The Original Bisquick Sausage Balls

Sometimes the classics really are the best, and Bisquick Sausage Balls are proof of that! This is the legendary recipe that’s been printed on the back of the Bisquick box for decades, and for good reason.

With just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create golden, savory bites that everyone loves. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just straightforward, delicious comfort food at its finest.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, game day party, or weekend brunch, this foolproof recipe delivers every single time. Let’s make some magic with these pantry staples!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reliable: This is the tried-and-true recipe that has been on the back of the yellow box for decades. When millions of families trust a recipe, you know it’s good!

Pantry Staples: You likely have all three ingredients in your kitchen right now. No special shopping trip needed—just grab what you’ve got and start cooking!

Versatile: It’s the perfect blank canvas for adding herbs or spices. Master the basic recipe, then customize it to your heart’s content!

Always Works: This recipe is virtually foolproof when you follow the instructions. Even beginner cooks can nail these on the first try!

Ingredients

Bisquick Mix: The original pancake and baking mix that started it all. Bisquick contains flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt—everything you need to create that perfect tender texture.

Pork Sausage: Breakfast sausage (raw) provides the fat needed to cook the biscuit mix and keep everything moist. Don’t drain it—you need that fat for the perfect texture!

Cheddar Cheese: Semi-sharp or Sharp cheddar, freshly shredded from a block. The cheese adds flavor, moisture, and helps bind everything together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

2. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the sausage and cheese first to distribute the cheese evenly. This ensures every bite has that perfect cheese-to-sausage ratio!

3. Add Bisquick: Add the Bisquick mix slowly, using your hands to knead it into the meat. It takes a few minutes of mixing—be patient and keep working it!

4. Form Balls: Roll into walnut-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking throughout the batch.

5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and golden brown on the bottom with lovely browned spots on top!

Tips for Success

Keep Mixing: At first, it will look like just powder and meat that’ll never come together. Keep squeezing and kneading! The fat from the sausage will eventually hydrate the mix and create a cohesive dough.

Don’t Pack Tightly: Roll the balls gently without compressing too much. Packing them too tight makes them dense and hard instead of tender and fluffy.

Warm Water: If you absolutely cannot get the flour incorporated after several minutes of mixing, add 1 tablespoon of warm water. Just don’t add too much or they’ll spread!

Room Temperature: Let your sausage sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes before mixing. Cold sausage is harder to work with and doesn’t incorporate as easily.

Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese from a block! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent proper binding and can make your balls crumbly.

Bisquick Sausage Balls Variations

Herbs: Add dried rosemary or sage for a Thanksgiving flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey and cranberry sauce. About 1 teaspoon of dried herbs is perfect!

Onion: Add finely minced onion or dehydrated onion flakes for extra savory depth. The onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that’s delicious.

Italian: Use Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese instead for a completely different flavor profile. Serve with marinara for dipping!

Ranch Style: Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix for that addictive tangy flavor everyone loves.

Everything Bagel: Roll the balls in everything bagel seasoning before baking for a fun, trendy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with barbecue sauce for dipping. The sweet and tangy sauce is a perfect complement to the savory sausage balls!

Classic ketchup or mustard works great too. Sometimes the simple classics are exactly what you need—don’t overthink it!

Perfect alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a complete breakfast spread. They make any morning feel special and festive.

Add them to a breakfast charcuterie board with bagels, cream cheese, and fresh berries. They’re the warm, savory anchor that brings the whole board together!

FAQs

Can I use homemade Bisquick? Yes! Just mix 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup shortening. Use this in place of the Bisquick mix.

Why are mine dry? You likely used too much mix, lean sausage with not enough fat, or overbaked them. Add a splash of milk next time and use regular (not lean) breakfast sausage.

Can I reheat in the air fryer? Yes! Set it to 350°F for 3 minutes and they’ll crisp right back up. The air fryer is actually the best reheating method for restoring that fresh-baked texture.

Can I freeze these? Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason Bisquick Sausage Balls are a classic that’s stood the test of time. They are simple, savory, and satisfying—everything a great appetizer should be!

Perfect for holidays, game days, or just a Tuesday breakfast when you want something special. This recipe proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious.

Make a batch this weekend and see why generations of families have relied on this recipe. Once you taste these golden beauties, you’ll understand the hype!

Ready to make the classic everyone loves? Pin this recipe and let’s get baking!