Bisquick sausage balls are a beloved Southern staple, perfect for tailgating or a satisfying addition to a weekend brunch. Packed with savory flavors and easy to share, they’re the ultimate bite-sized treat.
Rediscovering a Classic Sausage Balls Recipe
The first time I tried sausage balls was around the year 2008 or earlier, as a snack at our church's small group meeting. I loved them, but for some reason I didn't ask for the recipe. In 2011, during our trip to Maryland, I found sausage balls in my mother-in-law's freezer while looking for breakfast for my toddler son. I quickly microwaved a few for under 30 seconds, checked their temperature for the tot, and then grabbed more for myself!
You can rest assured that I snatched the recipe from my mother in law. You are already familiar with a couple of her recipes, such as what we call her "Nana" Banana Bread and her irresistible Maryland Crab Cakes. But, turns out, she got this Bisquick sausage balls recipe from the old Betty Crocker cook book!
Ingredients
Sausage balls are made with a simple mix of baking mix, pork sausage, and a variety of cheeses, providing a deliciously cheesy and savory flavor.
Here's What You Need:
- 3 cups baking mix, such as Bisquick
- 1 lb. pork sausage (I use Jimmy Deans sage)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I use either sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
Versatile Ingredient Swaps
These are incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your preference. For instance, I didn’t have fresh or dried rosemary, so I used Italian seasoning instead. I also swapped out cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend. Plus, you can serve them for various meals—breakfast, appetizers, lunch, or snacks!
How to Make Bisquick Sausage Balls
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the step-by-step on how to make sweet potato casserole. The general steps are as follows:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Form into balls and place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Can it get more simple than that? I really do love how easily these come together!
Can I Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can freeze sausage balls! Since this recipe makes plenty, I like to bake a batch on a free morning and store them in a sealed freezer bag. When I’m ready to eat, I simply microwave a few on a paper towel for 30 seconds per three balls, and you'll be surprised at how filling just three tiny sausage balls can be!
The kids love these sausage balls and will eat them for any meal or snack. It's so nice to have something ready for them in just seconds, especially on busy school mornings.
More Bisquick Recipes
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New recipe photos by Lindsay Evers.
This recipe was originally published February 2011 and updated with new photos October 2024.
Recipe Card
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups baking mix , such as Bisquick
- 1 lb tube pork sausage , such as Jimmy Deans
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary leaves , crushed
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the baking mix, pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, dried rosemary, and parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 ½ inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving, or store them in a tightly sealed freezer bag for later use.
Notes
- Makes 50 medium sized sausage balls, or 70 small sausage balls.
- To enjoy later, freeze in sealed freezer bag and then microwave a few sausage balls on a paper towel for 30 seconds per three balls.
- If I can find it, I use Jimmy Dean's sage pork sausage. If you use this, you can omit the sage in the recipe ingredients.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Catherine Perez says
These are so good! Such an easy and delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch. Make a bunch and freeze them and always have something to offer when friends and family stop by over the holidays!
Denise says
Made these for the church Ladies Christmas Brunch. They were a hit. We had over 100 ladies as we are a small church and this made 8 dozen. Great recipe for a large group. Thanks for posting.
Carrie says
We don't eat pork. I 'd like to try these with turkey sausage, but I don't think there would be enough fat. Any suggestions?
Nikki says
Actually, I would go ahead and try it with the turkey sausage. Seems like it would work to me! 🙂 Report back, if you do!
Mary says
Can I make the batter for this yummy snack the night before I bake them? I'm co-hosting a party with a friend and we are trying to make ahead anything and everything we can! However, I want these to be freshly baked before I serve them. Possible?
Nikki says
Mary - Absolutely! 🙂
Ken says
I love makeing a variant on there but instead of rosemary and parsley, I put in garlic
Kelly G. says
I just made these and they turned out great! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sue Gladd says
Hahaha, thank you, Betty Crocker. She was the FIRST cookbook I used as a newlywed, and, boy, did I lots to learn! Nikki, I had another sausage ball recipe for years, but when I saw this one, I knew the other one was going in the trash! SO GLADD you enjoy these; they really are great finger food for breakfast or parties. I think the next time around I'll try lightening up on the parmesan cheese...
Stephanie says
I love sausage balls & I love that this is a new spin on the traditional!
MaryMoh says
Wonderful finger food. These would be great for parties. IThanks very much for sharing.
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
These look really good!
notyet100 says
looks so delicious
Kitten with a Whisk says
Count me in! These sound really yummy.
Kim says
These look great, and I can't wait to make them! I'm a little confused about the sausage. Did you just remove the casings from uncooked sausage? Do you cook it first? Thanks!
Nikki says
Hi Kim,
No, do not cook the sausage first. If the sausage you use has casings, then yes, remove them first. 🙂 I use the 1lb Jimmy Dean's sausage roll.
laura says
thank you posting this recipe!