Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by PorchLightReading
Homemade breakfast sausage balls recipe made with oatmeal and simple ingredients. Perfect make ahead breakfast idea for on the go or to enjoying on a weekend morning.
There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, savory, breakfast sausage balls. Whether it’s the crisp mornings of fall or a cozy winter brunch, these bite-sized delights have a way of making everything feel just a little more special.
I started making these sausage balls as part of our weekly meal plan, and they’ve become a staple in our home—perfect for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or just a tasty snack to enjoy with coffee. Today, I’m excited to share with you this tried-and-true recipe!
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- Table of Contents: Breakfast Sausage Balls
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Storage directions
- Tips and tricks for better sausage balls
- Variations
- Jump to recipe
BREAKFAST SAUSAGE BALLS
Breakfast sausage balls are incredibly easy to make, require just a few basic ingredients, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re also versatile—perfect for breakfast on the go, a protein-packed snack, or even an appetizer at your next brunch gathering. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready to pop into the oven when the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz block shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 small onion- diced (roughly ¾ cup)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup quick oats oatmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp. garlic
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 jalapeño- finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. 1 cup flour, ½ cup quick oats, 1 ½ tsp. garlic power, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. baking powder, ¼ red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper.
Add 1 pound sausage, 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, ¾ cup diced onion, ¼ maple syrup, and finely chopped jalapeño (optional.) Combine the ingredients until everything comes together, keeping in mind not to over mix.
Note- To combine the ingredients, I prefer to use a KitchenAid.
If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of milk a tablespoon at a time until everything comes together.
Form the balls: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage should be fully cooked, and the cheese nice and melted.
Serve: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture!
STORAGE DIRECTIONS
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing your sausage balls is easy. Let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply place in the microwave at 30 seconds intervals or until warm them in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes.
This breakfast also freezes really well. Place cooked sausage balls in a freezer bag, lable and freeze up to three month. Reheat in oven approximately 25 minutes or until warmed and cooked fully.
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TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST BREAKFAST SAUSAGE BALLS
- Don’t skip the cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its robust flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
- Grate the cheese: It’s better to grate the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded.
- Don’t over mix: Mix the ingredients well to ensure everything is well combined, but be sure not to over mix as it can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Pre-cooked sausage option: If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly, as the sausage is already cooked.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sausage balls the night before and refrigerate them uncooked. In the morning, just pop them in the oven for a fresh, hot breakfast.
VARIATIONS
Spicy sausage balls: Use hot sausage and add jalapeños and red pepper flasks for a spicy variation of this breakfast.
Herbed Flavor: Skip the jalapeños and substitute dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper-jack or parmesan for a twist on the original recipe.
Oatmeal- Skip the oatmeal and replace with Bisquick. If you’re not interested in trying oatmeal, try Bisquick instead! This variation is also a family favorite and gives it more of a biscuit texture.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Breakfast sausage balls are more than just a quick and easy recipe—they’re a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort food to our mornings. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven, reheated for a quick snack, or making for on the go, these sausage balls are sure to become a favorite in your household too.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some sausage balls! Your mornings are about to get a whole lot tastier.
RECIPE CARD
Breakfast Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese block
- 1 small onion diced (approximately ¾ cup)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 finely chopped jalapeno (optional)
- ½ cup quick oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp. garlic
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. 1 cup flour, ½ cup quick oats, 1 ½ tsp. garlic power, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. baking powder, ¼ red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper. Add 1 pound sausage, 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, ¾ cup diced onion, ¼ maple syrup, and finely chopped jalapeño (optional.) Combine the ingredients until everything comes together, keeping in mind not to over mix. (To combine the ingredients, I prefer to use a KitchenAid.)
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage should be fully cooked, and the cheese nice and melted.
- Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture!
Notes
Nutrition
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