Garlic Infused Sausage Balls are an appetizer made with Bisquick® mix, ground pork sausage, and cheese, baked and brushed with a savory garlic butter. This easy appetizer is perfect for your New Year’s Eve party!
If you’re searching for simple finger foods for your Christmas gathering or a delicious starter to tide everyone over until the main course, try these sausage balls. With just a box of Bisquick®, ground pork sausage, cheese, and milk, you can whip up a batch quickly. The garlic butter brushed on top adds a burst of flavor, making these a standout appetizer or even a tasty side dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bisquick®:
Use the original pancake and baking mix to add some bulk to the sausage balls. If you have another baking mix on hand, you can use that too.
Ground Pork Sausage:
Ground pork sausage is pre-seasoned, providing more flavor than plain ground pork. Italian sausage is another flavorful alternative. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
Cheese:
Sharp cheddar cheese gives a stronger flavor compared to regular cheddar. You can also experiment with other shredded cheese varieties you have on hand.
Milk:
Adding a tablespoon of milk helps to moisten the mixture. Adjust the amount of milk based on your preference.
Garlic Butter:
Brushing garlic butter over the sausage balls enhances their flavor, adding a delightful salty garlic taste.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! During the busy holiday season, you can prepare these garlic sausage balls ahead of time. If you plan to bake them the next day, cover and refrigerate the assembled balls. For longer storage, freeze them. Place the balls in the freezer for about an hour until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw for 15-20 minutes before baking.
How to Store Sausage Balls
After baking, store any leftover sausage balls in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can freeze both assembled and baked sausage balls. For baked sausage balls, let them cool completely before freezing. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes when ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) Bisquick® Original Pancake & Baking Mix
- 1 pound (450g) ground pork sausage
- 3 cups (340g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) whole milk
Topping (optional but recommended):
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Bisquick® mix, ground pork, cheese, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
- Using a small scoop or your hands (I used a 1-tablespoon scoop), form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls. Place on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. (Ground pork is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).)
- While the sausage balls are baking, prepare the butter topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic salt, and parsley.
- Brush the cooked sausage balls with the garlic butter topping and serve hot.
Notes
Most people enjoy these without a dip, but they pair wonderfully with honey mustard.
