These turkey sausage balls are a lighter take on classic Bisquick sausage balls, but they are still rich, savory, and full of flavor. Made with ground turkey sausage, Bisquick baking mix, and three kinds of cheese, they are tender on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and perfect for dipping.
This easy turkey sausage balls recipe is ideal for game day, tailgating, potlucks, holiday parties, brunch boards, or quick family snacks. The mixture comes together quickly, the ingredients are simple, and the finished sausage balls bake in about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also make a batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. That makes these cheesy turkey sausage balls a convenient appetizer to keep ready for guests, busy weeknights, or last-minute gatherings.
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Why We Love Turkey Sausage Balls
- They use only 5 main ingredients.
These tender and flavorful turkey sausage balls are made with ground turkey sausage, baking mix, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Green onion is optional if you want a little fresh flavor.
- They are easy to scale for a crowd.
Whether you need a small appetizer tray or a big party batch, this recipe can be doubled or tripled without much extra work.
- They are a great Bisquick appetizer recipe.
Bisquick baking mix helps bind the sausage balls together and gives them the classic texture people love. It is a simple shortcut that keeps the recipe quick and dependable.
Best of all, you can prepare a large batch of turkey sausage balls in about 30 minutes or less. Serve some right away and freeze the rest for another day. They are just as useful for party appetizers as they are for adding to pasta sauce, slow cooker meals, or quick dinners.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground turkey sausage – This gives the sausage balls their savory flavor while keeping them a little leaner than traditional pork sausage balls. Use a hot variety if you prefer more spice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. Colby or Monterey Jack can also work if you want a milder cheese.
- Bisquick baking mix – The baking mix helps hold the sausage balls together and gives them structure. A homemade baking mix can be used if you do not have Bisquick.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese keeps the mixture moist and adds richness. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor, but reduced-fat cream cheese can be used.
- Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps prevent the sausage balls from becoming dry or chewy.
🎯 Pro Tip
Use freshly shredded cheese whenever possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can make sausage balls dry, cracked, or crumbly. Shredding cheese from a block gives a smoother texture and better melt.
Love meatballs?
These cheesy turkey sausage balls are a great appetizer, snack, or party bite. Serve them with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard sauce, or your favorite creamy dip.
Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs
Add the ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Bisquick baking mix over the top, then add sliced green onion if you are using it.
Use clean hands, a potato masher, or a stand mixer to combine the mixture. If mixing by hand, gently knead or fold the baking mix into the sausage until everything is evenly blended. Avoid overmixing, because that can make the sausage balls dense.
Use a medium scoop or a large tablespoon to portion the mixture into 24 balls, about the size of golf balls. Place them on a prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one so they can bake evenly.
🎯 Pro Tip
Keep a freezer bag of unbaked or baked turkey sausage balls on hand. They can be used as quick appetizers, added to pasta sauce, or warmed in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for an easy meal.
Bake the turkey sausage balls at 375º Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. For the safest result, check the center with an instant-read thermometer. Ground turkey sausage balls should reach 165º Fahrenheit before serving.
Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce, zesty barbecue sauce, spicy mustard, or a creamy white sauce all pair well with the cheesy sausage flavor.
Make Ahead Instructions
Can you make turkey sausage cheese balls ahead of time? Yes. After shaping the mixture into balls, you can refrigerate or freeze them depending on when you plan to bake and serve them.
Storing turkey sausage balls in the fridge:
- Arrange the shaped turkey sausage balls at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
- Cover the baking sheet with foil or plastic wrap.
- Store the tray flat in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Freezing sausage balls:
- Place the shaped sausage balls at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the uncovered baking sheet for about 2 hours, or until the sausage balls are firm.
- Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
🎯 Pro Tip
Before serving, always check the internal temperature of the turkey sausage balls. They should reach 165° Fahrenheit in the center.
Recipe FAQs
Sausage balls often turn crumbly when low-fat cheese or pre-shredded cheese is used. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and helps keep the mixture moist.
The turkey sausage balls should look lightly golden and feel firm. The best way to check doneness is with an instant-read thermometer; the center should reach 165º Fahrenheit.
Uncooked sausage balls often taste fresher after baking because they stay moist. Cooked sausage balls can also be frozen and reheated for convenience.
To reheat from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before baking. You can also add frozen sausage balls to a slow cooker or Instant Pot with sauce and heat until fully warmed through.
Consider Making These Other Appetizer Recipes
- Buffalo chicken appetizers
- Ham and cheese pinwheels
If you tried this turkey sausage balls recipe, leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments.
Turkey Sausage Balls
Renae Gerhardstein
Equipment
- large bowl
- potato masher
- medium-sized scoop or large spoon
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- air fryer, optional
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened; reduced-fat cream cheese may be used
- ½ cup (2 ounces) parmesan cheese shredded or finely grated
Optional
- ½ cup green onion, green tops only, sliced
Instructions
Baked Sausage Balls
- Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil.
- Add the ground turkey sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle the Bisquick baking mix and green onion, if using, over the top.
- Mix until evenly combined, using clean hands, a potato masher, or a stand mixer. If mixing by hand, fold or knead the baking mix into the sausage mixture.
- Use a medium scoop or large tablespoon to form 24 sausage balls, about the size of golf balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Check with an instant-read thermometer; the center should reach 165º Fahrenheit.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard sauce, or your favorite dip.
Air Fryer Sausage Balls
- Preheat the air fryer to 350º Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the sausage ball mixture as directed above.
- Air fry at 350º Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. Cook until golden brown and the center reaches 165º Fahrenheit.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese gives the best texture and helps prevent dry or cracked sausage balls.
- Unbaked or baked turkey sausage balls can be frozen for quick appetizers or easy meals.
- Before serving, check that the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
- A homemade baking mix made with flour, baking powder, shortening, and salt can be used in place of Bisquick.
Storage: Place shaped turkey sausage balls at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Make Ahead: Shape the sausage balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook.