Easy 3 Ingredient Sausage Balls
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. That means I might make a small commission on qualifying purchases if you click the link. There is no extra cost to you.
You are going to love this…
The Easiest Sausage Balls EVER!
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, holiday finger food, or grab-and-go breakfast? These sausage balls with sharp cheddar cheese are a Southern classic that everyone loves. With only 3 simple ingredients, you can have a big batch of warm, cheesy sausage balls on the table in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weekday morning, bringing a dish to a potluck, or setting out party appetizers, this recipe is quick, versatile, and budget-friendly.
Sometimes, sausage ball recipes get crazy. Cream cheese might sounds fun, but I don’t really tink it’s necessary for sausage balls. Other recipes call for some sort of pancake mix- but I don’t always keep that around. That’s why I developed this simple recipe. It doesn’t need sugar, or rising agents, or even any extra spices.
✨ Recipe Update: Coconut Sugar Sausage Balls (2025)
I’ve made this recipe for years, but I recently tried something that completely changed the game — and now I may never go back! Before baking, I rolled each sausage ball in coconut sugar, and the results were incredible.
The coconut sugar melts into a thin, caramelized crust that perfectly balances the savory sausage and cheese. It adds just the right touch of sweetness — not like dessert, but enough to make everyone ask, “What did you do differently this time?”
If you already love my classic sausage balls, you have to try this upgraded version. It’s simple, mess-free, and makes a huge difference in both texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Ball Recipe
- ✅ 3 ingredients – no baking mix required
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Perfect for parties, breakfasts, and holidays
- ✅ Easy to double or triple for a crowd
- ✅ Freezer-friendly for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild, spicy, or maple – your choice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (all purpose, self rising- use what you have…you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends)
- 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
👉 Freshly grating the cheese makes the sausage balls softer and more melty compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Ingredient Notes (Why These 3 Work)
- Ground Sausage: Breakfast sausage has built-in salt and spices, so you don’t need extra seasonings.
- Flour (Any Kind): Acts like a binder (similar to baking mix) without the added leaveners.
- Freshly Grated Cheddar: Melts better than pre-shredded; gives you that soft, cheesy interior.
📝 How to Add the Coconut Sugar Step
Before baking, roll each formed sausage ball in a small bowl of coconut sugar.
Place them back on your parchment-lined baking sheet and bake as usual.
Optional: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra coconut sugar on top before baking for a more caramelized finish.
💬 FAQ on The Coconut Sugar
Q: Can I skip the coconut sugar?
A: Absolutely! The original recipe is still delicious. The coconut sugar step just adds a sweet-and-savory twist that’s especially nice for holidays or brunch spreads.
Q: Can I use brown sugar instead?
A: You can, but coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and gives a deeper, caramel flavor without being as sticky.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast on the go – Pair with fruit for a balanced meal.
- Potluck favorite – Serve with ranch or honey mustard.
- Holiday appetizer – Add a side of cranberry sauce or jalapeño jelly.
- Game day snack – Perfect alongside chips, wings, and sliders.
Dipping Sauces That Wow
- Ranch or Chipotle Ranch for classic vibes.
- Honey Mustard for sweet-tangy balance.
- BBQ Sauce for game day.
- Cranberry or Pepper Jelly during the holidays.
- Marinara for a pizza-ish twist.
Make Ahead & Freezer Method
Here’s where this recipe goes beyond the others online: make a big batch and freeze for later.
- Roll the sausage mixture into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven at 375°F for 22–25 minutes.
This is a lifesaver for busy mornings or last-minute holiday guests.
Make-Ahead, Freeze, & Reheat (Meal Prep Friendly)
- To Freeze (Unbaked): Roll, freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 22–25 minutes.
- To Freeze (Baked): Cool, bag, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Fridge: Store baked sausage balls up to 4 days.
- Pro Tip: Label bags with date + bake time for grab-and-go breakfasts and party prep.
Tips to help when you’re making Sausage Balls
- Use spicy sausage for extra kick.
- For softer texture, add 2–3 Tbsp milk before rolling into balls.
- Always shred your own cheese for better melt.
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil your hands when rolling.
- Use a small cookie dough scoop for uniform size
Troubleshooting & Texture
- Too Dry/Crumbly? Add 2–3 Tbsp milk or an extra handful of cheese.
- Not Browning? Move the rack up one notch or bake 2–3 minutes longer.
- Spreading? Chill formed balls 10–15 minutes before baking.
