These sausage balls are made with gluten-free baking mix, ground sausage, and plenty of cheddar cheese. They bake up golden and tender on the inside with a crispy edge—no one will even know they’re gluten-free. They work great as a make-ahead breakfast, appetizer, or protein-rich snack for the whole family.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free baking mix (like Bob’s Red Mill GF Biscuit Mix or King Arthur GF Baking Mix)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened, optional for extra moisture)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents).
- Mix by hand or with a stand mixer for even distribution without overworking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes so they bake evenly.
- Add cream cheese for extra moisture and a soft center.
- Serve with dips! Ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo all work great.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or your hands (the best tools!)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No cream cheese? Leave it out—traditional sausage balls work fine without.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese and skip cream cheese.
- Spicy version: Use hot sausage and pepper jack cheese.
- Add-ins: Try minced jalapeño, green onion, or chopped cooked bacon.
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Roll and freeze uncooked balls on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
- Cooked sausage balls can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sausage, cheese, gluten-free baking mix, cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until fully combined.
3. Scoop & Shape
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion into 1-inch balls. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Let cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer for crispy edges, or microwave gently.
💬 Final Thoughts
These gluten-free sausage balls are the ultimate savory snack that everyone can enjoy—crispy outside, cheesy inside, and packed with flavor. Make a double batch and freeze some—you’ll thank yourself later! Perfect for brunches, game days, or protein-packed lunchbox bites.
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