Easy Make-Ahead Sausage Balls

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a game day party, or simply looking for a snack that can be made in advance, Easy Make-Ahead Sausage Balls are the perfect solution. These bite-sized, savory treats are a timeless classic—crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor from sausage and spices. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored for later, making them a go-to option for busy cooks who want to prepare something delicious ahead of time.

Sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser at any event. They’re great for serving at breakfast or brunch, as an appetizer, or even as a finger food for a casual dinner. They travel well, reheat beautifully, and can even be served at room temperature, which means they fit seamlessly into any occasion. What’s not to love?

If you’ve never made sausage balls before, you’re in for a treat. This recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—sausage, cheese, and a baking mix like Bisquick—to create a rich, savory bite that’s impossible to resist. The best part? You can easily make them ahead of time and freeze them for later, making them perfect for those times when you want to have something on hand for unexpected guests or a quick snack.

So let’s dive into the recipe, with all the tips, tricks, and variations you need to make the best sausage balls ever.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Make-Ahead Sausage Balls

1. Crowd-Pleaser: Sausage balls are always a hit at parties, whether it’s a holiday gathering, potluck, or game day.
2. Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these sausage balls in no time.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: These sausage balls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
4. Versatile: You can customize the recipe to your taste by changing up the type of sausage, cheese, or seasonings.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a savory breakfast option. They work for any time of day and any event.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 40 sausage balls
• Serving Size: 2-3 sausage balls per person (depending on appetite and occasion)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 11g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage, preferably without casing)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick or a homemade version)
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Serving (Optional):

• Ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping
• Hot sauce for a spicy kick

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped green onions or chives for added freshness
• Crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed. This ensures that the seasoning is evenly mixed throughout the sausage balls.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and toss to coat the cheese with the flour mixture. Coating the cheese in the flour helps prevent clumping and ensures it’s evenly dispersed throughout the sausage balls.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sausage

Add the sausage to the bowl with the dry ingredients and cheese. If you’re using cream cheese, add it at this point as well. Using your hands, mix everything together until the sausage is fully incorporated with the dry ingredients. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when you press it.

Step 5: Form the Sausage Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the sausage balls about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake the Sausage Balls

Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage balls should reach 160°F (70°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the sausage balls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

Step 8: Make Ahead and Store

To Refrigerate:

If you’re making the sausage balls ahead of time, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

To Freeze:

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

How to Serve

• As a Party Appetizer: Serve the sausage balls on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce. Add some toothpicks for easy serving, and watch them disappear!
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Sausage balls are perfect for a savory breakfast or brunch. Pair them with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or biscuits for a hearty meal.
• On Game Day: These make-ahead sausage balls are an ideal snack for game day. Serve them alongside other finger foods like wings, nachos, or potato skins for a winning spread.
• As a Snack: Sausage balls make for a satisfying snack any time of day. You can eat them cold or reheat them for a quick bite.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage balls depends largely on the sausage you use, so opt for a high-quality breakfast sausage. You can choose pork, turkey, or even chicken sausage, depending on your preference.
2. Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, shred your own sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the sausage, cheese, and baking mix together, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can make the sausage balls dense rather than light and tender.
4. Adjust the Heat: If you like your sausage balls with a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture. For a milder version, stick to the basic seasonings and omit any spicy ingredients.
5. Test the Doneness: To ensure your sausage balls are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about sausage balls is how versatile they are. Here are a few variations to try if you want to mix things up:

1. Spicy Sausage Balls:

For a little heat, use spicy breakfast sausage or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sausage mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

2. Cheesy Sausage Balls:

If you love cheese, add an extra cup of shredded cheddar or try using a blend of cheeses like Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.

3. Herb and Garlic Sausage Balls:

For a fresh, herby flavor, mix in chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also add garlic powder or minced garlic for a boost of flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Sausage Balls:

To make these sausage balls gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking mix or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the right texture.

5. Sweet and Savory Sausage Balls:

For a fun twist, add a little maple syrup or brown sugar to the sausage mixture for a sweet and savory flavor. This variation pairs well with a dipping sauce like maple Dijon mustard or honey mustard.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing the Sausage Balls:

Sausage balls freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option. To freeze, place the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the sausage balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cooking from Frozen:

You can bake the sausage balls directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Reheating Tips:

To reheat frozen sausage balls, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick snack, but they’ll be crispier if reheated in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the sausage, cheese, and dry ingredients.
• Cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop is perfect for forming evenly-sized sausage balls, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Baking sheet: For baking the sausage balls. Line it with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
• Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature and ensure the sausage balls are fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make sausage balls without a baking mix?

Yes! If you don’t have a baking mix like Bisquick, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 1 tablespoon of cold butter or shortening and mix until crumbly, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

2. Can I make these sausage balls keto-friendly?

To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace the baking mix with almond flour or coconut flour. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to get the right texture.

3. What type of sausage should I use?

You can use any type of breakfast sausage for this recipe, including pork, turkey, or chicken sausage. Just make sure the sausage is raw and uncooked, as it will cook during the baking process.

4. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

It’s best to use raw sausage for this recipe, as it helps bind the sausage balls together and provides moisture. However, if you only have pre-cooked sausage, you can still use it—just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

5. How can I make the sausage balls extra cheesy?

To make these sausage balls extra cheesy, increase the amount of shredded cheese to 3 cups. You can also add other types of cheese, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, for added flavor.

Conclusion

These Easy Make-Ahead Sausage Balls are the perfect addition to any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or just a casual get-together. With their crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and flavorful sausage filling, they’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Plus, the fact that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them makes them even more convenient.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you want to spice things up with some red pepper flakes, add more cheese for extra gooeyness, or incorporate fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. No matter how you choose to make them, these sausage balls are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer or snack, give these sausage balls a try. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

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