3-Ingredient Appetizer – Sausage Balls

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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.

  1. Ground Sausage: Opt for your favorite variety—mild, spicy, or even maple-flavored—for a profile that fits your tastes.
  2. Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but don’t stop there. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella brings a mellow, gooey vibe.
  3. 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!

Check Out My Other Favorite Appetizer Recipes!

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3-Ingredient Appetizer – Sausage Balls


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  • Author: jzmcbride
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 balls 1x

Description

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

Units Scale
  1. 1 pound ground pork or chicken sausage
  2. 1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick or equivalent)
  3. 1 pound 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.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: recipe
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 balls
  • Calories: 264

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