Zesty Cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe for All Fans

Comfort food reaches new heights with these mouthwatering cheddar bay sausage balls that blend zesty spices and rich cheesy flavors.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of savory goodness.

Packed with hearty sausage and sharp cheddar, these appetizers come together in minutes.

The recipe combines classic ingredients with a tangy twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, these sausage balls make an irresistible addition to any gathering.

Serve them hot and watch as they disappear from the plate in record time.

Your next party or game day spread just got a serious upgrade.

What You’ll Need for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture; choose ground pork sausage with moderate fat content for optimal moisture and taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and helps bind ingredients; select sharp or extra-sharp for more robust cheese taste.

• Bisquick: Creates light, fluffy structure and helps ingredients hold together; ensures consistent texture and easy mixing.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly; use whole milk for richer result.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic background note without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Contributes mild, sweet undertone that complements sausage's richness.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness and visual appeal to the sausage balls.

• Butter: Creates golden, glossy exterior and adds luxurious richness.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Optional ingredient that introduces zesty, complex coastal-inspired flavor profile.

Tools That Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Foolproof

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Needed to evenly bake the sausage balls.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Spoon or hands: Perfect for mixing the sausage ball mixture.
• Pastry brush: Used for applying seasoned butter after baking.

How to Bake Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls for Game Day

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 375F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

• Mix and Mash

Dive into a large bowl and combine sausage, cheddar, Bisquick, and seasonings. Get your hands dirty and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

• Add Liquid Magic

Pour in milk and keep mixing until the mixture becomes a cohesive dough that sticks together like best friends.

• Shape and Spread

Roll the mixture into cute little one-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, giving each ball some breathing room.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the sausage balls turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through.

• Butter Blast

While the balls are baking, whip up a quick butter glaze with Old Bay seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.

• Final Touch and Serve

Once out of the oven, brush the sausage balls with the seasoned butter for an extra flavor punch. Serve these delectable bites warm and watch them disappear. Grab some dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for extra excitement.

Spice and Cheese Variations for Sausage Ball Lovers

• Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the mixture for an extra kick of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then roll and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Dietary Swap Options: For a gluten-free version, replace Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour combined with baking powder. Vegetarian friends can substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use dairy-free cheese.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your guests.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time for a quick future snack or last-minute appetizer.

Serve These Savory Sausage Balls with Sauce or Solo

• Party Platter Perfect: Create a gorgeous appetizer spread by arranging sausage balls on a wooden board with fresh herbs, small ramekins of dipping sauces, and garnish with lemon wedges for a pop of color.
• Breakfast Bonanza: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty morning meal that will energize your family and friends with delicious protein-packed bites.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Set out these sausage balls in a large warming tray during sports gatherings, tailgate parties, or movie nights with toothpicks for easy grabbing and minimal mess.
• Brunch Buffet Star: Mix these sausage balls with other bite-sized breakfast items like mini quiches, fruit skewers, and pastries to create a stunning weekend brunch spread that will impress your guests.

How to Keep Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Ready to Reheat

• Quick Chill & Store Tactics: Transfer cooled sausage balls to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention when properly sealed.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Arrange uncooked or cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for storage up to 3 months.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and hot, savory interior. For best results, thaw frozen balls in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine zesty sausage with sharp cheddar cheese in a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Hearty bites deliver irresistible flavor that guests will devour at parties or game day gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
• 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ¼ cups (150 g) Bisquick or baking mix
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack in center at 375F (190C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal heat distribution and easy cleanup.
2. Mixture Creation: In large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley using hands or sturdy utensil to ensure even ingredient integration and consistent texture.
3. Dough Formation: Gradually introduce milk, kneading mixture until cohesive dough develops with sufficient moisture to bind ingredients without becoming overly wet.
4. Portioning and Arrangement: Roll mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical portions, placing them systematically on prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing to promote even browning and consistent cooking.
5. Baking and Glazing: Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until sausage balls achieve golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked internally, then simultaneously prepare butter glaze by whisking melted butter with Old Bay seasoning.
6. Finishing Touch: Immediately upon removal from oven, delicately brush warm sausage balls with seasoned butter glaze, enhancing flavor profile and creating appetizing sheen, then serve promptly alongside preferred dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.

Notes

• Master Mixing Technique: Use hands or a robust utensil to thoroughly blend ingredients, ensuring even distribution of sausage, cheese, and seasonings without overworking the mixture.
• Perfect Portion Control: Roll sausage balls precisely 1-inch in diameter for consistent cooking and ideal bite-sized appetizers that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Moisture Management: Add milk gradually to achieve the right dough consistency – not too dry or crumbly, but firm enough to hold shape without falling apart during baking.
• Flavor Enhancement Hack: Brush warm sausage balls immediately with seasoned butter after baking to lock in moisture and create an extra layer of rich, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg