Easy & Delicious Sausage Ball Recipe Without Bisquick
This sausage ball recipe without Bisquick is easy and delicious. All you need are some pantry staples and your favorite ground sausage for a delicious appetizer or savory side. These are perfect for gatherings and a special holiday breakfasts!
Sausage balls are a classic, bite-sized appetizer or side that combine the savory flavor of sausage with the rich, cheesy goodness we all love. While many recipes call for self-rising flour or pre-made baking mixes like Bisquick, you can easily make them from scratch for a fresher, more customizable version.
Skip the box and enjoy the simplicity of homemade sausage balls that are just as delicious—if not better–with this Sausage Ball Recipe Without Bisquick!
By skipping the pre-made mixes, you can create a sausage ball recipe that is perfectly tailored to your taste and dietary needs. Whether for a holiday party, game day, or a simple snack, these homemade sausage balls are guaranteed to impress.
We love to make these sausage balls to have as a lunch side with our favorite Delicious Butternut Squash Carrot Soup! It makes a lovely warm meal on those cool, crisp fall and winter days.
Or enjoy them for breakfast with some Fluffy Sourdough English Muffins!!
Why Do Other Recipes Use Bisquick or Self-Rising Flour?
Bisquick and similar baking mixes are convenient because they combine flour, leavening agents, salt, and sometimes shortening or oil, making it easy to whip up recipes without measuring each ingredient.
These mixes simplify preparation but often include preservatives and additives. If you don’t have Bisquick on hand or prefer a more natural approach, making sausage balls from scratch is a fantastic alternative.
Some recipes also call for self-rising flour. This is similar in that it includes a leavening agent in the flour.
Leavening agents in self-rising flour and baking mixes helps baked goods rise, giving them lightness and fluffiness we all love.
Baking powder produces carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with liquid and heat. This gas gets trapped in the batter or dough, creating air pockets that make the final product rise and become fluffy.
If, like me, you don’t like to keep multiple flours on hand and prefer a simpler approach, then this recipe is for you. No Bisquick or self-rising flour required!
What Are Sausage Balls Without Bisquick?
Sausage balls without Bisquick are a homemade version of the classic recipe, using simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and seasonings instead of pre-made mixes.
This method allows you to control the ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference. The result? Deliciously tender sausage balls with a crispy exterior and cheesy, savory interior—completely from scratch.
Why Make This Sausage Ball Recipe Without Bisquick?
These sausage balls are delicious, nutrient-dense, and easy to make. All you need are some pantry staples! This means you can whip up a batch anytime you want.
Not to mention, homemade always tastes better!
- No Preservatives: Made entirely from scratch with fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings, cheese, and sausage types to suit your taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Fun to Make: A great recipe to involve kids or experiment with variations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, game day, or snack time.
Making sausage balls without Bisquick also gives you greater control over the flavor, texture, and nutritional content. You can skip unnecessary additives, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and even experiment with different types of cheese or sausage.
Sausage Ball Recipe Without Bisquick Ingredients
The beauty of this sausage ball recipe lies in its simplicity. The main ingredients include:
- Ground sausage: We typically use ground chicken, turkey or venison. You can choose your favorite variety, from spicy to mild.
- All-purpose flour: The flour is the foundation for a light, tender texture. You could easily use gluten-free flour or almond flour as a substitute.
- Baking powder: This provides the necessary lift and fluffiness of a leavening agent.
- Shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with any you like. I prefer to buy a block of cheddar and shred it myself.
- Cream Cheese: This adds richness and helps bind the mixture. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use butter or shortening, though it may change the texture a bit.
- Seasonings (optional): Enhance the flavor with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. I typically stick with a bit of onion powder and garlic powder for a classic taste.
Dipping Sauces for Sausage Balls
Dipping sauces elevate any appetizer, and sausage balls are no exception! A great sauce adds a burst of flavor, complementing the savory richness of the dish.
From creamy honey mustard to tangy BBQ or a sweet-and-spicy blend, the possibilities are endless for dipping. In this recipe, we’re pairing classic sausage balls with a Honey Maple Dijon Sauce—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that enhances every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy snack, a delicious dipping sauce takes your sausage balls to the next level.
Sausage Ball Recipe Variations
One of the best things about homemade sausage balls is their versatility. Try these variations to mix things up for various gatherings or as a fun snack:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to easily make this recipe gluten-free. We have done this many times!
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and ensure the sausage and cheese are low-carb for a keto-version.
- Spicy It Up: Add diced jalapeños, a bit of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy sausage blend to spice things up. This is delicious when you make the honey dijon dipping sauce!
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even gouda. Any and all would be delicious!
- Herb-Infused: Mix in freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
Sausage Ball Recipe Without Bisquick
Ingredients
- 1 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 pound uncooked ground pork or chicken sausage
- 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray/coat in a bit of oil.
- Add the flour, baking powder, salt and spices to a stand mixer or large bowl to mix.
- Add the grated cheese and mix.
- Add the sausage a little at a time and mix until it comes together. I like to use the paddle or dough hook attachment for this. Alternatively, you can use your hands to combine.
- Using a 1 tablespoon ice cream scoop, form the dough into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until completely cooked through.
- Cool completely before serving.
Honey Maple Dijon Dipping Sauce
A good dipping sauce can elevate any side or appetizer, and these sausage balls are no exception! Delicious on their own, or with this sauce, there is no wrong way to enjoy them.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- Optional: dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly mix in the honey and maple syrup, then add the spices (if using).
- If desired, you can use an immersion blends to make a really smooth, creamy consistency.
- Transfer to small dipping bowls and serve with your sausage balls.
Notes
- You can also use a spicy mustard if you want a bit of a spicy kick!
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container with a lid, refridgerated for up to a week.
