These incredible Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines savory sausage, sharp cheese, and a surprising secret ingredient – pancake mix! Ready in just 40 minutes, these bite-sized delights are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or anytime you need an easy yet impressive appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep work, these sausage balls come together in minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake just before guests arrive for fresh, hot appetizers.
- Crowd Pleaser: The combination of savory sausage, sharp cheese, and pancake mix creates an irresistible flavor and texture that everyone loves.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different cheeses, spice levels, or dipping sauces to match any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet Ground Sausage: The star of the show that provides rich, savory flavor. Make sure to remove it from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before mixing for easier handling.
- Buttermilk Pancake Mix: The secret ingredient! It binds everything together while adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a wonderful aromatic flavor and slight crunch. Dice it finely to ensure it cooks through and distributes evenly.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings creaminess and a mild kick of heat. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together. Don’t skip this simple but crucial ingredient!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious options:
- Cheese Options: Substitute cheddar, smoked gouda, or monterey jack based on your preference.
- Meat Variations: Try spicy Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even a mix of ground meats.
- Add-ins: Incorporate minced bell peppers, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even a dash of garlic powder.
- Heat Level: Spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
How to Make Sausage Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sweet Italian sausage, buttermilk pancake mix, finely diced yellow onion, shredded pepper jack cheese, and salt.
Step 2: Mix Thoroughly
Use your hands to mix all ingredients until you achieve a uniform, sticky mixture. This hands-on approach ensures everything is evenly distributed without overmixing.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Use a 1 oz. cookie scoop to portion the mixture into uniform balls. Transfer each scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little salt on top while they’re still hot from the oven. Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce and toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cold Hands, Perfect Balls: If your hands get sticky while forming the balls, run them under cold water and dry them quickly before continuing.
- Uniform Size: Using a cookie scoop ensures even cooking and a professional appearance.
- Don’t Overwork: Mix just until combined to keep the sausage balls tender rather than tough.
- Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this step! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Test for Doneness: Cut one open to ensure it’s cooked through – the center should no longer be pink.
How to Serve
These versatile sausage balls shine in multiple settings:
Dipping Sauces:
While honey mustard is suggested, these pair beautifully with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Party Presentation:
Arrange on a serving platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces for a colorful, interactive appetizer station.
Meal Options:
Transform these from appetizer to main course by serving alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor wonderfully, although the texture might become slightly less crisp.
Freezing
These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated sausage balls in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the sausage ball mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking to make handling easier.
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Why are my sausage balls dry?
Dry sausage balls usually come from using too much pancake mix or overcooking. Make sure you’re measuring ingredients correctly and watch your oven timing carefully. Using a fattier sausage can also help ensure moist, tender results.
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Can I use regular flour instead of pancake mix?
While you technically can substitute flour, you’ll miss out on the leavening agents and touch of sweetness that pancake mix provides. If you must substitute, use self-rising flour with a teaspoon of sugar added for more similar results.
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How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?
Sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open – the meat should be fully cooked with no pink remaining.
Final Thoughts
These Sausage Balls are that perfect appetizer recipe that looks impressive while being surprisingly simple to make. With their irresistible combination of savory sausage, sharp cheese, and pancake mix that creates an incredible texture, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a game day snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try at your next get-together – just be prepared to share the recipe!
Print
Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage Balls are a perfect blend of savory flavors, combining sweet ground sausage, pepper jack cheese, and finely diced onions. They’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and are excellent for game days, holiday gatherings, or as a quick appetizer. Crispy on the outside yet moist and cheesy on the inside, they’re sure to delight everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet ground sausage
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk pancake mix
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. - Prepare the Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sweet ground sausage, buttermilk pancake mix, finely diced yellow onion, shredded pepper jack cheese, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything until the mixture feels uniform and sticky. This ensures the ingredients combine properly. - Form Sausage Balls
Using a 1 oz. cookie scoop (or your hands if you don’t have a scoop), portion out the mixture into evenly sized balls. Place each ball on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to give a little space between each ball for even cooking. - Bake the Sausage Balls
Place the sausage balls in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through. They should be crispy on the outside yet tender and moist on the inside. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve your sausage balls warm with honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little salt on top right after baking. These make an excellent appetizer for any gathering!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese for a better texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, swap out pepper jack cheese for cheddar or mozzarella.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead! Assemble them, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake them fresh when needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
