4-Ingredient Sausage Balls (Easy, Cheesy, and Addictively Delicious!)
If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or a make-ahead breakfast favorite, these 4-Ingredient Sausage Balls are the answer!
They’re perfectly bite-sized, savory, and full of cheesy goodness — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so flavorful that it’s impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re serving them for game day, brunch, or as a holiday appetizer, these little golden bites always disappear fast.
The best part? You only need four simple ingredients and no fancy equipment — just mix, roll, and bake!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground pork sausage – spicy or mild, your choice
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – freshly shredded melts best
- 1 ½ cups (about 6.5 oz) Bisquick baking mix (or any all-purpose baking mix)
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, melted – makes them extra tender and flavorful
- Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne or black pepper for spice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground sausage
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bisquick baking mix
- Melted butter
Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want.
Pro tip: If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to help bind it together.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls — about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
You should get around 24–30 sausage balls depending on size.
Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet (about an inch apart).
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until:
- The sausage is fully cooked through
- The cheese is melted and bubbly
- The outside is golden brown
If you like them extra crispy, bake for a few minutes longer.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let the sausage balls cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
They’re delicious on their own — but even better with a dipping sauce like:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
Serving Ideas
These sausage balls are incredibly versatile!
Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit.
- Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces.
- Snack Time: Keep a batch in the fridge and reheat for a quick, protein-packed bite.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Place baked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds per ball
They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
Use freshly shredded cheese — pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Choose good-quality sausage — spicy breakfast sausage adds great flavor!
Don’t overbake — they should be golden, not dry.
Want a creamier texture? Add 2 oz of softened cream cheese to the mix (optional but heavenly).
Final Thoughts
These 4-Ingredient Sausage Balls are the ultimate easy comfort food — cheesy, savory, and bursting with flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekend mornings when you want something warm, satisfying, and simple to make.
Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe that you can whip up anytime with pantry staples.