Sausage Balls Recipe: Easy, Moist & Cheesy Holiday Appetizer
These classic sausage balls are moist, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, making them the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re a nostalgic comfort food that’s easy to adapt for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls (about 6–8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (regular, spicy, or sage)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, combine biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly distributed.
- Crumble uncooked breakfast sausage into the bowl. Add softened cream cheese if using. Mix until just combined using clean hands or a sturdy spoon.
- Slowly pour in milk, mixing just enough to bring everything together. The dough should be sticky but not wet. Add more milk if needed.
- Fold in chopped parsley (or chives/scallions if desired).
- Scoop out 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll gently into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cheese should be bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra moist sausage balls, add cream cheese to the mix. Use freshly grated cheddar for best texture. If dough is dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time. Chill formed balls for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape. Sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen raw or baked. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 sausage balls
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 11
Keywords: sausage balls, holiday appetizer, party snack, cheesy sausage balls, Bisquick sausage balls, easy appetizer, comfort food, make-ahead, gluten-free option