There’s something magical about winter cooking. As the temperature drops and the kitchen windows fog up, I always find myself craving comfort food — the kind that warms your hands, fills your home with irresistible aromas, and brings everyone rushing to the table. Growing up with an Italian grandmother who believed that every season had its own soul, she’d often say, “In winter, food must hug you before you even taste it.”

And surprisingly, one of the most “hug-like” recipes she adored wasn’t Italian at all — it was a Southern American staple she learned when she first moved to Alabama: easy sausage balls. She fell in love with their simplicity, their heartiness, and how they turned a handful of ingredients into something that felt like a celebration.

Today’s recipe is inspired by her love for uncomplicated food with big flavor. These 3-ingredient sausage balls are everything winter comfort should be — warm, savory, cheesy, and unbelievably simple. With just sausage, biscuit mix, and cheddar cheese, you’ll have a dish that works for breakfast, appetizers, game nights, or holiday gatherings.

This version is perfect for busy cooks because sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious. And trust me — once your family tastes these, they’ll ask for them every winter.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Sausage Balls

Using our focus keyword easy sausage balls, here’s why this recipe earns its place as a winter staple:

• ✔ Only 3 ingredients
• ✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
• ✔ Perfect for meal prep, parties, or quick appetizers
• ✔ Freezer-friendly
• ✔ Crowd-pleasing Southern flavor

And yes — these sausage balls are unbelievably easy. No long ingredient lists. No complicated techniques. Just mix, roll, and bake.

Ingredients (Serves 7)

This recipe creates tender, perfectly golden sausage balls with a nicely balanced cheesy flavor. For seven servings, you’ll need:

Ingredients List

• 1 pound (450g) ground breakfast sausage – mild or hot
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
• 2 cups Bisquick or any biscuit baking mix

That’s it — just three ingredients to make these easy sausage balls burst with authentic Southern charm.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–22 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 7 generous portions

How to Make Easy Sausage Balls (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your sausage balls bake evenly.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground sausage
• Biscuit mix
• Cheddar cheese

Use clean hands — it’s the best tool for the job. The mixture will feel slightly dry at first, but keep kneading until it comes together.

Pro Tip:
If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk for easier rolling.

3. Shape the Sausage Balls

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 26–30 sausage balls depending on size.

Place them evenly onto your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

4. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are beautifully golden and slightly crisp around the edges.

5. Cool & Serve

Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Tips for Perfect Easy Sausage Balls

To make these easy sausage balls turn out perfectly every time:

✓ Use freshly shredded cheese

Pre-shredded cheese can be dry because of anti-caking agents.

✓ Choose sausage with good fat content

It keeps the sausage balls tender instead of dry.

✓ Avoid overbaking

Check them at the 18-minute mark. Overbaking makes them tough.

✓ Make ahead for parties

Refrigerate the rolled balls for up to 24 hours before baking.

✓ Freeze for up to 3 months

Freeze them raw or cooked — both work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for Winter

Because this is a winter-friendly recipe, here are my grandmother-approved, cozy serving ideas:

• Serve with warm honey mustard
• Pair with buttermilk biscuits for breakfast
• Add them to a holiday appetizer board
• Dip in spicy aioli for a bold winter twist
• Serve with sausage gravy for a comforting breakfast bowl

Flavor Variations (Still Only 3 Ingredients!)

Want to keep things simple but switch up the flavor?

• Spicy 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls

Use hot sausage + pepper jack instead of cheddar.

• Extra Cheesy Version

Add an extra ½ cup of cheddar.

• Herb & Garlic Version

Use cheddar and a garlic-flavored biscuit mix.

Still just 3 ingredients — still incredibly easy.