When cold weather and holiday gatherings call for warm, comforting bites that are easy to share, sausage balls answer the call. These little golden morsels — rich with savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar, and biscuit-style dough — bring a cozy, down-home flavor to any table. They’re simple enough for last-minute prep, yet hearty enough to disappear fast when guests arrive.

Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, potluck, or a busy holiday meal, sausage balls deliver crowd-pleasing comfort in small, satisfying bites — perfect for sharing, dipping, and warming up everyone’s appetite.

Yields: about 20 servings
Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground raw pork sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 cups biscuit baking mix (e.g. Bisquick)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (enough to give a good cheesy bite — usually about 1 lb loosely shredded)
• Whole milk (just enough to help bind the mixture)
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for flavor and garnish)
• Paprika (for a little extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for brushing, to help the tops brown nicely)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sausage (casing removed if needed), biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, a splash of milk, chopped parsley, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together.
3. Use a small cookie scoop (or tablespoon measure) to form balls of mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
4. Lightly brush the tops of the balls with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy crust.
5. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden-brown and no longer pink inside.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm — these are best when the cheese is melty and the crust still crisp.

Serving & Hosting Notes

• Sausage balls are fantastic as a warm appetizer or party snack, especially when served right out of the oven.
• They pair well with dips like honey-mustard, ranch, or even a warm gravy — especially at holiday brunches or potlucks.
• For a make-ahead option: you can form the balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake from frozen — add a few extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

Editor’s Note

Sausage balls bring together two of the most-loved things about comfort cooking: cheesy, savory meat, and easy, biscuit-like dough. They’re simple enough for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering, yet satisfying enough to stand out on a holiday appetizer table. Warm, shareable, and always gone too soon — just the way a party appetizer should be.

Photo Credit: Delish