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3-Ingredient Sausage Balls

These 3 ingredient sausage balls are easy to make, and the payoff is absolutely delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you have the perfect appetizer for game day or any other celebration.

dipped sausage ball on a toothpick

I’ve made them for the Super Bowl, Christmas parties, and New Year’s celebrations. They’re also good for a baby shower, wedding shower, and birthday party.

One Two Three Sausage Balls with Bisquick

Another name for these delicious sausage balls is one-two-three sausage balls. But they’re the exact same thing, only with a different name. 

sausage balls on plates with dip

Regardless of what you call them, they have the flavor that makes you think of a cheese biscuit combined with your favorite sausage. And that’s because that’s what they are!

Ingredients for Sausage Balls

As I mentioned, you only need a few simple ingredients to make these classic sausage balls. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage (mild, medium, or spicy sausage)
  • 1-1/2 cups of shredded cheese
  • 1-1/2 cups of Bisquick
Bisquick, sausage, and shredded cheese

You can use any type of sausage you prefer. Sometimes I make this with turkey breakfast sausage. Other times I use hot pork sausage, particularly if I know that people want spicy food. This time I used mild ground pork sausage, but most of the time I prefer hot sausage balls.

I used sharp cheddar cheese. It’s also good with Colby or a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella. I’ve heard it’s even good with cream cheese, but I’ve never tried it. If you’re following a keto diet, use almond flour and a half teaspoon of baking powder instead of the Bisquick. I’ve done that, and they turn out really good.

I placed a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet or cover it in parchment paper. Since I wanted super easy cleanup, I covered my baking sheet with foil and then parchment paper.

sausage in large bowl

Put the sausage in the bottom of a large bowl. You’ll want to use the entire pound of sausage in the tube.

Measure the cheese and Bisquick according to the directions in the card at the bottom of this post where I have a printable recipe card for your convenience. You can either scroll down or click on the jump-to-recipe button at the top of this page.

cheese, sausage, and Bisquick in large bowl

Mix all 3 of the ingredients. I typically start out with a large spoon and eventually finish it off with my hands.

3 ingredient sausage ball mix in large bowl

With a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop out the sausage ball mixture and form into golfball size balls. Place the uncooked sausage balls on the cookie sheet at least a half inch apart. 

sausage balls on cookie sheet

You should be able to get at least a dozen and a half sausage balls out of this recipe. Or if you make them a little smaller, you can get a couple dozen. Put them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on the outside.

baked 3 ingredient sausage balls on cookie sheet

Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. If you like to dip appetizers, provide your favorite dip. You can make this yummy honey mustard dressing or this tangy thousand island dressing.

I’ve even used homemade ranch dressing for dipping sausage balls. This time, I used chipotle ranch dressing that added some sizzle to liven up the mild sausage. They’re also delicious dipped in this homemade barbecue sauce. It’s always fun to offer a variety of dips for guests.

Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe – Original or Gluten-Free

Some people know these as Bisquick sausage balls. You can use either regular or gluten-free Bisquick if needed.

box of gluten free Bisquick

Regardless of what form of Bisquick you use, it’s a classic recipe that people have been making for decades.

sausage ball on a toothpick above a bowl of dip

Whether you’re making these for the holiday season or simply want something to snack on any time of year, you’ll love these sausage balls. In fact, these delicious appetizers my favorite thing to munch on when I want something substantial.

3 Ingredient Sausage Balls FAQS

These little balls of golden brown deliciousness are perfect for so many occasions. So you might have some questions about cooking, serving, or eating them.

Here are some answers.

Can You Make Smaller Sausage Cheese Balls?

Yes, you can make 1-inch balls if you prefer. If you do this, cut the cooking time to 12 minutes. 

Can You Eat Sausage Balls at Room Temperature?

These sausage balls are safe to eat at room temperature for a reasonable amount of time. I think they’ll be fine for a few hours. However, don’t leave them out overnight, or they might spoil.

Are Sausage Balls Good for a Low Calorie Diet?

Sausage balls are rather high in calories. If you are on a low calorie diet, limit how many you eat, or you might pack on some pounds.

Are Sausage Balls Keto Friendly?

Made with Bisquick, these 3 ingredient sausage balls are not Keto friendly. However, if you substitute almond flour, they are.

How Should You Store Leftover 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls?

You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat them, either put them in the microwave for a few seconds or the air fryer for a minute or two. If it will be a while before you want to enjoy them again, put them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They should be good for a couple of months.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use to Make Sausage Balls?

You can use any type of ground sausage you prefer. I’ve made it with this homemade turkey sausage, but this time I used pork sausage.

Can You Use a Generic Baking Mix for Sausage Balls?

Yes, you can use a generic baking mix. But keep in mind that some baking mixes are sweeter or saltier than others.

plates of sausage balls with dip

More Delicious Appetizer Recipes

Next time you need some appetizer ideas, try some of these yummy options. They are all easy recipes that will elevate your snack table to a whole new level.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes – Stuffed with a mixture that includes bacon, guests will devour these very quickly.

Air Fryer Corn Chips – If you have an air fryer, make some of these delicious corn chips. They come out tasting like those from your favorite Mexican restaurant. 

Bacon Wrapped Potato Wedges – You’ll be amazed by how popular these finger foods are. That’s because they are so delicious!

plate of bacon wrapped potato wedges

Stuffed Dates – With a blend of sweet and savory, this sophisticated appetizer is super easy to make and will certainly have people asking for your recipe!

Garden Fresh Bruschetta – This yummy recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern is a colorful and delightfully flavorful addition to any snack table.

Low Carb Cheese Crisps – You’ll love the crispy crunchy goodness of these cheese crisps. They’re easy to make, and they’re Keto friendly!

Spinach Dip – When you want something for dipping bread, crackers, or veggies, serve this delicious spinach dip.

Yield: 18 sausage balls

Easy 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls

platter of 3 ingredient sausage balls

These easy 3 ingredient sausage balls are a delicious addition to any snack or appetizer table.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, mild or spicy)
  • 1-1/2 cups cheese (cheddar, Colby, or a blend)
  • 1-1/2 cups Bisquick

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Either spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray or cover it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all 3 ingredients. Mix well.
  3. Scoop golfball size balls of the mixture and roll them into balls. Put them on the pan at least 1/2 inch apart.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. 
  5. Remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • When you’re preparing the sausage balls to put them on the pan, pack them as tightly as you can because they will loosen up while they cook.
  • Don’t overcook, or they will be dry sausage balls.
  • For large batches, you can double or triple the recipe.

Nutrition Information

Yield

18

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 137Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 35mgSodium 294mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 8g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

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