We started making these with hot turkey sausage, reduced fat sharp cheddar, and fat free cream cheese to get the same game day sausage ball flavor with about half the calories. We've tested them for game day, and they still disappear fast.

Why Lighter Sausage Balls stay in the rotation

If you’re looking for some good Super Bowl food that won’t totally ruin your New Years Resolutions, these might be the thing you’re looking for. Sausage balls are super straightforward to cook, but normally have about 120 calories PER ball. We've lightened these up to have only 56 calories per ball.

They only require four ingredients and they’re straightforward and plain to make. Adding them to the food lineup this Sunday is straightforward and everyone will enjoy them. You can dip them in whatever dipping sauces you like, but personally, we like dipping them in plain ‘ol ketchup!

We make ours kind of large, but you can make yours smaller and they would be even less calories per ball.

Ingredients for Turkey Sausage Balls with Bisquick Recipe

Hot Breakfast Turkey Sausage – Hot sausage will give you a house favorite flavor results. You can also use mild if you prefer, but the cheeses and Bisquick mix will dampen the spiciness with whichever you choose.
Fat Free Cream Cheese – You could also use reduced fat cream cheese also known as Neufchatel.
Bisquick Baking Mix – Be sure to use the baking mix, not pancake mix. You don’t want the one where you add water.
Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar will give you the sharp cheese flavor you want that stays firm against the sausage and cream cheese.

Can pre-shredded cheese be used or should grated block cheese be used?

We recommend grated block cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a preservative on it that keeps it from clumping, but also means it doesn’t melt the same as when it’s grated from a block.

Variations to make for Gluten Free Turkey Sausage Balls

Bisquick makes a Gluten Free version. You’ll want to use that in place of the standard Bisquick mix.

How to cook Sausage Balls (Step by Step)

Preheat oven to 350°F & line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage and cream cheese.
Using an electric mixer, mix until they are thoroughly combined. You could also do this by hand, but an electric mixer works best.
Once fully combined, add in the Bisquick.
Once the Bisquick is incorporated, add in the cheddar cheese.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop the balls of the mixture onto the parchment paper.
Once you’ve scooped all of the balls, use your hands to smooth them out and make them more uniform.
Place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
After the balls have chilled for 15 minutes, place them directly into the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are firm and golden.
Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Side view of lighter sausage balls sitting on a white serving plate.

Sausage Ball Variations

These turkey sausage balls are straightforward to adjust based on what you have on hand or how you like them.

For a little extra heat, use hot turkey sausage and add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. If you want them milder, use mild turkey sausage instead.

You can also swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack, Colby jack, or regular cheddar. We like sharp cheddar best because it gives the sausage balls more flavor without needing extra ingredients.

For a more classic version, you can use regular pork breakfast sausage and full fat cheese, but the turkey sausage and reduced fat cheese are what keep this version lighter.

Sausage Balls FAQs

How do you store Bisquick Sausage Balls?

Bisquick Sausage Balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or the freezer for up to 6 months.

How long will this Sausage Balls Recipe with Bisquick keep in the refrigerator? What is a house favorite way to reheat them?

This Sausage Balls Recipe with Bisquick will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat them, we recommend reheating them in the oven, slowly with low heat to avoid overcooking.

Do Turkey Sausage Balls freeze well?

Turkey Sausage Balls freeze well. You can freeze them prior to baking or after baking. Be sure to store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

When freezing Sausage Balls is it better to freeze them before or after cooking?

You can freeze Sausage balls before or after baking. It’s up to personal preference. If you are freezing prior to baking, we recommend freezing them on parchment paper and then once frozen, transferring them to an airtight container. If you are going to freeze them after baking, be sure they cool completely before storing them to avoid extra condensation in the container.

Dipping Sauces to serve with Sausage Bisquick Balls

Sausage Bisquick Balls are excellent on their own, but if you’d like a great dipping sauce, these work well:

Fry Sauce (Try our Sweet Potato Fries Dipping Sauce)
Ketchup
Ranch Dressing
Mustard
Aioli (3 parts mayo, 3 parts sour cream, 1 part mustard, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper)

Makes 36

Ingredients

1 lb Jennie-O Hot Breakfast Turkey Sausage
8 oz fat free cream cheese
2 cups Bisquick
1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Method

Preheat oven to 350° & line a baking sheet with parchment paper . Set aside
In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, mix until they are thoroughly combined.
Once combined, add in Bisquick.
Once Bisquick is incorporated, add in the cheddar cheese.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop the balls of the mixture onto the parchment paper .
Once you’ve scooped all of the balls, use your hands to smooth them out and make them more uniform.
Place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
After the balls have chilled for 15 minutes, place them directly into the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are firm and golden.
Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.