Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls

These Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer made with sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon cheddar biscuit mix. They are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are perfect for Game Day parties, tailgating, holiday gatherings, brunches, and family get-togethers.

Sausage balls have been a favorite party appetizer for generations. I remember my mother making them in the 1960s, and throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they seemed to appear at almost every party I attended.

The traditional sausage ball recipe has certainly evolved over the years. Today, there are so many flavored biscuit mixes and cheeses to choose from, and cream cheese has become a popular addition.

These Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls came about on a snowy winter day when my husband and I were snowed in with about 12 inches of snow. I wanted to bake something, and I started looking through the pantry to see what I had on hand.

We wanted a savory snack to enjoy while watching movies, and I remembered the box of bacon cheddar biscuit mix in my pantry. Sausage balls immediately came to mind.

The result was a batch of warm, cheesy sausage balls with wonderful bacon and cheddar flavor. They were so good that I knew I would be making them again.

And these aren’t just for snowy days! They are especially good for football parties and Game Day gatherings because they can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated when you need them.

HOW TO MAKE BACON CHEDDAR SAUSAGE BALLS:

(See the printable recipe card in post for full recipe.)

 

INGREDIENTS:

Cream Cheese.. Make sure it softened at room temperature so it will be easier to combine.

Ground Sausage.. (Regular or Spicy) Do not cook the sausage first.

Biscuit Mix…Trying a flavored mix will add extra flavor and some spice, but if you only have Bisquick, use it.
The box (11.36 oz) of Cheddar Bay Mix with the seasoning packet works perfectly.

Cheddar Cheese (Mild or Sharp) Freshly grated is the best but may use the pre-shredded package.

Bacon.. Add 2 slices cooked crisp and crumbled if your biscuit mix is not bacon flavored.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven and line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

Combine the sausage with the cream cheese.

Add the biscuit mix and cheddar cheese. (Add crumbled bacon if using this) Combine all ingredients well.

TIP: At this stage, I use my hands to combine the ingredients. When I tried using the mixer, the ingredients clumped up on the mixer paddle.

Form the sausage balls, according to the size you like. I used a large cookie scoop. You can also use a small cookie scoop or spoon.

Scoop dough and roll into a ball.

Place on the baking sheets. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are light golden brown. If you are using a smaller scoop, they may take less than 20 minutes to bake.

 

 

 

HOW TO SERVE THE BACON CHEDDAR SAUSAGE BALLS:

They can just be put on a platter and eaten or served with a dip.

We like to eat them with Ranch Dressing, Hot Pepper Butter, or Chic-Fil-A Sauce.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• The recipe only takes 4 ingredients (5 if adding bacon to the mix)
• They are quick and easy to make.
• Everyone loves them.
• They can be served warm or at room temperature.
• They can be made in advance.
• The combination of sausage, bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese is full of savory flavor.
• They are perfect for Game Day, tailgating, parties, brunches, and holidays

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

When can I serve these?

They are perfect for any party or get together.
We have served them on a breakfast buffet.
Tailgate parties, picnics, camping, or a snack on a road trip.

Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and refrigerate them ahead of time, or freeze them either before or after baking.

Can these be frozen?

Yes! I actually have a container full in my freezer right now.
They can be frozen before or after baking for about 2 months. 

To Freeze Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls Before Baking

1. Form the sausage balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the sausage balls are frozen.
3. Transfer them to freezer bags.
4. For extra protection, place the freezer bags inside a plastic container.
5. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding approximately 3–5 minutes to the baking time as needed.

To Freeze After Baking

1. Allow the baked sausage balls to cool completely.
2. Place them in freezer bags.
3. Put the bags inside a freezer-safe plastic container.
4. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the leftovers?

Place in the oven at 350 degrees on a baking pan until they are warm. About 10 minutes. Do not overcook.

In an air fryer, place your leftover sausage balls back in the basket until hot, usually about 10 minutes

Microwave, but this is the least preferred way. They can dry out easier.

Some other appetizers with sausage you may like are
Cranberry Sausage Walnut Crescent Roll-Ups and Hot Pimento Sausage Dip.

These Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls are one of those easy appetizer recipes that are worth keeping in your recipe collection. They are hearty, cheesy, full of flavor, and easy to make ahead.

Whether you are putting together a Game Day spread, tailgate menu, holiday appetizer table, or weekend brunch, these little sausage balls are sure to disappear quickly.

Serve them warm, add your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

This recipe was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.