Introduction
Sausage Balls with Bisquick are a savory, bite-sized appetizer, perfect for gatherings, game days, or holiday spreads. These golden, cheesy bites, made with Bisquick mix, spicy sausage, and sharp cheddar, deliver a bold, comforting flavor with a tender, slightly crisp texture. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or served with a side of mustard, this Sausage Balls recipe offers a warm, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple homemade version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing snack that brings hearty, Southern-inspired charm to any table.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For Serving:
- Optional: Fresh parsley, mustard, or ranch dip
- Suggested Accompaniments: Pickles, celery sticks
- Suggested Pairings: Beer, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
- Suggested Equipment: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups/spoons, cooling rack
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, Bisquick, shredded cheddar, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix with clean hands or a spoon until fully combined, and a dough-like consistency forms.
- Taste and Adjust: Pinch off a small piece of the raw mixture (safe if using pre-cooked or safe-to-taste sausage) and taste to check seasoning; adjust with a pinch more pepper or garlic powder for balanced flavor.
- Shape Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F for pork sausage).
- Cool slightly: Transfer sausage balls to a cooling rack for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve: Arrange on a white ceramic platter. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or serve with mustard or ranch dip. Pair with pickles, celery sticks, beer, or iced tea.
Tips for Better Sausage Balls
- Use room-temperature sausage and cheese for easier mixing and a uniform texture.
- Taste the raw mixture (if safe) before shaping to balance savory and spicy flavors; adjust sparingly.
- Roll balls uniformly for even baking and a consistent appearance.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender and not dense.
- Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the golden-brown bites.
- Make ahead: Prepare the mixture up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate and bake when ready.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor that complements the sausage.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or serve with a colorful dip for a warm, inviting pop.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Sausage Balls: Use gluten-free Bisquick and ensure the sausage is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Sausage Balls: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Low-Fat Sausage Balls: Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage and add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Herbed Sausage Balls: Add 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary to the mixture.
- Cheesy Sausage Balls: Increase cheddar to 2 1/2 cups or add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
- Breakfast Sausage Balls: Add 1/2 tsp sage and serve with maple syrup for dipping.
- Mini Sausage Balls: Roll into 1/2-inch balls and reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore texture.
- Freeze baked or unbaked balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve warm for the best savory, cheesy flavor and tender texture.
- Use as an appetizer, breakfast bite, or party snack with dipping sauces.
- Pair with beer or iced tea to complement the bold, savory flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for a warm, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 24 servings (1 sausage ball each):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
- Calcium: 8% Daily Value
- Iron: 4% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegetarian options reduce cholesterol). Moderate in calories; enjoy as a treat.
Conclusion
This Sausage Balls with Bisquick recipe delivers a savory, bite-sized snack perfect for gatherings or game days. It transforms simple ingredients into a Southern-inspired favorite. Its quick preparation and warm presentation make it a go-to. The cheesy, spicy flavors delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.
Sausage Balls with Bisquick Recipe: Savory and Bite-Sized
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage mild or spicy
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional
- Optional: Fresh parsley mustard
- Suggested Pairings: Beer pickles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F; line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix sausage, Bisquick, cheese, milk, and spices until combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with pepper or garlic powder.
- Roll into 1-inch balls; place on a baking sheet.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes; serve on a white ceramic platter with parsley.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for easy mixing.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Try a gluten-free or spicy variation.
- Pair with ranch dip.
