Cheesy Sausage Balls

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

These Bisquick sausage bites mix uncooked sausage with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, with hints of garlic and cayenne for flavor. Baking gives them a crispy shell and tender core. Great for breakfast, appetizers, or casual snacks. Quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd favorite, balancing meat, cheese, and seasoning in every bite.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:24:56 GMT
Savory Bisquick sausage bites, easy to make for any party setting. Pin it
Savory Bisquick sausage bites, easy to make for any party setting. | linacooks.com

These homemade sausage balls with Bisquick mix Southern tradition and holiday charm in every mouthful. Their rich smell takes over your kitchen, bringing back Christmas morning memories and family get-togethers, while their golden outside breaks open to reveal a soft, cheese-filled middle that has everyone reaching for another.

After making these for so many holiday parties, I've found that working the mixture with a light touch and using cheese you've grated yourself makes all the difference. My grandma always told me to let the sausage sit out until it wasn't cold anymore before mixing - it works every time.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

  • Pork Sausage: Go for good breakfast sausage that doesn't contain sage
  • Sharp Cheddar: Grate it right before using - the bagged stuff won't melt right
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated brings extra flavor and saltiness
  • Bisquick: The name brand gives best results, though store versions work too
  • Garlic Powder: Brings in nice flavor without being too strong
  • Whole Milk: Helps create that just-right soft texture
Simple Bisquick sausage balls that work great as finger food or snacks on the go. Pin it
Simple Bisquick sausage balls that work great as finger food or snacks on the go. | linacooks.com

Detailed Making Process

Getting Ready (15 minutes):
Set sausage out to warm up. While waiting, grate your cheeses. Put parchment on your baking trays. Heat oven to 375°F.
Combining Ingredients (10 minutes):
Break up sausage into tiny bits. Sprinkle in Bisquick bit by bit. Add cheeses with care. Stir until barely combined. Pour milk in slowly if the mix feels too crumbly.
Forming Your Balls (20 minutes):
Use a small scoop for even sizes. Roll softly in your hands. Set on lined trays. Keep them spaced apart.
Cooking Through (15 minutes):
Bake until they turn golden. Switch pan positions halfway. Check they're 160°F inside. Cool a bit before eating.

I love thinking back to when I taught my little girl how to make these one Christmas Eve. She counted each one carefully to make sure everyone would get the same amount at breakfast the next day.

Last Thoughts: These Bisquick Sausage Balls aren't just snacks - they're a treasured holiday custom that pulls folks together. Served at fancy morning meals or laid-back get-togethers, they always vanish fast. The mix of tasty sausage, tangy cheese, and fluffy breading makes something truly wonderful that connects different generations of Southern cooking.

Tasty Bisquick sausage balls packed with cheese flavor, perfect for any party. Pin it
Tasty Bisquick sausage balls packed with cheese flavor, perfect for any party. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these sausage bites early?
Sure, freeze uncooked balls for up to three months. Let them thaw before baking as usual.
→ What type of sausage should I use?
Regular breakfast sausage works fine, but spicy or Italian sausage gives a different taste.
→ Can I skip the food processor?
Absolutely, just mix by hand or use a stand mixer, though it might take a little extra work to blend well.
→ How do I tell if they’re fully cooked?
They should have a golden exterior and be fully cooked inside, which takes roughly 15 minutes at 350°F.
→ How’s the best way to reheat them?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or use the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Cheesy Bisquick Sausage Balls

Sausage and cheese bites with Bisquick. Crunchy exterior, soft center, great for snacks, breakfast, or get-togethers.

Prep Time
12 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
02 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1/2 cup milk
04 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
05 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 3 cups Bisquick mix
07 1 pound raw sausage

Instructions

Step 01

Heat the oven to 350°F and lay parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Step 02

Put the sausage, Bisquick, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, cayenne, and milk into a stand mixer or food processor. Blend until it’s all evenly mixed.

Step 03

Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and set them on the baking sheet you just prepped.

Step 04

Pop them into the oven for around 15 minutes, or until they turn a nice golden color. Let them sit for a little while before digging in.

Notes

  1. These cheesy sausage bites have a crisp outside with a soft and flavorful inside. Perfect as a breakfast treat, a quick snack, or for festive occasions.
  2. You can freeze them before cooking—freeze flat for about 15 minutes, then toss into freezer bags. Thaw them before baking later.
  3. Feel free to experiment—try out some spice, add fresh herbs like parsley, or switch up the cheeses you use.
  4. Got leftovers? Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer or food processor
  • Cookie scoop or regular spoon
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (milk, cheese)
  • Includes gluten (Bisquick mix)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 218
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 10 g