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.