If you love easy Southern comfort food, these Southern 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls are a recipe you will want to make again and again! They are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory sausage flavor and cheesy goodness. With just three main ingredients, they are simple enough for busy mornings, weekend breakfasts, holiday gatherings, game-day snacks, and casual family get-togethers.
One of the best things about sausage balls is how little preparation they require. You do not need complicated cooking techniques, expensive ingredients, or hours in the kitchen. Simply combine the ingredients, shape the mixture into small balls, and bake until they are beautifully golden and cooked through.
Serve them warm straight from the oven, arrange them on a platter for guests, or prepare a batch ahead of time for an easy breakfast or snack. Once you try these homemade sausage balls, you will understand why they are a favorite in so many Southern kitchens.
Why You Will Love These Southern Sausage Balls
- Only 3 main ingredients: A simple recipe that keeps shopping and preparation easy.
- Cheesy and savory: The combination of sausage and cheddar creates a rich, satisfying flavor.
- Perfect for sharing: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties, potlucks, brunches, and family gatherings.
- Easy to prepare ahead: Shape the balls in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
- Great for different occasions: Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients You Will Need
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
Yield: About 24–30 sausage balls, depending on size
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground pork breakfast sausage
- 2 cups (approximately 225–250 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (approximately 240–250 g) baking mix, such as Bisquick
Optional: A small amount of milk can help if the mixture is unusually dry, but add it gradually and only as needed. It is not one of the three main ingredients.
For the best results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese also works, although freshly shredded cheese may blend more smoothly into the mixture. Choose a ground breakfast sausage with the seasoning and flavor you enjoy.
How to Make Southern 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Prepare your baking sheet before mixing the ingredients so the sausage balls can go into the oven as soon as they are shaped.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Place the ground breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix in a large mixing bowl.
Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, combine everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when pressed. It may initially look crumbly, so continue mixing until the sausage, cheese, and baking mix form a cohesive dough.
Avoid adding too much liquid. If the mixture is genuinely too dry to hold together, add a small splash of milk and mix again.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Try to keep the balls similar in size so they cook evenly.
For a more uniform appearance, use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture before rolling it into balls.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the size of the balls and your oven.
The sausage balls should develop a golden-brown exterior, with melted cheese visible around some of the edges. Because the recipe contains ground pork sausage, do not rely on color alone to determine whether they are fully cooked.
Use a food thermometer to check the center of a sausage ball. Ground pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
If the sausage balls need more time, continue baking and check again until they reach the recommended temperature.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes. This allows them to settle slightly and makes them easier to transfer to a serving plate.
Serve them warm while the cheese is still deliciously soft and the exterior retains its lightly crisp texture.
Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
Use the right sausage. Ground breakfast sausage adds seasoning and savory flavor. If you use plain ground pork instead, you may need additional seasonings, which will change the three-ingredient version.
Shred the cheese yourself. Freshly shredded cheddar often blends more easily with the sausage mixture and gives the finished bites a pleasant cheesy texture.
Mix thoroughly. Make sure the baking mix is distributed throughout the sausage and cheese. Dry pockets can cause the balls to crumble after baking.
Keep the portions consistent. Similar-sized balls cook at a similar rate. Smaller balls may finish sooner, while larger ones may need additional time.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave enough space for heat to circulate around each ball, helping them brown more evenly.
Check the internal temperature. Always make sure the center reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
What to Serve With Sausage Balls
These cheesy bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other breakfast and brunch favorites.
Serve them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, biscuits, or a simple green salad. For dipping, try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing.
If you are serving them at a party, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to serve, and guests can enjoy them without needing a knife and fork.
For breakfast, pair a few sausage balls with eggs and coffee for a filling meal. For a casual gathering, serve them alongside vegetable sticks, crackers, and other finger foods.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover sausage balls to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout. An air fryer can also restore some of their crisp exterior. Avoid overheating them, as this can make the sausage balls dry.
You can also freeze cooked sausage balls. Let them cool completely, arrange them in a single layer until frozen, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, use within approximately 2–3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
If you prefer to prepare them ahead, shape the uncooked balls and refrigerate them until baking. Keep them covered and cook within a safe refrigerated storage period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix and shape the sausage balls ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate them before baking. You can also bake them in advance and reheat them when needed.
Why are my sausage balls dry?
They may have too much baking mix, insufficient moisture, or may have been baked for too long. Measure the ingredients carefully and avoid overbaking. A small amount of milk can help bring together a particularly dry mixture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but other cheeses that melt well can work. Keep in mind that different cheeses may change the flavor and texture.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked sausage balls in a sealed freezer-safe container and reheat them thoroughly when ready to eat.
How do I know when they are done?
They should be golden brown, and the center of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C), measured with a food thermometer.
Final Thoughts
These Southern 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls prove that a delicious homemade snack does not need a long ingredient list. With ground breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix, you can create golden, cheesy bites that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, parties, and everyday snacking.
Keep this easy recipe handy whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick addition to your breakfast table. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a little taste of Southern comfort in every bite!