Keto Sausage Balls

You won’t even miss the carbs in this Keto Sausage Balls recipe! A special ingredient replaces the traditional Bisquick and gets mixed together with shredded cheese, Ranch seasoning, and then baked in the oven until perfectly golden brown. Serve this deceptively healthy appetizer at your next game day, holiday, or Super Bowl party and watch them disappear before your eyes!

Best Sausage Balls Recipe

Everyone loves a Super Bowl party… even those who only go for the commercials.

But one of the worst parts about these get togethers is there isn’t always a healthy alternative to the more typical greasy, heavy snacks.

The best way around this is to bring your OWN low-carb, keto appetizer.

And these sausage balls are PERFECT!

Juicy and flavorful on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside… just don’t blame me when you can’t stop eating them!

If you’re looking for a keto recipe or low-carb appetizer for your next party, this is THE one. They are easy grab-and-go bites the whole family will love.

And unlike traditional sausage balls, these offer a sustaining hit of protein without the heavy carbs.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make these low-carb sausage balls include:

• Ground sausage. Opt for a leaner, mild-flavored kind of sausage, such as Jimmy Dean’s breakfast sausage. You want the seasonings you add to come through. With a sweet or hot sausage, or one with maple syrup, you won’t get the ranch flavor.
• Flour. Use almond flour to keep this dish keto. However, you can sub in all-purpose or a gluten free 1-to-1 blend if you prefer.
• Cheese. This recipe calls for a cup of shredded cheese. For the best results, go with sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack. Parmesan cheese or even Pepper Jack cheese will work, as well. Finely shredded is also best so it gets evenly mixed throughout.
• Cream cheese. Full-fat or reduced-fat are both fine. Be sure you allow it to soften before using so it is easy to mix into the meat.
• Ranch seasoning. It’s surprisingly simple to make your own mix at home, plus you’ll have it on hand for all your favorite recipes. You can also buy a store-bought blend, as well.
• Red pepper flakes. While this is optional, it adds a really nice kick.
• Chopped green onions. Don’t skip these, they add a fresh and flavorful burst to every bite.

How to Make Keto Sausage Balls

The basic steps for making this homemade sausage ball recipe are simple to follow:

Combine the Ingredients

First, preheat the oven to 400℉. You want it nice and hot before you put the sausage balls in.

Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

Use your hands or a stiff spatula to thoroughly mix everything together. The better the ingredients are combined, the more consistent the flavor will be in every meatball.

Scoop the Meatballs

Use a small cookie dough scoop or a large spoon to get about 1½ tablespoons of the sausage mixture out at a time.

Roll it in your hands to smooth the edges and ensure it sticks together.

Place the little balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

If you notice the mixture sticking to your hands, spritz your palms and fingers with a bit of cooking spray. You can also spray the cookie scoop, or rinse it under hot water if needed.

Continue scooping the mixture until you use it all. You should end up with 24 sausage balls. Be sure the individual balls aren’t touching so all of the sides can crisp up.

Bake in the Oven

Place the cookie sheet in the oven and allow them to cook for 15 minutes. About halfway through baking, flip each sausage ball over.

If you want to ensure a nice, crispy texture, broil the meatballs for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of cooking.

Serve Them Up

These easy keto sausage balls are delicious as is!

But, you can place them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped green onions and some toothpicks for an added touch.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: This recipe is perfect to meal prep. You can make the filling and leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake. Or, you can completely prepare them up to baking and store them in the fridge.
• How to store: Keep leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• How to freeze: These sausage balls can be frozen either baked or raw. If you freeze them uncooked, flash freeze in a single layer for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These will keep uncooked for up to 4 to 6 months or cooked for up to 2 to 3 months.
• How to reheat: You can toss these sausage balls in the microwave to warm them back up. If you need to reheat a large batch, use a 325℉ oven.

What is in sausage balls?

Usually, sausage balls are a combination of ground sausage, flour, and seasonings. Sometimes, fresh garlic or onions are added. These are similar to meatballs but are typically enjoyed without sauce.

What is the best sausage for sausage balls?

You can use just about any kind of ground sausage. However, flavored varieties might overwhelm the seasoning you use. The most important thing is to get raw, ground sausage. If it comes in a link, simply remove the casings.

What is the best way to cook sausage balls?

To get a juicy inside and crispy exterior, use a hot oven to cook sausage balls. Be sure none of the pieces are touching and flip them halfway through cooking to ensure the best results.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already keto as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Ensure the flour and seasoning mix you use are free of gluten.
• Vegetarian: Opt for a ground meat alternative.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Plain is best. Be sure the sausage you choose isn’t full of flavor or it will come through in the cooked balls.
• Mix well. Really stir the mixture to combine all of the ingredients so you get consistent flavor in every bite.
• Give ’em space. Don’t let any of the sausage balls touch when you’re baking.
• Flip out. Halfway through cooking, turn the sausage balls over so all of the sides get crispy.
• Change it up. Add some spice with red pepper flakes or try a different spice blend, like Italian seasoning, instead of ranch.

More Appetizer Recipes

Keto sausage balls are delicious for a game day or holiday party, just like these other recipes.

Both Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are delicious and the perfect appetizer. Chicken Satay and Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are both surprisingly simple and delicious.

Sheet Pan Loaded Nachos are easy to throw together. Wings, like Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings or Parmesan Garlic Wings, are classics everyone loves.

Or stick with dips, like Homemade Guacamole, Roasted Beet Hummus, or Texas Caviar. Don’t forget the Homemade Tortilla Chips!