Easy Sausage Balls

ByDonnalea
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Make this easy sausage balls recipe for a cozy classic that is sure to disappear fast!

two easy sausage balls on a white plate

Originally published on Our Zesty Life

The Best Bites on the Board

  • Each tasty morsel is tender without being greasy, cheesy without being heavy, and seasoned just enough to keep you reaching for one more.
  • Made using simple, yet flavorful ingredients plus an easy, creamy ranch dip, these cheesy sausage balls are sure to become a repeat recipe.
  • Packed with protein, these sausage are perfect for any holiday gathering, included in a game-day spread, or tucked onto a casual weekend snack board with other finger food.
Italian sausage, cream cheese, ranch mix, salt, baking powder, all purpose flour, shredded cheese, and green onion assembled to make easy sausage balls

Ingredients That Make the Magic

  • The Savory Base: Italian sausage provides the seasoning, richness, and moisture in just one ingredient, while the cream cheese helps keep the sausage balls tender and creamy instead of dry or crumbly.
  • For Structure & Flavor: All purpose flour and baking powder provide just enough structure so the balls hold together while staying soft inside. The Ranch dressing mix goes a long way for added flavor, and can be used to create an irresistible dipping sauce.
  • The Cheesy Extra: Marble cheese or cheddar? Your choice! Use what you love or what’s already in the fridge.
process to make easy sausage balls
process to make easy sausage balls before sausage added
process to make easy sausage balls before all the ingredients are mixed together
uncooked easy sausage balls on a parchment lined baked pan

How To Make Sausage Balls

  1. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl. Soften the cream cheese, then mix it with the shredded cheese, green onion, and sausage.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the sausage mixture and gently mix until everything is just combined.
  3. Roll into balls, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake (according to recipe below).
  4. While baking, stir the dip ingredients together, chill, and serve with the warm sausage balls.
easy sausage balls in a white dish with green onion and dip on the side

Little Tips for Big Flavor

  • Soften the cream cheese gently using short bursts in the microwave to keep it creamy without melting.
  • Try not to overmix because this can make sausage balls dense. Be sure to stop as soon as everything comes together.
  • I like to chill the mixture a bit before rolling so the mixture is a bit more firm.
  • Use food-safe gloves if you have them. Not only is it cleaner, but it helps keep the mixture from warming too much in your hands.
  • Use a cookie scoop! Uniform sized balls means even cooking time, and ensures every sausage ball bakes perfectly.
  • Check for safe cooked temperature! An internal temperature of 165°F ensures they’re cooked through and juicy. A meat thermometer is the best way to check and be sure.
easy sausage balls in a white dish

How to Store Sausage Balls the Best Way

  • Refrigerate: Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that golden exterior.
  • Freeze: These sausage balls freeze beautifully! Freeze cooked and cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen until warmed through.
one easy sausage balls on a white plate with a bite taken out of it

More Tasty Appetizers

I hope you enjoy these easy sausage balls as much as my crew and I do! Leave a comment and rating below.

two easy sausage balls on a white plate
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Easy Sausage Balls

By Donnalea
Servings 12
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 40 minutes
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Try this easy sausage balls recipe anytime you need a delicious and hearty snack.

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • cookie scoop

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional
  • 1 package Ranch dressing mix divided
  • 1 cup marble cheese or cheddar
  • 1 green onion chopped fine
  • ¾ cup greek yogurt for dip
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise for dip

Instructions
 

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set oven to 375˚F.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt (if using), and ranch dressing mix. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, soften cream cheese in the microwave for 2-15 second intervals. Whisk with a fork.
  • Mix the cream cheese with shredded cheese and green onion. Then add the ground sausage and mix gently.
  • Sprinkle the flour mixture over. Using your hands*, work the mixture until just incorporated. Don't overmix.
  • Using a cookie scoop, roll balls and place on prepared pan.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature is 165˚F.

Dip for Sausage Balls

  • While sausage balls are cooking, make the dip for sausage balls. (optional). In a small bowl, combine the remainder of the Ranch dressing mix, greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

  • Nutrition calculated without dip.
  • Use food safe gloves to mix and roll the sausage balls.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 9gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 532mgPotassium: 129mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg

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easy sausage balls in a white dish with black trim, with a title
easy sausage balls in a white dish with green onion and dip on the side, with a title
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