Easy Bisquick Sausage Balls: A Cheesy, Savory Bite-Sized Favorite

Few appetizers are as beloved — or as easy to make — as Bisquick sausage balls. These golden, cheesy bites are savory, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to game day spreads. 

Made with just a handful of ingredients — sausage, Bisquick, cheddar cheese, and seasonings — they come together quickly and bake into a crowd-pleasing snack with a crisp exterior and tender, cheesy center.

Why Sausage Balls Are So Popular

Sausage balls are the ultimate party food because they combine comfort, flavor, and convenience. The Bisquick provides structure, the sausage brings savory richness, and the cheddar melts into gooey pockets of sharp flavor. 

A splash of Worcestershire and Italian seasoning elevates them from simple to irresistible. Plus, they’re just as tasty warm from the oven as they are reheated the next day.

A Brief History of Sausage Balls

While sausage balls don’t have centuries of history like some dishes, they’ve been a Southern staple since at least the 1960s, often appearing on potluck and holiday tables. 

Bisquick, created by General Mills in 1931 as a quick baking mix, revolutionized recipes like these, making it easy for home cooks to whip up breads, pancakes, and savory snacks without fuss. 

Sausage balls became a natural use for Bisquick, offering a hearty, portable appetizer that required no yeast, no rising time, and no complicated prep. 

Today, they’re just as popular, with variations ranging from spicy to cheesy to herbed.

Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Roles

• Bisquick: Acts as the base, binding the mixture and creating structure.

• Ground pork sausage (mild and spicy): Provides a balance of heat and savory flavor.

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the balls, adding gooey texture and bold flavor.

• Milk: Keeps the mixture moist and helps everything bind.

• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth.

• Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herb blend to complement the sausage.

Substitution and Variation Tips

Use all mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or all spicy if you love a kick. Try different cheeses — pepper jack for spice, Colby for mild creaminess, or Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor. 

Add finely chopped jalapeños or green onions for extra punch. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick.

Time and Money-Saving Tips

Grating your own cheese saves money and melts better than pre-shredded. Mix the dough the night before and bake the next day for easy entertaining. 

Buy sausage in bulk, divide into recipe-sized portions, and freeze — you’ll always have it on hand when you want to whip up a batch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Uncooked sausage balls can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply bake straight from the fridge (or thawed if frozen) when needed. 

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days and reheat best in the oven or air fryer, which restores their crisp edges.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl

• Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment

• Cookie scoop (for even portioning)

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve sausage balls with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce. 

They’re equally delicious as a breakfast side dish, paired with eggs and fruit, or as a party snack with cocktails or beer. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads and holiday platters.