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When you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or quick breakfast bite, look no further than 3-ingredient sausage balls. These savory little morsels pack maximum flavor with minimal effort, using just ground sausage, cheese, and biscuit baking mix. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just mix, shape, and bake.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or meal-prepping for the week, sausage balls are a versatile solution that satisfies every craving. With just three pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to snack nirvana.
Why Sausage Balls Deserve a Spot on Your Menu
Sausage balls are a timeless classic that combines hearty sausage, melty cheese, and a hint of biscuit-like fluffiness. Perfectly poppable and endlessly customizable, they can be tailored to suit any occasion.
Game-Day Favorite: Set out a plate of sausage balls, and watch them disappear faster than a touchdown replay.
Holiday Hero: These bite-sized treats are a hit at holiday parties, whether served with a festive dipping sauce or as part of a charcuterie board.
Breakfast Boost: Pair them with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for an easy, protein-packed morning meal.
Their simplicity is the secret to their success: just three ingredients, endless possibilities.
The Magic Trio: Sausage, Cheese, and Biscuit Mix
What makes these sausage balls so irresistibly good? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ground Sausage: Opt for your favorite variety—mild, spicy, or even maple-flavored—for a profile that fits your tastes.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but don’t stop there. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella brings a mellow, gooey vibe.
Biscuit Baking Mix: The unsung hero of this recipe, biscuit mix binds everything together, creating a tender, biscuit-like texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Video: Watch Me Make 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls
Quick Prep, Big Flavor
With no chopping, marinating, or special equipment required, sausage balls are a dream come true for busy cooks. Just combine the three ingredients in a large bowl, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, and bake them to golden perfection.
Want to jazz them up? Add your favorite seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for extra zing. You can even fold in chopped herbs or diced jalapeños for a fresh twist.
Perfect for Freezing
Another reason to love sausage balls: they freeze beautifully. Make a double batch, and stash some in the freezer for those moments when you need a snack at a moment’s notice. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through—no one will ever guess they weren’t freshly made.
Elevate the Flavor: Dipping Sauces for Sausage Balls
While 3-ingredient sausage balls are packed with flavor on their own, pairing them with a dipping sauce takes them to a whole new level. Whether you’re aiming for something tangy, creamy, or spicy, there’s a sauce to match every occasion and taste preference.
Classic Ranch: The cool, creamy tang of ranch dressing balances the rich, savory flavors of the sausage balls perfectly.
Honey Mustard: A blend of sweet and sharp, honey mustard adds a touch of sophistication with minimal effort.
Barbecue Sauce: Smoky, sweet, or spicy—pick your favorite barbecue sauce to complement the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Sriracha Mayo: For heat lovers, mix mayonnaise with a squeeze of sriracha for a creamy, spicy dip that packs a punch.
Marinara Sauce: Channel pizza vibes with a warm marinara dip that pairs especially well with sausage balls made using mozzarella cheese.
Serve the sauces in small bowls alongside your sausage balls to create a snack station that’s sure to impress. The variety will have your guests double-dipping with delight!
When you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or quick breakfast bite, look no further than 3-ingredient sausage balls. These savory little morsels pack maximum flavor with minimal effort, using just ground sausage, cheese, and biscuit baking mix. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just mix, shape, and bake.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
1pound ground pork or chicken sausage
1 1/2cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick or equivalent)
1pound cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine room temperature sausage and biscuit mix in a large bowl; mix with your hands until well combined.
Add shredded cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
Roll mixture into about 30 walnut-sized balls; transfer to a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and sausage is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
Notes
I like to shake the pan at 15 minutes so that the balls get turned a little bit.