Pile of cheesy smoked breakfast sausage balls on wooden cutting board next to jar of seasoning.

Cheesy Smoked Breakfast Sausage Balls

Whip up crowd-pleasing smoked sausage and cheddar balls in under 15 minutes with just four ingredients. Perfect for morning tailgates or evening snacks.

Cheesy Smoked Breakfast Sausage Balls

This recipe comes from Matt Pittman, CEO of Meat Church BBQ, YouTube personality, and friend of Montana Knife Company.

Servings

24

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

12 minutes

Calories

320

Cuisine

Southern

Category

Appetizer

With four ingredients and just under 15 minutes of cooking time, these cheesy smoked breakfast sausage balls pack a big punch with minimal effort.

The combination of savory breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible appetizer that works perfectly for morning tailgates or evening gatherings. Nobody can eat just one!

Cheesy Smoked Breakfast Sausage Balls

Ingredients

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    • 1 package of breakfast sausage
    • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded with a freshly cleaned knife
    • 1 3/4 cups Bisquick pancake and baking mix
    • 1 Tbsp. of your favorite meat rub
    • 1/4 cup jalapeños, diced with a sharp kitchen knife (optional)

    Directions

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      1. Prepare your pellet grill or smoker at 400°F. Hickory wood provides excellent flavor for this quick-cooking appetizer, but any smoking wood works well for this brief, hot cook.
      2. In a large mixing bowl, knead all the ingredients together. At first, the mixture will seem dry with an abundance of cheese. Continue mixing until fully incorporated. For best results, use room temperature sausage for easier mixing.
      3. Add the optional jalapeños for a pleasant heat and beautiful color contrast. Cut these with a sharp, clean knife for consistent pieces that cook evenly.
      4. Scoop out and roll the mixture into one-inch balls using clean hands. Form each ball with consistent pressure to ensure even cooking.
      5. Place the sausage balls on a lightly greased sheet pan, spacing them at least one-half inch apart.
      6. Cook for approximately 12 minutes or until the cheese develops a crispy exterior and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
      7. Allow to cool for three to five minutes before serving.