Batch Cooking for Events (Easy Scaling)
This recipe scales cleanly by 1:1:1 (sausage : flour : cheese).
- Double: 2 lbs sausage, 2 cups flour, 16 oz cheese → ~48 bite-size pieces
- Triple: 3 lbs sausage, 3 cups flour, 24 oz cheese → ~72 pieces
Space trays well and rotate pans halfway for even browning.
Get all of our family favorites, right to your inbox.
Other Recipes You will Love
Condensed soup
Caramelized onions are a great start to making a homemade chicken casserole. Skip the store bought and learn how to make your own.
Sourdough Buns
Buns aren’t just for burgers. They also make a great dinner roll to serve on the side of your casserole. .
How to Scale This Recipe
Need more than one pound of sausage balls? No problem.
- Double it: 2 lbs sausage, 2 cups flour, 16 oz cheese
- Triple it: 3 lbs sausage, 3 cups flour, 24 oz cheese
- The ratios are foolproof—just remember 1:1:1 ratio of sausage, flour, and cheese (by cup/oz).
Cost Breakdown (Budget Friendly)
- Sausage (1 lb): $3.00–$5.00
- Cheddar (8 oz): $2.50–$4.00
- Flour (1 cup): ~$0.15
Approx. Total: $5.65–$9.15 per batch (~24 pieces) → $0.24–$0.38 each
Tip: Buying cheese by the block and sausage in bulk lowers the per-batch cost.
Healthier Tweaks (If You Want Them)
- Lean Options: Choose a lower-fat sausage or turkey sausage.
- Whole Grains: Use white whole-wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Smaller Bites: Roll ¾-inch minis to lower calories per serving.
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking once, for a slightly lighter result.
From our kitchen to yours…
Shop our Favorite Tools for this Recipe
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer (baked): Freeze cooled sausage balls in a bag for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Breakfast: Add fruit and scrambled eggs.
- Brunch Board: Mix with muffins, berries, and yogurt cups.
- Party Platter: Include pickles, olives, cheeses, and two dips.
- Holiday Spread: Set beside cranberry sauce and a cheese log.
Variations & Flavor Swaps
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot breakfast sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Herb: Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Cheddar–Jalapeño: Fold in 2 Tbsp finely minced jalapeños.
- Maple Breakfast Bite: Use maple sausage and serve with warm maple syrup for dipping.
- Everything Bagel: Roll the formed balls in everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Cheese Swap: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby-Jack, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar work great.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Equipment Check (Simple Setup)
- Half-Sheet Pan + Parchment
- Medium Scoop (1 Tbsp) for uniform size
- Grater for fresh cheddar
Optional: Cooling rack on the pan to lift the sausage balls and crisp evenly.
Sausage Balls FAQs
Can I make sausage balls without Bisquick?
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
How do I keep sausage balls from getting dry?
Can I freeze sausage balls?
What dips go best with sausage balls?
How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?
Easy Sausage Balls (3 Ingredients)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 Cup flour I've used all kinds, everything works!
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grate by hand for beset texture
Instructions
- Grate your cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Mix sausage, flour, and grated cheese until well incorporate. Use your hands.
- Scoop and roll into 1" balls.
- Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure the sausage balls aren't touching each other.
- Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are crispy.
Notes
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make sausage balls dry. For best melt and texture, always grate your own.
- Sausage Choices: Mild breakfast sausage keeps them family-friendly. Hot or spicy sausage gives extra kick. Maple sausage is great for breakfast spreads.
- Make Them Ahead: Mix and roll the sausage balls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next morning for warm, cheesy bites without the morning mess.
- Freezer Tip: Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—no need to thaw.
- Add a Splash of Milk: If your mixture feels crumbly or too dry, add 2–3 Tbsp of milk before rolling. This keeps the texture soft and tender.
- Serving Size Guide: A 1-inch ball is perfect for appetizers (about 24 per batch). For bite-sized party food, roll smaller (~36). For hearty breakfast portions, roll larger (~18).
- Gluten-Free Swap: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works perfectly in place of all-purpose.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This makes them slightly crispier and cuts down on bake time.
- Reheating Tip: Warm leftovers at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them crispy.
- Dip Pairings: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and marinara are classics. For holidays, try cranberry sauce or pepper jelly.
The best sausage balls I’ve ever made!
So delicious. We tried the coconut sugar hack and it is a winner for sure. My husband usually isn’t a huge fan, but with the coconut sugar coating, he was begging for more. It’s crazy how simple this recipe is to be so delicious.
So simple and delicious.