Introduction

Sausage balls are a classic Southern appetizer that combines savory sausage, melty cheese, and a soft, biscuit-like texture. They’re perfect for breakfast, game day, or holiday gatherings. But what if you don’t have Bisquick on hand or prefer a homemade version without preservatives?

This easy sausage ball recipe replaces Bisquick with simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. The result? Perfectly tender, cheesy sausage balls with better flavor and texture!

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to make homemade sausage balls without Bisquick
✔️ The best flour substitutes for a fluffy, biscuit-like texture
✔️ Expert tips to prevent dry or crumbly sausage balls
✔️ Tasty variations like gluten-free and spicy versions

Let’s get started!

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Why Make Sausage Balls Without Bisquick?

Bisquick is a popular shortcut, but making sausage balls without it has some major benefits.

1. No Preservatives & Additives

Bisquick contains hydrogenated oils, stabilizers, and artificial flavors. When you make your own mix, you know exactly what’s in it!

2. Cheaper & More Versatile

Why buy a special mix when you can use flour and basic ingredients you already have? Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking.

3. Better Texture & Flavor

Homemade sausage balls have a fluffier, lighter texture than ones made with Bisquick, which can sometimes be dense or dry.

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What is Bisquick?

Bisquick is a pre-mixed baking blend that contains:
✅ Flour (main base)
✅ Baking Powder (leavening)
✅ Salt (for flavor)
✅ Shortening (adds tenderness)

To replace Bisquick, we’ll simply recreate this blend using basic pantry ingredients!

Ingredients for Homemade Sausage Balls (No Bisquick)

You don’t need a store-bought mix to make soft, cheesy, and delicious sausage balls. Instead, we’ll use simple pantry ingredients that create the same fluffy texture as Bisquick.

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Flour Alternatives for Sausage Balls

Since Bisquick is primarily flour with leavening agents, we’ll need to recreate that mix using basic ingredients.

Basic Homemade Bisquick Substitute:
✅ 1 cup all-purpose flour (main base)
✅ 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (helps the dough rise)
✅ ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)

Pro Tip: If you want a richer texture, mix in 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil to mimic the shortening found in Bisquick.

Can You Use Regular Flour for Sausage Balls?

Yes! Just make sure to add baking powder and salt to help create the right texture.

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Best Sausage Choices

The type of sausage you use will affect the flavor and moisture of your sausage balls.

Best Options:
✅ Pork breakfast sausage – Classic, flavorful, and juicy.
✅ Spicy sausage – Adds a little heat for extra kick!
✅ Turkey sausage – A leaner, lower-fat option.
✅ Plant-based sausage – Great for a vegetarian alternative.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature sausage for easier mixing!

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Cheese Selection for the Best Flavor

Cheese is what gives sausage balls their signature gooey texture and rich taste!

Best Cheese Options:
✅ Sharp cheddar – Bold, classic flavor.
✅ Pepper jack – Adds a spicy twist.
✅ Mozzarella – For an extra melty texture.

Avoid pre-shredded cheese! It contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Grate fresh cheese for the best results!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage Balls Without Bisquick

Follow these easy steps to make perfectly fluffy, cheesy, and delicious sausage balls from scratch!

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Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The key to soft, tender sausage balls is mixing the ingredients correctly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✅ 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
✅ 1 tablespoon baking powder (helps with fluffiness)
✅ ½ teaspoon salt
✅ 1 pound sausage (room temperature for easy mixing)
✅ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
✅ ¼ cup milk (optional for extra moisture)

Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.

Pro Tip: If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk to help bind the ingredients!

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Step 2: Rolling & Shaping the Sausage Balls

Now, it’s time to shape them into bite-sized balls!

How to Roll Perfect Sausage Balls:
1️⃣ Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball.
2️⃣ Roll it between your palms until smooth.
3️⃣ Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4️⃣ Keep them 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking.

Pro Tip: Lightly oil your hands before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking!

