Name: Sausage Balls Without Bisquick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 50
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups self-rising flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces mild breakfast sausage; 8 ounces spicy breakfast sausage; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons shortening; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (fresh); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey

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Sausage balls without Bisquick are a delicious and easy update for a classic appetizer. With flour as a substitute for Bisquick, this sausage balls recipe also uses cream cheese for the best flavor and a perfectly tender center!

Sausage Balls being dipped in honey mustard on a white serving platter

For families who prefer to cook from scratch using simple ingredients, making sausage balls without Bisquick is a great idea. Even if you love boxed mixes, there may be times when there’s no Bisquick in the pantry — simply use self-rising flour to get the same delicious results!

This sausage ball recipe without Bisquick combines ground sausage, flour, cream cheese, and a touch of shortening for rich flavor. You won’t mind the absence of Bisquick baking mix, even though the brand-made sausage balls are a classic and much-loved appetizer.

These homemade sausage balls with cream cheese turn out golden brown, moist, and flavorful every time. They’re a fantastic choice for holidays, snacks, tailgating, or anytime you need to feed a crowd!

Ingredients needed to make sausage balls with flour

How to Make Sausage Balls Without Bisquick

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Cut the cream cheese and shortening into the flour until it is crumbly. Then, add the sausage and begin working it into the flour, using your hands.

You can use a food processor to make it easier if you prefer. Finally, add in the grated cheese and work it into the mixture until it’s evenly combined.

Collage of steps to mix all the ingredients into a bowl together

STEP THREE: Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into a ball in the palm of your hands. Place the uncooked sausage balls on the baking sheet.

Raw sausage balls without bisquick on a baking sheet

STEP FOUR: Bake sausage balls with cream cheese for 20 minutes or until golden brown. If you’d like, you can brush with butter and sprinkle with parsley for extra flavor after the sausage balls are cooked.

Honey Mustard Dip ingredients

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey

Combine with a wire whisk for best results.

Cooked sausage balls being pasted with butter on a baking sheet

What to Serve With Sausage Balls

Variations to Making Sausage Balls

You can easily double the recipe for sausage balls without Bisquick if you prefer to use up all the sausage and cream cheese.
Try a different cheese. As long as it isn’t too soft (think mozzarella), you can use your favorite or whatever is on hand!
Feeling spicy? Swap your mild ground sausage for all spicy sausage or add a little cayenne pepper to this sausage balls recipe.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces! We love a side of honey mustard sauce or homemade bbq sauce alongside these sausage balls with flour.

Sausage balls on a serving platter with a small bowl of honey mustard

More Sausage Recipes

Smoked Sausage in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (try these with ground sausage instead of beef!)
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
5 Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole
Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

Tips for the Best Sausage Balls

Use good sausage. Since the fat content of ground pork sausage can vary, I like to use a reputable brand like Jimmy Dean. Ground sausage from the meat counter is another way to ensure delicious sausage balls that aren’t too greasy.
Get a bold flavor. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese when making this sausage ball recipe without Bisquick. Freshly grated cheese will have the most flavor, but bagged shreds are great for quick prep.
Wet your hands when forming. A little goes a long way, so just a few drops of water are more than enough to create a smooth surface on sausage balls with flour.

Closeup of sausage balls being dipped into honey mustard sauce

Why Do My Sausage Balls Fall Apart?

Crumbly sausage balls are usually the result of adding too much flour. Even if your sausage balls with flour feel a little sticky, resist the urge to add more!

If you followed this sausage balls without Bisquick recipe exactly, but the sausage balls fell flat, make sure you used self-rising flour (and that it wasn’t expired).

Also, make sure your fatty ingredients like cheese and even shortening remain chilled until baking.

How to Store Leftover Sausage Balls

Cooked sausage balls without Bisquick are good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, you should freeze them.

Place cheesy sausage balls on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Cover them with plastic wrap, then freeze sausage balls for about an hour or until firm.

Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, then store it in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Overhead of sausage balls on a serving platter with honey mustard and serving fork with hand taking one

More Appetizer Recipes:

Yield: 50 sausage balls