These healthy sausage balls are your new go-to for a quick, high-protein snack, party appetizer, or easy breakfast. Made with just three simple ingredients, they come together in minutes and bake to golden brown perfection. Whether it’s game day, Christmas morning, a play date or a busy meal prep weekend, this easy sausage ball recipe is a lifesaver.
If you love this recipe, you will love my high protein bagel bites, healthier McGriddle bites, or my banana chocolate chip oatmeal muffins!
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Ingredients
You only need three main ingredients to make these tasty sausage balls:
- Turkey sausage (or any raw sausage, like chicken sausage or spicy sausage)
- Kodiak pancake mix (or other protein baking mix)
- Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (or sharp cheddar cheese or pre-shredded cheese)
Optional:
- Low-fat milk or almond milk if mixture seems dry
- Black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley or onion powder for added savory flavor
- Dash of red pepper flakes or teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a prepared baking sheet or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray for easy clean up
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the turkey sausage, pancake mix, and shredded cheese until evenly mixed. If the mixture is too dry, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water. Add in additional seasonings if desired.
Step 3:Use a cookie scoop or hands to form into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
Step 4:Bake for 20-23 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool slightly before serving.
Hint: If the mixture is too dry, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.
Substitutions
- Pancake Mix: Use gluten-free Bisquick or gluten-free kodiac mix to make this recipe gluten-free or another high-protein mix.
- Cheese: Try a cheddar blend, colby jack cheese or a dairy-free option.
- Sausage: Swap in pork sausage, chicken sausage, or beef sausage based on preference. You can also use maple sausage, italian sausage or spicy sausage.
Variations
- Add finely chopped green onion or shredded veggies for extra flavor.
- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet & savory twist.
- Spice it up with a teaspoon cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage
Equipment
All you need to make these healthy sausage balls are:
- Large bowl or stand mixer
- XL baking sheet or 2 Baking Sheets
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Storage
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer the next morning for a quick breakfast or snack.
They also freeze well—just place cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe bag and reheat straight from frozen.
Dietitian Tip
These healthy sausage balls offer a great balance of protein and carbs, making them a satisfying option to help curb hunger and support blood sugar balance. Want to boost the nutrition even more? Try adding a side of fruit and greek yogurt for some additional fiber and protein.
FAQ
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake.
They can be! Just use a gluten-free baking mix like gluten-free Bisquick or a certified gluten-free pancake mix.
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
We love using lean turkey sausage, but chicken sausage, regular sausage, or even spicy sausage work well. Just make sure it’s uncooked ground sausage.
Breakfast
Looking for other breakfast recipes like this? Try these:
Appetizer
Looking for some other appetizers like this?
These healthy sausage balls are a great option for brunch, snacks, or the holiday season. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and so much flavor, they might just become one of your favorite easy recipes for church functions, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend at home!
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Healthy Sausage Balls (3 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Large bowl or stand mixer
- Prepared baking sheet or cookie sheet
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1 ½ cups Kodiak pancake mix
- 8 oz low-fat cheddar cheese shredded
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1-2 tablespoon low-fat milk, almond milk or water
- ½ Teaspoon Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a prepared baking sheet or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray for easy clean up.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the turkey sausage, pancake mix, and shredded cheese until evenly mixed. If the mixture is too dry, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of room temperature milk or water.
- Use a cookie scoop or hands to form into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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