If you’ve ever wished for a recipe that’s equally at home at a party, a busy weeknight dinner, or right out of the fridge as a satisfying snack, look no further than these Sausage Cheese Balls! Bursting with savory, cheesy goodness and incredibly simple to prepare, these irresistible bites come together with just three everyday ingredients. Mix, roll, bake — that’s it! With golden crisp edges on the outside and melty, tender centers inside, they’re the kind of grab-and-go comfort food everyone craves. Whether you’re making a batch of big, hearty sausage balls or going mini for easy popping, this is a no-fuss, flavor-packed favorite that you’ll want to put on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Quick: You only need about 5 minutes to mix everything together. The oven does the rest!
- Flavor Bombs: The classic combo of sausage and cheddar cheese is pure magic—salty, melty, and so satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From tailgates to little kids’ lunches, these sausage cheese balls disappear fast.
- Versatile Sizes: Make big ones for a meal, or small for easy appetizers — totally your call.
- Great for Busy Days: Perfect for meal prepping or pulling together when time is tight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these straightforward ingredients, each bringing something essential to the mix:
- Ground Sausage: The backbone of the recipe. Opt for mild, spicy, or any flavor you love; breakfast sausage works beautifully.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture and fabulous salty flavor. Pre-shredded or freshly grated both work.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together for sausage balls that hold their shape; don’t skip these for the best texture!
Tip: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper keeps things nonstick and makes cleanup a breeze.
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 have some fun or cater to different palates? Try these simple twists:
- Cheese Swap: Use Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy spin.
- Herb It Up: Toss in some chopped parsley, chives, or a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra freshness.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or swap in spicy sausage for more heat.
- Add a Crunch: Roll balls in a touch of panko or breadcrumbs before baking for a toasty crust.
- Make It Gluten-Free: There’s no flour or bread in the basic recipe, so it’s already gluten-free friendly!
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. For best results, get hands-on and mix everything together the old-fashioned way! The mixture should be evenly combined and not too sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Decide if you want big, meal-sized sausage balls or smaller, snackable ones. Use about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball for larger ones, or just 1 tablespoon for minis. Roll gently between your palms to make round shapes.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sausage balls in neat rows, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
For big sausage balls, bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 40 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden on the outside. For mini sausage balls, reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes. They’re ready when they feel firm and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool for a couple of minutes—you want them warm but not too hot. Serve right away or keep them handy for snacks and lunches.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Mix by Hand: It’s the best way to evenly blend everything and avoid overworking the meat.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop if you want perfectly even balls, which also helps them bake at the same rate.
- Check for Doneness: Sausage balls should feel firm and have no pink in the center. If unsure, cut one open to double-check.
- Drain if Needed: If your sausage is extra fatty, you might want to drain on paper towels for a minute after baking.
How to Serve
Sausage Cheese Balls are so versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With Dips: Offer some honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping—kids and adults both love it.
- On a Party Platter: Pair with crunchy veggies, pickles, or crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Breakfast Style: Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit for a high-protein breakfast.
- In Lunchboxes: Pop a few into a lunch container with a mini salad or apple slices for a satisfying midday meal.
They’re hearty enough to serve solo but always welcome with something creamy and cool to balance their savory richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days and taste just as juicy on day two!
Freezing
Let the cooked sausage balls cool completely before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a few in the microwave until hot, or warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes for a crispier exterior. If reheating from frozen, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes.
FAQs
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix and roll the sausage balls up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake them off right before you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness and flavor.
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What type of sausage should I use?
Feel free to use your favorite ground sausage—mild, spicy, maple, or even Italian. Each one changes the flavor profile, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
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Do I need to add flour or breadcrumbs?
For this ultra-simple recipe, you don’t! The eggs and cheese act as perfect binders. If you want a firmer, more structured ball, a couple of tablespoons of breadcrumbs can be mixed in, but they are not required.
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Can I double the recipe easily?
Yes, and you should if you’re feeding a crowd. Make as many as you like—just use multiple trays and rotate them in the oven as needed for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Ready for a truly easy, outrageously tasty dish you’ll want to make again and again? Sausage Cheese Balls are the answer. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, an effortless snack, or a savory meal addition, this recipe’s got you covered. Get creative, have fun mixing and rolling, and don’t be surprised if they vanish the minute they hit the table. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 large cheese balls or 24 mini cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage Cheese Balls are a simple, protein-packed snack or appetizer, made with just ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Baked to golden perfection, they’re deliciously cheesy and perfect for parties or easy breakfasts. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound tube of ground sausage
- 1 1/2–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
For Large Sausage Balls
- 2 tablespoons of meat mixture per ball (makes 12 large balls)
For Mini Sausage Balls
- 1 tablespoon of meat mixture per ball (makes 24 mini balls)
Instructions
- Pre-heat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before you start baking the sausage balls for even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, similar to how you would with meatballs or meatloaf, until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Sausage Balls: For large sausage balls, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ball; for mini balls, use 1 tablespoon per ball. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, uniform balls.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and arrange the sausage balls so that there is space between each.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. For large sausage balls, bake for about 40 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. For mini balls, bake for approximately 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the sausage cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Choose your favorite variety of ground sausage (spicy, mild, or sweet) based on your taste preference.
- Make sure to shred your own cheese for the best melting texture, as pre-shredded cheese can be coated and not melt as smoothly.
- Easily double the recipe for a crowd or freeze cooked sausage balls for easy reheating later.
- If you want crispier sausage balls, broil them for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