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Step 3: Baking the Perfect Sausage Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until:
✅ The tops are golden brown.
✅ The cheese is melted and bubbly.
✅ The inside is fully cooked (165°F internal temp).

Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end!

Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls Without Bisquick

Making sausage balls from scratch is easy, but a few simple mistakes can lead to dry, crumbly, or dense results. Follow these tips to get the best texture and flavor.

1. Preventing Dry or Crumbly Sausage Balls

• Use room-temperature sausage to ensure even mixing and better texture.
• Add a splash of milk if the dough feels too dry. This helps keep the sausage balls soft and moist.
• Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at 18 minutes to prevent drying out.

2. Getting the Right Cheese-to-Flour Ratio

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
• Stick to a 2:1 cheese-to-flour ratio for the best flavor and texture.
• For extra gooey sausage balls, add a small handful of mozzarella cheese to the mix.

3. Making Ahead and Freezing for Later

• You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• To freeze, place unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Bake frozen sausage balls directly from the freezer at 375°F, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Variations & Substitutions

Sausage balls are easy to customize based on dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some great alternatives to try.

1. Gluten-Free Sausage Balls

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour.
• Some gluten-free flour blends already contain baking powder, so adjust accordingly.
• Almond flour can also work but will create a slightly denser texture.

2. Healthier Sausage Balls

• Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork to reduce fat content.
• Swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
• Reduce the amount of flour slightly or replace part of it with oat flour for added fiber.

3. Spicy or Extra-Cheesy Variations

• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicier kick.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a naturally spicier flavor.
• For extra cheesy sausage balls, mix in a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.

4. Keto and Low-Carb Sausage Balls

• Replace regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbs.
• Use full-fat cheese and sugar-free sausage to keep it keto-friendly.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of sausage balls depends on the ingredients used, but here’s an estimate based on a standard recipe.

Per Serving (2 Sausage Balls):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180-220 kcal
Protein	8-10g
Fat	14-16g
Carbohydrates	4-6g
Fiber	0.5-1g
Sugar	<1g

Ways to Adjust Nutrition

• To reduce fat, use turkey sausage and low-fat cheese.
• For a lower-carb version, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
• To increase protein, add an extra ounce of shredded cheese or use leaner sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I use instead of Bisquick in sausage balls?

You can make a simple substitute using all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. A basic replacement for 1 cup of Bisquick is:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

If you want a richer texture, you can also add 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil to mimic the shortening in Bisquick.

Can you use regular flour for sausage balls?

Yes, but since Bisquick contains leavening agents, you need to add baking powder and salt to help with texture. Without them, the sausage balls may turn out too dense.

Can you use pancake mix instead of Bisquick for sausage balls?

Some pancake mixes can work, but they often contain added sugar, which may make the sausage balls slightly sweet. If using pancake mix, try to find a low-sugar or unsweetened variety.

How do I keep sausage balls from getting dry?

• Use room-temperature sausage to ensure even mixing.
• Add a splash of milk if the dough feels dry.
• Avoid overbaking—check for doneness at 18 minutes to keep them from drying out.

Can I freeze sausage balls?

Yes, sausage balls can be frozen before or after baking.

• Uncooked: Freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Cooked: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

Sausage balls Bisquick are easy to make using simple pantry ingredients. By substituting flour, baking powder, and salt for Bisquick, you can create a homemade version that is just as soft, cheesy, and flavorful.

This recipe allows for flexibility—whether you want a gluten-free, keto-friendly, or spicy variation, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your sausage balls turn out moist, tender, and packed with flavor every time.

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Key Takeaways

• Bisquick can be replaced with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Use room-temperature sausage for easier mixing and better texture.
• Shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Avoid dry sausage balls by adding a splash of milk if needed.
• Make-ahead and freezing options allow for easy meal prep.

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What Do You Think?

Have you ever made sausage without Bisquick? What’s your favorite variation? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

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