Favorite Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe

Why you’ll love them

One of my favorite party foods is sausage cheese balls. They were very popular in the 70’s and 80’s, and I grew up eating them at holiday parties and bridal & baby showers.

These small bites are so versatile you’ll want to add them to all your party menus. They’re practically the perfect party food!

• The recipe makes a lot so it’s ideal for larger crowds. If your group is smaller, serve some now and freeze some for later.
• These are a staple menu item at bridal showers and baby showers.
• Make them for Christmas or New Years Eve cocktail parties.
• Add them to a winter brunch party.
• Serve them for holiday girls night in.
• Take them tailgating or to a game day party.
• They can be served warm or at room temperature making them great for a breakfast bar.
• You can make them ahead and freeze.

Easy sausage cheese balls 

The recipe I’m sharing is a little different from the original one I grew up on. It’s one I found years ago and it’s been my go-to version ever since.

There are a few more ingredients added like Parmesan cheese, and dry parsley and rosemary, which produces a more flavorful recipe. 

Although food trends definitely come and go, these beloved sausage balls are always a crowd pleasing finger food. They may seem old fashioned by todays standards, but they still go over well at parties!

How to make them

These are so simple to make but a little time is necessary to roll out all the balls. Here’s the ingredients list and full instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

Pork sausage – Use regular flavor sausage so as not to interfere with the other flavors.

Pancake mix – Using a prepared mix makes this so easy. I use Bisquick but you can use your favorite brand.

Cheddar cheese – You’ll need to shred a block of cheddar cheese; do NOT use pre-shredded because it has a coating on it that will interfere with the binding and melting process. Also, the sharper the cheese the better in my opinion.

Parmesan cheese – Adding grated parmesan cheese gives this recipe extra depth and takes it to the next level.

Dried herbs – Use your spice rack and add some parsley and rosemary for more complexity in flavor.

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands for the best integration.
2. Use a mini scoop to portion out bite size sausage balls onto a baking sheet and bake until cooked through.

NOTE: You’ll need to cook these in 2 or 3 batches since the recipe makes so many.

If you like this recipe, try our Italian sausage appetizers in pie pastry cups.

Turkey sausage balls

You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage in this recipe. But because turkey is typically leaner, you will need to add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture in order to get the moisture you need to hold the balls together.

Can you freeze sausage balls?

You can definitely freeze these. You can store the cooked sausage cheese balls in the freezer for about 4 to 6 months. Make sure they’re cool, and wrap them tightly with saran wrap. I like to add an outer layer of aluminum foil just to make sure they’re air tight.

Let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Heat them in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes to refresh them.  

You can also take them straight from frozen and heat them in the oven. Make sure to take them out of the plastic wrap, but keep them wrapped in foil so they don’t over cook. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Make ahead party appetizer

This recipe can be made ahead in order to save time on the day of the event. Just mix and roll the sausage balls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook them just before the party and serve them at room temperature or warm from the oven.

Alternatively, you can cook them completely through and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Warm them for a couple of minutes before serving.

What to serve with them

I love to eat these as is but a little dipping sauce can be a nice addition. Serve them with honey mustard, sweet bbq sauce, or even ranch dip.

And to round out your party buffet, add more classic appetizers that work well for brunch too.

• baked brie topped 3 ways
• bourbon meatballs
• marinated shrimp cocktail
• easy cheese appetizers
• favorite bacon appetizers