garlic packet and we dipped them in Chick-Fil-A sauce. So so good!!!!
Yum! I bet they taste delicious in chic fil a sauce!
These look good! With the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, did you add the small packet of the garlic herb blend to the biscuit mix or left it out?
We just use the biscuit mix :)
Can you fry these in hot oil?
Yes you can fry them in hot oil on a skillet (turn frequently until cooked).
Love this easy recipe!
So happy you enjoyed it :)
Delicious! I cooked my sausage balls about 25-27 mins to get them to the crispy stage.
I didn’t have bisquick mix or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix- so I looked up a recipe for homemade Bisquick mix on Allrecipes that worked out great for this! Added fresh chopped parsley and some fresh thyme as well. It’s a keeper!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Wow this turned out FABULOUS!!!! Thank you!
I was a skeptic at first but these turned out great!
The easiest & yummiest bite-sized snack! Love the Red Lobster mix..we use it all the time!
These look so good! I can’t wait to try them!