Viral Sausage Balls Recipe (Perfect Christmas Finger Food)

Viral Sausage Balls are the finger food equivalent of that one cousin who shows up late to the party but still manages to steal the show. They’re quick to make, ridiculously satisfying, and just bold enough to make everyone ask, “Who brought these?” Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas brunch, a holiday potluck, or simply need a snack that can feed a crowd without feeding your stress, these viral sausage balls deliver.

Loaded with savory sausage, gooey sharp cheddar, and a fluffy, golden-baked shell, this dish doesn’t just show up — it shows off. If you’re juggling gifts, kids, and Pinterest-worthy décor, let this viral sausage balls recipe be the one thing that actually goes to plan. Oh, and if you’re on sausage patrol — yes, they’re even better warm.

Table of Contents

What are Viral Sausage Balls?

Viral sausage balls are basically the MVP of make-ahead holiday snacks. Imagine this: breakfast sausage, baking mix (hello, Bisquick lovers), and sharp cheddar cheese all mashed together into little bite-sized bundles of joy. They bake up golden and crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment — just your hands, a mixing bowl, and a good appetite.

These sausage balls went viral for a reason: they tick every box. Easy? Check. Delicious? Double check. Party-friendly? Triple check. Plus, they hold up well at room temp, making them the ideal nibble for grazing tables and buffets. Whether you’re going for rustic charm or just feeding picky eaters, these little guys are always a hit.

Reasons to Try Viral Sausage Balls

Let’s be honest — we all need more low-stress, high-reward recipes in our lives. And Viral Sausage Balls check off that wishlist with style. First off, they’re stupidly simple. We’re talking 3 ingredients and less than an hour from “Ugh, what should I bring?” to “Oh wow, these are amazing!” Second, they’re budget-friendly. No exotic cheeses or hard-to-pronounce meats here. And third — they’re flexible. Want to make them gluten-free? Go ahead.

Prefer turkey sausage or even a vegetarian option? You’re still in the game. They’re kid-approved, adult-devoured, and make-ahead friendly. Throw in their crowd-pleasing Christmas vibes, and you’ve got yourself a holiday win. Oh, and let’s not forget: these are way less work than a cheese platter — and way more likely to disappear first.

Ingredients Needed to Make Viral Sausage Balls

• 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
• 4 cups (450g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional swaps:

• Use gluten-free baking mix for a GF version
• Swap in ground turkey or vegetarian sausage for a different vibe

That’s it. Three ingredients and a dream.

Instructions to Make Viral Sausage Balls

Making Viral Sausage Balls is refreshingly simple, but there’s a little magic in doing each step right. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or you just Googled “easy Christmas appetizers,” this step by step guide will walk you through the whole process in a way that feels totally doable — and even a little fun. Let’s roll!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Workspace

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip this part! Starting with a fully heated oven is key to getting that golden, slightly crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. It keeps the sausage balls from sticking and saves you from doing battle with burnt-on cheese later.

Need more baking prep hacks? Check out our oven-ready prep tips to get your kitchen holiday-hosting ready in a flash.

Step 2: Bring the Sausage to Room Temperature

Here’s a small but mighty tip: let your sausage sit out for about 15–20 minutes before mixing. Cold sausage is hard to combine and will make your arms ache. Room temp sausage blends better with the cheese and baking mix, giving you smoother, more uniform balls. While you wait, you can shred your cheese (more on that next) or sip on coffee while pretending you’re on a cooking show. No judgment.

Step 3: Shred Your Cheese (Don’t Skip This!)

Grab a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese might seem convenient, but it’s coated with anti-caking agents that mess with meltiness. For that classic gooey pull and rich flavor, fresh is best.

Want ideas for other cheese-forward recipes? These gnocchi mac and cheese or creamy mushroom bisque options are both perfect pairings.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients Together Thoroughly

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 pound of room temperature breakfast sausage
• 2 cups of all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
• 4 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Now roll up your sleeves — it’s time to dive in. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until everything is evenly combined. The texture will be sticky and thick, kind of like cookie dough with an attitude. Don’t overmix though — you want everything just incorporated, not overworked.

Looking for substitutions or allergy-friendly swaps? Our ingredient substitution guide includes gluten-free options and meatless ideas.

Step 5: Form the Sausage Balls (Hands-On Time)

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Think golf ball size — not softball. A small cookie scoop works great for even sizing, but your hands will do just fine. Lightly oiling your palms can help reduce sticking.

Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them to allow for even cooking. No need to flatten — they’ll hold their shape perfectly.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown color with slightly crispy edges and a tender, cheesy center. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark — every oven has its quirks.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through for even baking. And if you’re using a convection oven, check a little earlier — they cook fast!

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once baked to perfection, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This helps the steam escape and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy. Serve warm for peak deliciousness — or at room temp for easy party grazing.

Want more cozy appetizer inspiration? Try pairing them with this wild mushroom, caramelized onion, and kale soup — it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

What to Serve with Viral Sausage Balls

These sausage balls play well with others. If you’re building a holiday spread, serve them alongside a festive soup like White Chicken Lasagna Soup or Italian Penicillin Soup — both hearty enough to complement the richness. Add a sweet-and-savory dip (think honey mustard or spicy jam), and maybe some crunchy veggies for contrast. They also pair perfectly with a simple salad like this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for a little balance. Hosting brunch? Add them to a spread with mini pancakes, fruit skewers, and cinnamon rolls. Basically, wherever you plop them down, they’re welcome.

Key Tips for Making Viral Sausage Balls

1. Use room temp sausage. Cold sausage makes mixing harder than it needs to be.
2. Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that mess with the texture.
3. Don’t overmix. A light touch keeps them tender.
4. Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
5. Test one first. Bake a single ball to make sure the texture and seasoning are on point.
6. Avoid flattening. They should stay nice and round — don’t press them down.
7. Make ahead. You can prep the balls the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Viral Sausage Balls

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your viral sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Want to freeze them? Totally doable. Just flash-freeze the raw balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen — just add an extra 5 minutes. Reheating? A toaster oven or 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes brings back that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving unless you like ‘em chewy (no judgment). They also reheat great in an air fryer — 3–4 minutes at 350°F and you’re golden.

FAQs

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the mixture the day before or freeze the raw balls for up to 2 months.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Sure, but fresh-shredded cheddar melts way better and gives that glorious cheesy pull.

Do I have to use Bisquick?
Nope! Any all-purpose baking mix works. Gluten-free? Use a GF blend.

Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes! Try 350°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Are they spicy?
Not unless you want them to be. Add spicy sausage or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.

Final Thoughts

Viral Sausage Balls are one of those recipes that earn you compliments without demanding hours in the kitchen. They’re festive, flavorful, and surprisingly foolproof — the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need something that won’t flop under pressure, these are a holiday must. Plus, once you’ve made them once, you’ll be dreaming up variations for every season. Want more finger food inspo? You might love Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes or even a cozy Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Get creative — just don’t skip the cheese.

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