These spicy sausage balls are packed with flavor and super easy to make! They’re made with ground sausage, cheese, and a few simple ingredients—no Bisquick needed!
Perfect for game day or a cozy snack, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I love serving these warm when my friends come over; they always disappear quickly! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork Sausage: I recommend using spicy ground pork sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder dish, switch to regular pork sausage or turkey sausage. You can even use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these balls a bold taste. However, you can replace it with other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for milder flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a binder for the sausage balls. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
Fresh Parsley: It adds a nice color and freshness. If you don’t have it on hand, dried parsley works too, or you could skip it entirely without compromising flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Sausage Balls Hold Together?
The secret to keeping your sausage balls from falling apart lies in the mixing and shaping process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Gently combine the sausage and cheese first. Don’t overmix; you want everything just combined.
- When adding the dry ingredients, mix until they’re just incorporated. Overmixing makes them dense.
- When shaping the balls, make them tightly packed but be gentle to avoid toughening the mixture.
This technique ensures they maintain their shape during cooking and come out perfectly golden every time!
Spicy Sausage Balls without Bisquick
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb spicy ground pork sausage
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 35 minutes from start to finish, making these delicious spicy sausage balls perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your sausage balls cook evenly from the start. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sausage and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spicy ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix them together with your hands or a spatula until they are well combined. You want everything mixed together without overworking the sausage.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne/red chili flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous!). This blend of spices will add nice flavor to the sausage balls.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the sausage and cheese mixture. Stir it in until combined. Now, in another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and chopped parsley. Pour this mixture into the sausage-flour mixture and stir until just combined. It will be thick and a bit sticky, which is normal!
5. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands or a tablespoon, shape the mixture into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball for even cooking.
6. Bake the Sausage Balls:
Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. For a more even browning, you can turn them halfway through the baking time.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then serve warm, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or marinara!
These sausage balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bringing just the right amount of kick to your taste buds—perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses spicy ground pork sausage for a kick, you can easily swap in mild pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Adjust the seasoning accordingly based on your choice!
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra spicy flavor or mozzarella for a milder option. Just ensure the cheese is finely shredded for the best melting texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients and shape the balls up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to cook, follow the baking instructions, adding an extra minute or two if they come straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispy!