These turkey sausage balls are a slightly leaner version of our classic Bisquick sausage ball recipe. They may be healthier appetizers, but they don’t lack any deliciousness. In fact, this particular savory snack is loaded with three kinds of cheese for the absolute best flavor ever!
This sausage ball recipe is very easy to make! Perfect for serving at at game day parties, tailgating, potlucks, or any other get-together! 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!
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Why We Love Turkey Sausage Balls
- Only 5 ingredients!
Tender, tasty and healthy turkey sausage balls only have 5 ingredients, and 3 of them are cheeses! - The recipe is easy to double, or even triple.
If you want to serve a crowd, this is the recipe to use! It’s super simple to make more, if and when you need to. - One of our favorite Bisquick recipes!
The base for this recipe is Bisquick, and if you’ve been around here before, you know how much we love the baking mix. Bisquick pancakes and biscuits are what most people use it for, but it’s great for other things, too.
Plus, you can save money and time by making our homemade Bisquick recipe.
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.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground turkey sausage – We 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, but the flavor of Colby or Monterey Jack would also work well.
- Bisquick baking mix – this binds the meatball ingredients together. If you don’t have any on hand, whip up some homemade baking mix instead.
- Cream cheese – Full fat cream cheese will give you the most flavor, but for a healthier turkey meatball option, use a low-fat version.
- Parmesan cheese – we love this aged cheese for a tasty boost and to prevent chewy, dry meatballs.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Avoid the temptation to use pre-shredded cheese. We recommend that you buy a block and shred it yourself. Packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause your sausage balls to crack and dry out.
Love meatballs?
Check out our recipe for sweet chili meatballs, or another spicy variety, red curry turkey meatballs!
Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs
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.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Keep a bag of frozen, unbaked (or baked) turkey sausage meatballs in the freezer! Add them to slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes, or use them as meatballs in pasta sauces, for a quick weeknight dinner.
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 zesty BBQ sauce, shawarma sauce, or even In and Out sauce!
Storing Sausage Balls
Can you make sausage balls ahead of time? Absolutely. After forming them, you can refrigerate or freeze them depending on how soon you will use them.
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.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat from frozen: Let the meatballs thaw at room temperature for an hour before baking.
Or, you can add frozen sausage balls straight to a slow cooker or Instant Pot! Just add some San Marzano sauce or Alfredo and cook them up, straight from the freezer.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
**Before serving, be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should be 165° Fahrenheit.
Turkey Sausage Balls Recipe FAQ
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.
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.
Turkey Sausage Balls
Equipment
- potato masher
- medium-sized scoop or large spoon
- large baking Sheet
- 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)
- ½ cup (2 ounces) parmesan cheese, grated
optional
- ½ 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
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