Imagine the aroma of savory sausage mingling with the rich scent of melting cheddar cheese, as golden, crispy sausage balls emerge from the oven.
There’s something about the simplicity of mixing pancake mix with sausage that makes this dish both cozy and delightful.
As these ingredients blend, they transform into a comforting appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Let’s bring this deliciously easy dish to life and enjoy every bite!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Sausage Balls with Pancake Mix, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and steps.
- Gather all necessary equipment: large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons.
- Prepping Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Measure out all the ingredients: 1 pound ground sausage, 2 cups pancake mix, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mixing Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Forming Sausage Balls (5 minutes)
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking (20 minutes)
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, pancake mix, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for added flavor and variety.
- Breakfast Spread: Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit salad for a complete and hearty breakfast.
- Party Platter: Include alongside cheese cubes, crackers, and veggies for a balanced appetizer tray.
- Pasta Dish: Add to a pasta salad or serve with marinara sauce to complement a cozy pasta meal.
- Brunch Buffet: Incorporate into a brunch buffet with waffles, bacon, and fresh juices for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid.
Then, transfer to an airtight container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Make certain they remain crispy and evenly heated.
Final Thoughts
Sausage balls made with pancake mix offer a delightful twist on a classic appetizer.
The combination of savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and the subtle sweetness of pancake mix creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please any crowd.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, these sausage balls are a great choice.
They’re easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and stored for future enjoyment.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or add-ins to customize the recipe to your liking.
Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures that these sausage balls provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pancake Mix for Sausage Balls?
You can absolutely use gluten-free pancake mix for sausage balls. Just make certain the mix blends well with the other ingredients. Enjoy a delicious, gluten-free appetizer that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Adjust seasoning to taste!
How Can I Make the Sausage Balls More Moist?
To make your sausage balls more moist, add a bit more milk or incorporate some sour cream. You could also mix in finely chopped onions or bell peppers, which release moisture during baking, enhancing tenderness.
What Type of Sausage Works Best for This Recipe?
You’ll want to use a high-quality, uncooked breakfast sausage for ideal flavor. Choose a variety with balanced spices, as it enhances the savory taste. Avoid pre-cooked or overly seasoned sausages to maintain the recipe’s intended balance.
Can I Substitute Cheddar Cheese With Another Type of Cheese?
You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor and texture, enhancing your dish creatively. Just guarantee it melts well for the best results.
Are Sausage Balls Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
Sausage balls aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans since they contain ground sausage and cheese. You’d need to use plant-based sausage and cheese alternatives to make them vegetarian or vegan-friendly. Adjust spices to match your taste preferences.

Sausage Balls with Pancake Mix
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 2 cup pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, pancake mix, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.





