Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe – Perfect for Thanksgiving

These sausage cheese balls are a must-have holiday appetizer that my family requests every year. They’re simple, savory, and perfect for make-ahead prep since they freeze beautifully. This recipe uses a classic Bisquick base with a personal twist—cooking the sausage first for better flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups Bisquick baking mix (provides the perfect structure for these cheesy bites)
1 pound mild sausage (cooked and crumbled; use spicy sausage for extra flavor)

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated fresh for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded can work but might make the balls drier)
3/4 to 1 cup milk (start with 3/4 cup and add more if needed for a soft, pliable dough)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until it’s browned, fully cooked, and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes.

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even distribution in the dough.
Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix, cooked sausage, and grated cheddar cheese.
- Tip: Mix the Bisquick and cheese first to coat the cheese evenly. This helps with even mixing when you add the wet ingredients.
Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of milk and begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands.
If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. The texture should be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. You should get approximately 35-40 balls depending on size.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the sausage cheese balls in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Check at the 13-minute mark to ensure they’re not overbaking, as this can make them dry. The bottoms should be crisp, and the tops lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like:

Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
Spicy aioli

For a festive presentation, arrange them on a platter with fresh parsley sprigs or small bowls of dipping sauce in the center.

Make-Ahead Tips:

To Freeze: After rolling the sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through.

A Personal Note of Thanks

This recipe has been a part of my holiday tradition for decades, and I’m overwhelmed by the love it has received. Out of nearly 1,500 likes and comments, only one person mentioned they looked dry compared to her shinier version—lol! The secret is in the milk ratio and the love you put into them.

Wishing you all love, hugs, and happy cooking this holiday season. ❤️