Craving a simple yet satisfying breakfast that’s ready in minutes? Look no further than these incredibly easy 3-ingredient Bisquick sausage balls, a recipe that echoes the straightforward, no-fuss cooking style of the Pioneer Woman herself. This recipe takes the classic sausage ball concept and streamlines it to its delicious essence: savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and the magic binder, Bisquick baking mix. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you need a quick and flavorful bite, these sausage balls are set to become your new go-to breakfast hero.
These aren’t just any sausage balls; they’re a testament to simple cooking done right. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a batch of warm, cheesy, and savory sausage balls ready to devour in under 20 minutes. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Make them ahead, freeze them for later, or customize them with your favorite sausage flavors – the possibilities are as endless as they are easy.
An enticing close-up of golden brown sausage balls, highlighting their savory texture and cheesy interiors.
Why This 3-Ingredient Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for its sheer simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike because:
- Minimal Ingredients: Just three key ingredients are all you need – breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. This means less shopping and quicker prep time.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Everything mixes together in a single bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency.
- Quick Cooking Time: From mixing to baking, you’re looking at under 20 minutes, making it ideal for those rushed mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake when needed, or bake them ahead and reheat – perfect for meal prepping or holiday breakfasts.
- Freezer Friendly: Sausage balls freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a tasty breakfast or snack option on hand.
The Star Ingredients for Your 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls
Let’s dive into what makes these Bisquick sausage balls so irresistible:
- Breakfast Sausage: The heart of the recipe, providing savory flavor and essential moisture. Pork breakfast sausage is classic, but feel free to experiment with different flavors like maple, spicy, or herb-seasoned to match your taste. Ensure you use ground sausage for the best texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is highly recommended for its bold flavor that cuts through the richness of the sausage. Freshly shredded cheese from a block melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain cellulose that can hinder melting.
- Bisquick Baking Mix: This is the magic ingredient that binds everything together. Bisquick not only provides structure but also contributes to the slightly fluffy yet dense texture of the sausage balls. While traditionally Bisquick is used, you can explore alternatives like Stove Top Stuffing Mix or Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix for a unique twist, as suggested by home cooks.
A countertop display of the three simple ingredients: ground breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix, each in separate bowls, ready to be combined.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 3-Ingredient Bisquick Sausage Balls
Making these sausage balls is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sausage balls tough.
- Shape into Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place the formed sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) ensures they are safely cooked.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once baked, transfer the sausage balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This step helps maintain their delicious texture without being overly greasy.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your 3-ingredient Bisquick sausage balls warm! They are fantastic on their own or with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
A clear glass bowl containing raw sausage ball mixture, showcasing the combined ingredients before baking.
Tips for Perfect Bisquick Sausage Balls Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing is key to tender sausage balls. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: For optimal melting and flavor, shred your own cheese from a block of sharp cheddar.
- Sausage Flavor Variations: Experiment with different sausage varieties to find your favorite flavor profile. Maple sausage adds sweetness, spicy sausage brings the heat, and herb-seasoned sausage offers a savory depth.
- Make Them Ahead (Unbaked): Prepare the sausage balls ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This is a great time-saving tip for busy schedules.
- Freezing for Later: Baked and cooled sausage balls can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw them completely before reheating for the best texture.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftover or frozen sausage balls in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls
- Can I make sausage balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them unbaked and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or bake them completely and reheat later.
- Do sausage balls need to be refrigerated? Yes, leftover sausage balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can sausage balls be frozen? Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 6 months. Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing and thaw completely before reheating.
- What dips go well with sausage balls? While delicious on their own, sausage balls pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli.
A white bowl filled with perfectly baked Bisquick sausage balls, ready to be served and enjoyed.
More Delicious Sausage Recipes to Explore
If you love the savory goodness of sausage, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- [Link to Sausage and Gravy Recipe on Pioneer Technology (if available)]
- [Link to Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe on Pioneer Technology (if available)]
- [Link to another relevant sausage recipe on Pioneer Technology (if available)]
These 3-ingredient Bisquick sausage balls are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. Embrace the ease and enjoy the flavor – you’ll be making these again and again!
Recipe: 3-Ingredient Bisquick Sausage Balls
Yields: 20 sausage balls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 17-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently combine breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix until just mixed.
- Scoop mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Sausage Options: Herb-seasoned pork sausage, maple, spicy, or regular pork sausage all work well.
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar is recommended; shred your own cheese for best results.
- Bisquick Substitutes: Stove Top Stuffing Mix or Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix can be used for a variation.
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
