Alright, fellow moms! Let’s talk about a total sanity-saver: Sausage Balls. I remember the first time I made these; my youngest was going through a growth spurt and seemed permanently hungry! I needed something quick, easy, and with a little protein punch. These Sausage Balls were a total hit, and I’ve been tweaking the recipe ever since to maximize the nutrition (and minimize the effort!). It was such a win to find a protein-packed snack that actually excited my picky eaters.

I found this recipe one afternoon while searching on my phone in carpool line! I wanted something that felt nostalgic but had a protein kick. We all want to make sure our family is getting the best nutrients possible, but with limited time, right?

What surprised me most was how versatile Sausage Balls are! You can tweak them with different cheeses, spices, and even sneak in some veggies (shhh!). They’re not only delicious but have great protein, which helps keep everyone full and energized.

If you’re like me, juggling school drop-offs, endless laundry, and the constant chorus of “Mom, I’m hungry!”, then you’re in the right place. I believe good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Sausage Balls together – a simple, nourishing solution for feeding our families without the overwhelm!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, friend, let’s gather our ingredients. I promise, this list is short and sweet – perfect for those days when you feel like you have approximately zero brain cells to spare. This Sausage Balls recipe is all about ease and nutrition!

1 pound ground sausage (I prefer lean sausage): This is our protein powerhouse! Opting for lean sausage helps minimize extra fats, while still delivering that savory flavor we all crave.
2 cups Bisquick baking mix: This is what makes this Sausage Ball recipe so easy! If you’re looking for a healthier swap, try using a whole wheat baking mix.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds flavor and a bit of calcium. I like to use sharp cheddar for a stronger taste, but mild works great too. For my dairy-sensitive kiddo, I’ve even used dairy-free cheddar shreds, and it works like a charm in Sausage Balls!
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: This adds a wonderful creaminess to the Cheddar Sausage Balls. I like to use Neufchatel cheese for a slightly lighter option.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra flavor kick! Feel free to adjust to your liking.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.

You can find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Sausage Balls proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. For extra nutrition, sometimes I add a handful of finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the mixture. My family gets extra nutrition when I add that! They never even notice! This is a total win in my book! This nutrition hack changed our family’s health!

Trust me, this Sausage Balls ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Speaking of simplicity, if you’re looking for another easy meal, this Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup is a great option.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this is the easy part! We’re making Sausage Balls – quick, easy, and family-approved!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, this is the perfect time to grease a baking sheet. I usually use a little cooking spray, but you can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, Bisquick, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Make sure everything is evenly distributed. I find that using my hands works best to really get everything mixed together. It can be a little messy, but hey, that’s part of the fun! You can use a stand mixer if you want to avoid getting your hands messy.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be uniform. Don’t worry if your Sausage Balls looks a little crumbly at first – just keep mixing! The cream cheese will help bind everything together. You may need to knead the mixture with your hands to fully incorporate.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. I usually aim for about 1-inch in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform. This also helps them cook evenly. This nutritious sausage balls usually takes me only 10 minutes to prepare.
Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each ball so they can cook properly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Your Sausage Balls should smell nourishing by now! Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. They should be firm to the touch.
Let them cool slightly before serving. This is important! Nobody wants a burnt tongue. Plus, they taste even better once they’ve had a chance to cool down a bit.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Sausage Balls – I would overbake them! I learned from my experience that it is better to pull them out when they are a light golden brown and let them cool. The cooling process continues the cooking! You have to watch the cooking time.

While your Sausage Balls are cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Take the time for yourself! This is an easy sausage ball recipe! You can also find so many appetizer recipes online, similar to Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, delicious Sausage Balls – now what? Here are some of the ways my family loves to enjoy them:

Breakfast: These are a fantastic protein boost to start the day. We love them alongside scrambled eggs and some fruit.
Snack: My kids devour this nutritious Sausage Balls when I serve it with some cut-up veggies like carrots and cucumbers. I will also serve with a side of ranch dressing!
Appetizer: Perfect for parties or gatherings! Serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Lunchboxes: Pack a few of these in your child’s lunchbox for a protein-packed and satisfying midday meal.
Quick Dinner: Pair them with a simple salad or some steamed broccoli for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

This Sausage Balls is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! The best part is, these nutritious sausage balls are also great for meal prep! Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have a healthy snack or breakfast option ready to go for the week. I love to pack them in my lunchbox for work, too!

My family loves to eat this nutritious sausage balls during the holidays as an appetizer! My kids love these! I got rave reviews when my friends and family tried this dish. These nutritious sausage balls are sure to be a crowd pleaser. For another take on delicious appetizers, check out this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe! I serve these with a side of dipping sauce, like honey mustard!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know what you’re thinking, fellow busy mom! Here are some common questions about these easy Sausage Balls and my answers to them. I’m here to help you on your journey!

Is this Sausage Balls really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! With the protein from the sausage and the calcium from the cheese, these Cheddar Sausage Balls provide essential nutrients for growing bodies.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Sausage Balls? I get it! Try cutting them into smaller pieces or serving them with a favorite dipping sauce. You can also sneak in some finely grated veggies like zucchini or carrots. Start small, and don’t give up!
Can I meal prep this Sausage Balls for busy weeks ahead? Absolutely! These Sausage Balls are perfect for meal prepping. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these Bisquick Sausage Balls ahead of time? You sure can! Prepare them as instructed, place them on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver!
Can I use different types of sausage? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like Italian sausage or chorizo. Just make sure to adjust the spices accordingly.
Are these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls gluten-free? Not as written, since Bisquick contains wheat. However, you can easily substitute with a gluten-free baking mix! This way you can make the Sausage Balls gluten free!
What can I serve with Cream Cheese Sausage Balls? This is a great appetizer! You can find so many appetizer recipes online! Check out Easy Sausage Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese & Bisquick.
Can I freeze the uncooked Sausage Balls? Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Hopefully, this gave you great insight on how to enjoy these nutritious sausage balls!

Final Thoughts:

These Sausage Balls have become a staple in our house because they’re easy, delicious, and packed with protein. They support our family’s nutrition goals by providing a quick and satisfying snack or meal option that everyone loves. Plus, they’re so versatile – you can easily customize them to suit your family’s preferences.

My Sausage Balls Nutrition Hacks:

Sneak in veggies: Finely grated zucchini or spinach adds extra nutrients without affecting the taste.
Use lean sausage: This helps reduce the amount of fat in the recipe.
Add spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for added flavor and potential health benefits.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Sausage Balls variations:

Spicy Sausage Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos for a kick. My husband loves this version!
Italian Sausage Balls: Use Italian sausage and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. My oldest son prefers this one. For another great dish with Italian sausage, try this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup!
Cheesy Sausage Balls: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This is always a crowd-pleaser.

I hope you and your family enjoy these nourishing Sausage Balls as much as we do! Remember, the goal is to make healthy eating simple and sustainable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your family. You can easily make these sausage balls your own healthy way! For another healthy family-friendly recipe, check out: https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/sausage-sweet-potato-kale-soup. Or if you enjoy sausage soup, check out: https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/italian-sausage-and-potato-soup.

Now go forth and conquer, fellow moms! You’ve got this! You can make this nourishing Sausage Balls recipe!

Sausage Balls

Print Recipe

These savory sausage balls are a classic appetizer, perfect for parties or brunch. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 30-40 sausage balls
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound bulk pork sausage, uncooked
3 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (optional, if needed for moisture)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, baking mix, and cheddar cheese.
Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If the mixture is too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing. For a spicier kick, use hot sausage.