These sausage balls with ground turkey are a slightly leaner version of our classic Bisquick sausage ball recipe. Healthier sausage balls don’t lack any deliciousness…in fact, they are loaded with three kinds of cheese for the absolute best flavor ever!
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This recipe is very easy to make! Perfect for serving at any gathering or special occasion. This recipe only takes 30 minutes or less to prepare and cook!
Make batches ahead of time and keep them in the freezer or fridge. This way, you’ll always have a delicious, healthy meal on hand and ready to serve any time!
Why We Love Turkey Sausage Balls
Tender, tasty and healthy turkey sausage balls are a flavorful appetizer that everyone loves. You know that you are in for a superb snack anytime a recipe only has 5 ingredients and 3 of them are cheeses!
They’re made with ground turkey sausage and cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese, plus no-fail Bisquick (the classic yellow box or try our homemade DIY Bisquick recipe). So, this means that your batches of turkey cheese balls are more likely to be successful.
The great thing is I’m sure you’ll be making this recipe for all of your parties, potlucks, game days, dinners, and any occasion that calls for savory dip-able treats.
Best of all, it is easy to prepare a large batch of turkey sausage balls at once in only 30 minutes. You then have some ready in hand for serving immediately and have plenty to freeze for later.
Pro Tip: always keep a bag in the freezer ready to go! Add them to slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes, or use them as meatballs in pasta sauces, for a quick weeknight dinner.
Of course, I won’t blame you if your family does decide to enjoy all of these delicious snackers right away!
Love meatballs? Check out our marinara meatballs, sweet chili meatballs, pimiento cheese sausage balls, and Bisquick sausage balls!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground turkey sausage – I prefer the Jennie-O brand for this recipe. You can also try the hot version for a real kick of heat.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – extra sharp cheddar gives a nice tangy cheesiness.
- Bisquick baking mix – this binds the meatball ingredients together. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can make your own homemade DIY baking mix with this linked guide.
- Cream cheese – this keeps the meatballs moist and tender and avoids dry, crumbly turkey balls.
- Parmesan cheese – we love this aged cheese for a tasty boost and to prevent chewy, dry meatballs.
Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to buy pre-shredded cheese. I suggest you shred your own cheddar. Packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause your sausage balls to crack and dry out.
Recipe variations
- No Bisquick? No worries! Make your own homemade DIY baking mix.Gluten-free sausage balls: Substitute the Bisquick with Gluten-Free Bisquick or your favorite gluten-free baking mix.
- Healthy sausage balls: Make even healthier sausage balls with low-fat cream cheese, low-fat shredded cheddar, and Heart Smart Bisquick.
- Air fryer sausage balls: Make sausage balls quick and easy right in the air fryer. See the recipe below for air frying instructions.
Love Easy Appetizers? Try these recipes:
- Bisquick Sausage Balls with Cheese
- Baked Chicken Tenders
- Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
- Pretzel Balls from Ready-Dough
- Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups
- Loaded Tater Tots Appetizer Recipe.
Equipment Used in This Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe
- Large mixing bowl to mix together the sausage ball ingredients
- Mix ‘N Chop (ground beef mixer) or potato masher to help mix the ground turkey and other ingredients
- Medium-sized scoop to make the appetizer balls all the same size
- Large Baking Sheet for the turkey sausage balls
- Parchment Paper or a Silpat silicone liner to keep the meatballs from sticking
- Air fryer (optional)
How to Make Turkey Sausage Balls
Add the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking mix and green onion (if using) on top.
Using clean hands, a potato masher or a stand mixer mix the sausage ball mixture together. If using your hands, it is best to knead or fold the baking mix into the ground sausage.
Then, use a medium scoop or large tablespoon to make 24 meat balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until they are lightly golden brown in color. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center of the sausage balls registers 145º Fahrenheit in temperature.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like a marinara sauce or a zesty BBQ.
How to Store Sausage Balls
Can you make sausage balls ahead of time? Absolutely.
After rolling your turkey sausage into balls, you can refrigerate or freeze them depending on how soon you will use them.
Here’s how to store, freeze, and Reheat sausage balls
Storing turkey sausage balls in the fridge:
- Space the turkey sausage balls at least 1″ apart on a baking sheet.
- Then, cover the baking sheet with foil, and store it flat in the fridge.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Freezing sausage balls:
- Space the sausage balls at least 1″ apart on a baking sheet.
- Then, place the baking sheet uncovered in the freezer for 2 hours to flash freeze them.
- Store in a freezer-safe, sealed container for up to 3 months.
How do you reheat frozen sausage balls?
To reheat frozen sausage balls: let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before baking frozen sausage balls.
You can add frozen sausage balls straight to a slow cooker recipe, the Instant Pot, or to a pot of marinara sauce cooking on the stove without thawing.*
*Before serving, be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Serve with Turkey Cheese Balls
Tender turkey cheese balls are ideal to dip in your favorite sauces. As both sweet and savory condiments pair well with it!
Another idea is to serve your turkey cheese ball recipe with classics like tangy mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
In fact, I highly suggest you pair them with homemade cheese dip or softened cream cheese. This will give you a more delicious cheesy flavor to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low fat cheeses and/or pre-shredded cheeses are often the reason that sausage balls are dry and crumble. See notes for tips!
The turkey sausage balls will be lightly golden and firm when they are fully cooked. I recommend that you test them with a thermometer to make sure they have reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
They will stay good for an hour at room temperature. However, turkey sausage balls do need to be refrigerated if you plan to save for over 2-3 hours.
Storing them uncooked will keep fresher tasting; when thawed and cooked, the originally raw ones tend to be moister than reheated pre-cooked balls. See notes for full freezing and storage tips.
the Best Turkey and Cheese Bisquick Sausage balls Recipe
Turkey Sausage Balls
Equipment
- large bowl
- potato masher or chopper/mixing tool or stand mixer (optional)
- medium-sized scoop or large spoon
- large baking Sheet
- parchment paper, Silpat, or aluminum foil
- air fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded/grated) (grate or shred your own for the best results)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (see notes below for how to make your own baking mix)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (can use reduced-fat cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) parmesan cheese, grated
optional
- 1/2 cup green onion, green tops only, sliced
Instructions
Baked Sausage Balls
- Preheat the oven to 375º F. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, a Silpat, or aluminum foil.
- Add the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking mix and green onion (if using) on top. Use clean hands, a potato masher, Mix n Chop, or stand mixer to mix the sausage ball mixture together. If using your hands, it is best to knead or fold the baking mix into the ground sausage.
- Use a medium scoop or large tablespoon to make 24 sausage balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are lightly golden brown in color. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center of the sausage balls registers 145º Fahrenheit in temperature.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like a marinara sauce or a zesty BBQ.
Air Fryer Sausage Balls
- Preheat the air fryer to 350º F.
- Add the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking mix and green onion (if using) on top. Use clean hands, a potato masher, or a stand mixer to mix the sausage ball mixture together. If using your hands, it is best to knead or fold the baking mix into the ground sausage.
- Air fry at 350º F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. When done, the meatballs will be golden brown. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center of the turkey sausage balls registers 165º Fahrenheit in temperature