These Bisquick Sausage Balls are a family favorite for cozy mornings and easy get-togethers. They bake up tender inside, golden outside, and disappear fast every time. With simple pantry staples and turkey sausage, you can have warm, cheesy bites on the table in no time.
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Cooking spray (optional)
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Cookie scoop 1 to 1.5 tablespoon size
- 1 Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Sausage Balls
- 1 lb turkey breakfast sausage mild or hot; raw
- 2 cup Bisquick baking mix or similar baking mix
- 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk or water add up to 2 more tablespoons as needed
- green onion finely chopped (optional)
- jalapeño minced (optional)
- red pepper flakes pinch (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and lightly mist with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, break up 1 pound of turkey sausage. Add 2 cups Bisquick, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use clean hands to start mixing until the sausage is coated.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheddar. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons milk or water and mix. If the mixture looks dry or crumbly, add up to 2 more tablespoons, a little at a time, just until it packs easily when squeezed.
- Use a 1 to 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion. Roll gently into balls and place on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until the centers are cooked through and the outsides are golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes so the cheese sets. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Simple ingredients and quick prep for busy mornings or party platters.
- Tender, cheesy interior with lightly crisp edges.
- Easy to make ahead, freeze, and reheat.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and spices.
Bisquick Sausage Balls Ingredients & Substitutions
- Turkey breakfast sausage: Use mild for classic flavor or hot for a little kick. Chicken or beef sausage works too.
- Bisquick baking mix: Gives that signature soft, fluffy bite. Any similar baking mix works.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts best. Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
- Milk or water: Add just enough to help the mixture come together, 2 to 4 tablespoons as needed.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper round out the flavor.
- Optional add-ins: Finely chopped green onion, minced jalapeño, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bisquick Sausage Balls
1. Preheat and Prep
Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and lightly mist with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Sausage and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, break up 1 pound of turkey sausage. Add 2 cups Bisquick, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use clean hands to start mixing until the sausage is coated.
3. Add Cheese and Moisture
Add 2 cups shredded cheddar. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons milk or water and mix. If the mixture looks dry or crumbly, add up to 2 more tablespoons, a little at a time, just until it packs easily when squeezed.
4. Scoop and Roll
Use a 1 to 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion. Roll gently into balls and place on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each.
5. Bake
Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until the centers are cooked through and the outsides are golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
6. Cool and Serve
Let rest 5 minutes so the cheese sets. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Let the sausage sit at room temp for 10 minutes before mixing so it blends more easily.
- Add liquid slowly. The dough should be slightly tacky but hold together without cracking.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and even baking.
- Bake on parchment to prevent sticking and promote browning.
Variations of Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Cheddar jalapeño: Stir in 1 finely minced jalapeño and a pinch of cumin.
- Herb and garlic: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and extra garlic powder.
- Pepper jack and scallion: Swap in pepper jack and fold in sliced green onions.
- Smoky paprika: Increase smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon and add a dash of chili powder.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Dips: Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or warm marinara.
- Breakfast plate: Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and crispy hash browns.
- Party spread: Crisp veggies with dip, a simple green salad, and a cheese board.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Oven or air fryer at 350°F for 6 to 10 minutes until hot. Microwave works in a pinch, but the exterior will be softer.
- From frozen: Add a few extra minutes in the oven or air fryer, no need to thaw.
Memories Made Around the Table
These were always the first bites to vanish at our family game nights. I love pulling a warm tray from the oven and watching everyone hover, waiting for that first cheesy taste.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead? Yes. Mix, scoop, and chill the tray for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Why is my mixture dry and crumbly? Add a splash of milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture packs easily. Also make sure the cheese is freshly shredded and the sausage is not icy-cold.
Do I cook the sausage first? No. Use raw turkey sausage in the mixture. The sausage cooks through in the oven as the balls bake.
How do I keep them round? Use a scoop for even portions and avoid overmixing. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly oil your hands when rolling.
Final Thoughts
Warm, cheesy, and so simple, these Bisquick Sausage Balls are the kind of recipe you keep close for busy mornings and last-minute guests. Make a double batch and stash some in the freezer so a cozy bite is always just a few minutes away.