Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls: A Holiday Staple with a Touch of Southern Tradition
If there’s one recipe that has stood the test of time in my kitchen, it’s these delicious sausage balls. My family has come to expect them around the holidays, and they’re an absolute must at every gathering. They’re savory, cheesy, and perfectly poppable, making them an ideal breakfast bite, brunch addition, or party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or prepping for a cozy family morning, sausage balls bring everyone back for more.
The tradition of sausage balls has deep roots in Southern cuisine. A simple combination of sausage, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese turns into a crispy, golden-brown bite bursting with flavor. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by all ages. While sausage balls are especially popular in the South, you’ll find variations of this recipe around the country, each with its own unique touch. And while I use classic ingredients, this recipe is open to endless possibilities if you feel like experimenting with a new flavor.
The Story Behind the Recipe
My own love for sausage balls goes back years, and they’ve since become a family favorite every Christmas morning. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also perfect for prepping in advance. In fact, these sausage balls are so tied to holiday gatherings in our family that Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without them.
These savory bites even popped up in a favorite book of mine, Where the Crawdads Sing, where a similar dish, “coon balls,” is mentioned. Coon balls are nearly identical to sausage balls, but they get their name from the Australian “Coon cheese” often used in the original recipe. This reference gives a nod to Southern and Australian traditions, and it inspired me to put a bit more love into my sausage ball recipe. While I don’t use Coon cheese in mine, the book reminded me of how food can bring people together across cultures.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
If you’re looking for an easy holiday recipe that everyone will love, sausage balls are the answer. They check all the boxes:
- Quick & Easy: With only three ingredients, this recipe is insanely simple, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute appetizers.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a book club, or a game-day party, these sausage balls are a hit for any group gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sausage balls in advance and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, they’re ready to go!
- Customizable: While I use classic cheddar and sausage, you can experiment with different cheeses, sausage flavors, or even add spices for a little extra kick.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Balls
While the recipe is simple, here are a few tips to make your sausage balls turn out perfect every time:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping the sausage and cheese cold makes it easier to form the balls and helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing everything until just combined helps keep the sausage balls tender. Overmixing can make them dense and tough.
- Try Different Cheeses: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to try a mix of cheddar and pepper jack or even a sharp gouda for an added flavor twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Serve with Dips: While they’re delicious on their own, sausage balls also pair well with honey mustard, spicy mayo, or ranch for dipping.
Ingredients for Sausage Balls
Here’s my go-to recipe for sausage balls. This recipe yields around 28-30 sausage balls, making it perfect for a party spread or a family breakfast.
- 1 lb sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Balls
*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page
Step One: Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F.
Step Two: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the sausage, Bisquick, and shredded cheese. Use your hands or a stand mixer to mix until everything is fully combined. This will take a few minutes.
Step Three: Roll into Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them on a baking sheet. You should get about 28-30 balls.
Step Four: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the sausage balls are golden brown.
Step Five: Drain and Serve
Remove from the oven and drain on paper towels to remove any excess grease. Serve warm.
Storage Tip:
Store any leftover sausage balls in the fridge. To reheat, wrap a few sausage balls in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Perfect for Parties and Holiday Gatherings
Sausage balls are especially popular during the holidays, but they’re also perfect for game days, tailgating, and family gatherings. Because they’re so easy to eat with your hands, they make an ideal appetizer for a party spread. Pair them with other finger foods like deviled eggs, veggie trays, and dips, and you’ve got a beautiful appetizer table ready to impress guests.
If you’re planning a holiday brunch or breakfast, sausage balls fit right in, especially since they can be made ahead of time. On Christmas morning, it’s a tradition in my family to serve them warm with coffee and fruit, and they keep everyone full while we open presents.
Creative Variations
Once you master the classic recipe, here are a few creative twists to try:
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage instead of mild, or add chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick.
- Cheesy Sausage Balls: Add a bit of cream cheese to the mix for extra creaminess, or use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.
- Herbed Sausage Balls: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a fresh and fragrant flavor.
- Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a little smoky flavor.
Make Sausage Balls Part of Your Next Book Club Spread
Since Where the Crawdads Sing includes a mention of “coon balls,” sausage balls make an ideal addition to a book club gathering where you’re discussing the novel. Not only do they give a fun nod to a similar recipe mentioned in the book, but they’re easy to make in advance and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serve them alongside a charcuterie board, crackers, or even mini sandwiches for a book club gathering that feels inspired by the story’s Southern setting. And don’t forget to pair it with a signature drink or dessert to keep things festive!
The Best Holiday Sausage Balls
There’s a reason sausage balls are a classic go-to recipe for so many families. They’re incredibly simple to make, packed with savory flavors, and versatile enough for any occasion. My family looks forward to them every year, and I hope they become a beloved recipe in your household, too. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a festive gathering, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit.
Related Recipes:
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl
- Using your hands or stand mixer, mix until everything is completely combined. This will take a few minutes.
- Roll into balls (makes about 28-30 balls)
- Bake on a baking sheet for 18-20 minutes until brown
- Drain on a paper towl
- Serve warm
Video
@injamieskitchen ::Sausage Balls Recipe:: 1 lb sausage 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups Bisquick Mix ingredients until fully combined. Roll into balls. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. #sausageballs #easyrecipe #3ingredientsrecipes
♬ original sound – In Jamie’s Kitchen
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