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Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls: A Cheesy, Savory Appetizer Everyone Will Love

If you love the buttery, garlicky flavor of cheddar biscuits and the hearty taste of sausage, these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls bring those two favorites together in one irresistible bite. They are crisp and golden on the outside, tender in the center, and packed with sharp cheddar, savory sausage, and plenty of garlic-herb flavor.

These sausage balls are especially convenient for parties and gatherings because the mixture can be prepared ahead of time and the finished bites are easy to serve warm or at room temperature. They also make a comforting breakfast or a fun addition to a holiday appetizer spread.

Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls

The secret to their delicious texture is keeping the mixture moist enough to hold together without making it overly wet. The sausage provides richness, while shredded cheddar melts throughout the mixture. Garlic, herbs, and a buttery topping give the finished sausage balls that familiar cheddar-biscuit character.

They require simple ingredients and don’t need complicated preparation, making them a great recipe when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls

1 pound breakfast sausage, mild or hot
2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups baking mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed

For the Garlic-Butter Topping

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
A small pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Preparing the baking sheet first makes the rest of the process easier because the sausage mixture can go directly onto the pan once it has been shaped.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, oregano, and black pepper.

Stir everything together thoroughly. Distributing the seasonings throughout the dry ingredients first helps prevent concentrated pockets of garlic or herbs in the finished sausage balls.