A Classic Southern Appetizer Made Perfect**
Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls are one of the most iconic Southern party foods ever created. They are simple, hearty, comforting, and endlessly versatile. With only a handful of ingredients—sausage, baking mix, and cheese—you get a warm and satisfying bite-sized appetizer that works for breakfast, brunch, holiday gatherings, potlucks, game days, or even weeknight snacks.
This long-form article explores everything you need to know about making perfect sausage balls at home, including how they work, the best techniques for texture, how to avoid dryness, how to store and reheat them, plus variations and flavor upgrades. The recipe is simple enough for a beginner but delicious enough for even the most seasoned cook to appreciate. Because they are baked rather than fried, they develop a pleasantly crisp exterior and a soft, savory, cheesy center that melts in your mouth.
In true Paula Deen fashion, these sausage balls lean heavily into classic Southern comfort cooking: bold flavors, rich textures, and warm, hearty bites that bring everyone to the table. Below, you will find the complete ingredient list, detailed instructions, tips for success, preparation time, and calories. If you follow the method closely, you will produce tender, flavorful, perfectly moist sausage balls that never crumble or dry out.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls
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1 pound (450 g) ground pork sausage, uncooked
(Use regular, hot, or maple-flavored sausage depending on your preference.) -
2 cups Bisquick or another all-purpose baking mix
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt (optional; adjust based on saltiness of the sausage)
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2 tablespoons milk (optional, helps with moisture)
Optional Dipping Sauces
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Ranch dressing
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Honey mustard
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Spicy mayo
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Barbecue sauce
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Cream cheese dip
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Hot sauce
These sauces are optional, but they pair extremely well with the savory, cheesy profile of sausage balls.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Sausage (uncooked)
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Bisquick or baking mix
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Paprika
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Black pepper
Mix everything thoroughly using your hands. Because the sausage is uncooked, this mixture can be sticky and takes a bit of effort. The warmth of your hands helps the ingredients blend evenly.
If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add up to 2 tablespoons of milk. The milk helps hydrate the baking mix and gives softer, moister sausage balls.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a firm ball using your hands. Aim for small, even spheres, roughly the size of a walnut.
Place each sausage ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to allow heat circulation.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the sausage balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are:
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Golden brown
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Firm to the touch
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Fully cooked in the center
The cheese will melt and bubble slightly, contributing to a crisp exterior and a moist, cheesy center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the sausage balls to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
**How to Prepare Paula Deen Sausage Balls
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