Sausage Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy crowd-pleaser that come together quickly for parties or a game-day spread. Made with Bisquick, sharp cheddar, and a touch of sweet chili, they bake up golden and flavorful. Pair them with a tangy apricot sweet chili dipping sauce for a irresistible finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage, room temperature
• 10 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce or hot pepper jelly, room temperature
• For the Apricot Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce:
  • ½ cup apricot jam or preserves
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sausage, cheese, Bisquick baking mix, and sweet chili sauce. Mix on low speed until the dough holds together and is smooth, noting it will be somewhat dry.
3. Step 3: Roll or press the dough into 1½-inch balls and space them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel–lined platter.
4. Step 4: While the sausage balls bake, combine the apricot jam, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to create a smooth dipping sauce. Refrigerate until serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best flavor and moisture; pre-shredded cheese can be drier.
• If the batter seems too dry, lightly mix in up to ¼ cup milk.
• If you don’t have Bisquick, substitute 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Keep the sausage balls warm in a crockpot on the warm setting for easy serving.

Storage

Store sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve tenderness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How many sausage balls does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 30 sausage balls and ⅔ cup of the Apricot Sweet Chili Sauce.

Can I make any substitutions for the dipping sauce?

Yes. If you prefer, use apricot preserves with a touch of honey or a dash of lime juice for a bright alternative, adjusting to taste.

Sausage Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

A classic Southern favorite, these cheesy sausage balls are made with Bisquick and sharp cheddar, baked to golden perfection. Served with a bright apricot sweet chili dipping sauce, they’re the ultimate party nibble that’s easy to assemble and hits all the right savory notes.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 30 sausage balls 1x
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sausage Balls

• 1 pound sausage, room temperature
• 10 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce or hot pepper jelly, room temperature

For the Apricot Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup apricot jam or preserves
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the sausage and cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sausage and cheese and mix until well combined.
3. Add baking mix and sauce: Add the Bisquick baking mix and sweet chili sauce and mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and cohesive; it will be somewhat dry.
4. Shape the dough: Roll or press the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and dip: Transfer the sausage balls to a paper towel–lined platter and serve with the apricot sweet chili dipping sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
7. Make dipping sauce: In a medium bowl, mix all dipping sauce ingredients and press through a fine-mesh sieve if a smoother texture is desired. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Notes

• Yield: about 30 sausage balls and 2/3 cup dipping sauce.
• Tip: For best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese; pre-shredded cheese can be drier.
• If the batter seems dry, add 1/4 cup milk.
• To keep warm for serving, place sausage balls in a slow cooker on the warm setting.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Keywords: sausage balls, appetizer, cheese balls, Bisquick, cheddar, dipping sauce, apricot sweet chili, entertaining, game day