Bisquick Sausage Balls (Easy Sausage Balls Recipe)

These Bisquick sausage balls are the kind of appetizer that everyone remembers. They’re packed with savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning, all bound together with Bisquick to bake up into tender, fluffy, golden-brown bites. They’re perfect for holiday parties, game days, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to throw together with pantry staples. If you’re searching for a Bisquick sausage balls recipe that’s simple, reliable, and seriously addictive, this is it.

Why You'll Love These Sausage Balls With Bisquick

Ingredients Needed

• 3 cups Bisquick Baking Mix
• 1 pound Pork Sausage
• 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated
• ½ cup Milk
• 1 ½ tsp. Italian Seasoning
• Fresh Parsley

By the way, you can actually use a lot of these same ingredients to make this sausage casserole recipe. So, if you love usage, you'll want to check that out next! Oh, and for another version of sausage balls, you can use some of them to make these cream cheese sausage balls.

How To Make Bisquick Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prep work

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease it) to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the sausage ball mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, Italian seasoning, and any other seasonings your recipe calls for. Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mix everything together until it’s fully combined and you don’t see any dry pockets of Bisquick. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky, but it should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the sausage balls

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion between your palms into 1-inch balls. Squeeze them gently as you roll so they’re compact and hold their shape while baking. Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can brown evenly.

Step 4: Bake The Sausage Balls

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are browned on the outside and cooked through in the center. If you’d like them a bit crispier, you can leave them in for an extra minute or two, watching closely.

Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, spicy mayo, Alabama white sauce, Big Mac sauce, or Chick-fil-A sauce all work great.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Sausage Balls Recipe

• Use regular (not lean) pork sausage for the best texture. Breakfast-style pork sausage with some fat (not “lean” or reduced-fat) gives you the juiciest, most tender sausage balls. Extra-lean sausage can make them dry and crumbly, especially since Bisquick already adds structure. If your sausage is very fatty, that’s okay—the Bisquick helps absorb some of that fat as they bake.
• Shred your own cheddar for better melt. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but often coated in anti-caking agents that can make the mixture drier and the texture slightly grainy. Shredding a block of sharp cheddar yourself gives you better melt, richer flavor, and a smoother, creamier bite in every sausage ball.
• Mix thoroughly, but don’t overwork the dough. You want the Bisquick, sausage, and cheese fully combined with no dry pockets, but you don’t need to knead the mixture like bread dough. Overworking can compact the mixture too much and make the sausage balls dense instead of tender. Mix with your hands just until everything looks evenly distributed and the dough holds together when squeezed.
• Adjust the moisture if the mixture seems too dry or crumbly. Different brands of sausage and Bisquick can vary in moisture. If the mixture is too dry and won’t form balls, add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or even a little extra melted butter to loosen it up. Add it gradually and mix again until the sausage ball mixture is firm but pliable and holds its shape when rolled.
• Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and even baking. Using a small cookie scoop helps you portion the sausage mixture consistently, which means the balls bake at the same rate. Aim for about 1-inch balls. If some are much larger or smaller, the bigger ones can end up undercooked while the smaller ones dry out.
• Space them out on the baking sheet. Give each sausage ball a little room on the tray. Crowding can cause them to steam instead of brown, which affects both flavor and texture. A lined or lightly greased baking sheet with some space between each ball will help them get that nice golden color all around.
• Bake until golden and set, not rock-hard. Start checking the sausage balls at the 20-minute mark. They should be nicely browned on the outside and cooked through in the center, but still a bit soft to the touch—remember they’ll firm up slightly as they cool. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open or use an instant-read thermometer (you’re looking for at least 160°F in the center).
• Let them rest briefly before serving. Giving the sausage balls a few minutes to cool on the tray helps the texture set and keeps any cheese from leaking out when you move them. They’ll still be warm and delicious, but easier to handle and less likely to fall apart.
• Freeze for easy holiday or game-day appetizers. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. This makes them perfect for December holidays when you want ready-to-go appetizers without extra prep.
• Serve with dipping sauces to make them extra addictive. Bisquick sausage balls are great on their own, but they’re even better with dips. Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or even a smash burger sauce all pair really well. Offering two or three different dipping options makes your appetizer spread feel more thoughtful and fun.

Bisquick Sausage Balls FAQS

Can I make Bisquick sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, Bisquick sausage balls are perfect for making ahead. You can mix and shape the sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also fully bake them, cool them, and reheat right before serving, which makes them ideal for holiday parties and game days.

How do I store and reheat leftover sausage balls?

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven or air fryer until heated through; this helps them crisp back up on the outside. You can microwave them if you're in a rush, but they’ll be softer and not quite as crisp.

Can I freeze sausage balls?

Yes, Bisquick sausage balls freeze very well. You can freeze them unbaked by shaping them, freezing them on a tray until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked sausage balls and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

Why are my sausage balls dry or crumbly?

Dry or crumbly sausage balls usually mean there’s too much Bisquick or the sausage is too lean. Make sure you’re using regular (not reduced-fat) pork sausage and measure the Bisquick accurately. If the mixture feels very dry when you mix it, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or an extra handful of shredded cheese to help moisten and bind the dough.

Why won’t my sausage balls hold together?

If your sausage balls won’t hold their shape, the mixture is probably too wet or not mixed enough. Make sure the sausage, cheese, and Bisquick are fully combined and that you’re squeezing and rolling the mixture firmly into balls. If it still feels loose, you can add a bit more Bisquick until it holds together better. Chilling the shaped balls for 20–30 minutes before baking can also help.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage instead of raw?

This recipe is designed for raw sausage, which cooks and releases fat to help bind the Bisquick and cheese. Using pre-cooked sausage won’t give the same texture, and the mixture may not hold together as well. If you only have pre-cooked sausage, you may need to add a little extra cheese and a splash of milk to help the mixture stick together, but the results won’t be quite as tender.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can swap the sharp cheddar for other cheeses as long as they melt well. Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a cheddar blend all work great in this sausage balls recipe. Just avoid very soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella or feta, which don’t melt the same way and can change the texture.

Can I make Bisquick sausage balls without Bisquick?

If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make a quick substitute by mixing flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a little cold butter or shortening. It won’t be an exact match, but it will mimic the baking mix enough for the sausage balls to hold together and bake up fluffy. Many home cooks use about 1 cup flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1–2 tablespoons cold butter as a rough Bisquick replacement.

Can I cook sausage balls in the air fryer?

Yes, sausage balls cook very well in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the basket (leaving space around each one) and air fry at about 350°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until they’re browned and cooked through. This is a great option if you don’t want to heat up the whole oven.

Are Bisquick sausage balls keto or low-carb?

Traditional Bisquick sausage balls are not keto or low-carb because Bisquick is made from flour and contains carbs. If you want a keto version, you’d need to replace the Bisquick with a low-carb baking mix or a combination of almond flour and baking powder. This recipe is intended as a classic Bisquick sausage balls recipe, so it isn’t keto as written.

Recipes To Try Next

These Bisquick sausage balls are the perfect appetizer, but if you're looking for some equally delicious and easy appetizer recipes to make, we have a ton on the blog for you to try! Here are some reader favorites:

• IKEA Swedish meatballs
• McDonald's French Fries
• Meatballs and rice
• Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets
• Stuffed pepper casserole
• Fried jalapenos