Recipe for Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls: Biscuit-Dough Bites With Cheddar Kick

These biscuit-dough bites deliver a savory breakfast or snack with minimal effort. I’ve refined this method over years of weekend cooking, ensuring each batch turns out perfectly golden and packed with flavor.

The combination of Jimmy Dean sausage, sharp cheddar, and flaky biscuit dough creates a texture that’s crispy outside and tender inside. It’s a foolproof recipe that works for gatherings or quick 30-minute meals.

What makes this dish stand out is the balance—spicy sausage, rich cheese, and buttery dough come together in every bite. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering near the oven.

Serve warm for the best experience. This is comfort food that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Recipe for Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls

Savory, cheesy, and flaky—these ingredients create the perfect biscuit-dough bites everyone loves.

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The sausage is non-negotiable here—Jimmy Dean’s spicy variety gives that signature kick, but the regular works too. Bisquick is the go-to for biscuit mix (found at any Walmart or Target), but generic brands are just as reliable. For the cheese, block cheddar shredded by hand melts better than pre-shredded, which has anti-caking agents that make it clumpy.

No Jimmy Dean? Any ground pork sausage works, but you might need to add extra spices. Sharp cheddar is ideal, but Colby or Monterey Jack can sub in a pinch. For a lighter version, 2% milk works fine—just don’t skip the eggs, as they’re essential for binding. If you’re out of baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar does the trick.

These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days—reheat in the oven to keep them crispy. Always serve warm for the best texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls

Here is the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage, 2 cups All-Purpose Biscuit Mix, 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

The sausage will start to break apart and bind with the biscuit mix. You want a crumbly but cohesive mixture—this ensures the balls hold their shape during baking. If your biscuit mix doesn’t contain baking powder, add the 1 tsp Baking Powder now.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Crack the 2 whole Large Eggs into the bowl. Pour in the 0.5 cup Whole Milk and mix again until fully combined. The dough will be sticky but should hold together when pressed. Don’t overmix—just ensure all the dry bits are moistened.

This step is crucial for texture. The eggs act as a binder, while the milk hydrates the biscuit mix, creating a tender crumb. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl slightly.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Sausage Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly dust your work surface with the 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour to prevent sticking. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Serve

As soon as the sausage balls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the 4 tbsp melted Butter. This adds a rich, glossy finish and enhances the flavor. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll firm up slightly but stay warm inside.

Serve warm for the best texture. The exterior should be crisp and golden, while the inside remains moist and packed with cheesy, savory flavor. These are ideal straight from the oven but reheat well in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Health Benefits of recipe for jimmy dean sausage balls

Protein-Packed Start

These savory bites provide a significant protein boost, with each batch delivering about 25 grams per serving. The Jimmy Dean sausage and sharp cheddar work together to create a filling, muscle-friendly option that keeps you satisfied for hours. 💪

Calcium and Bone Health

The sharp cheddar brings more than just flavor—it’s loaded with calcium, offering around 30% of your daily needs per serving. This is especially beneficial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Essential Vitamins

You’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin B12 from the sausage, which supports energy production and nervous system health. The eggs add vitamin D, crucial for immune function and calcium absorption.

Minimal Carb Impact

While the biscuit mix adds some carbs, the balance of protein and fat helps slow digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes. Each serving contains roughly 15-20 grams of carbs, making it a moderate option for carb-conscious eaters.

Quick Energy Source

The combination of protein, fat, and carbs makes this a perfect quick energy source. I often make a batch for busy mornings—just 2-3 balls give me the fuel I need to power through my day. ✨

Comfort Without Guilt

Unlike heavier breakfast options, these bites offer comfort food satisfaction with a nutritional profile that doesn’t derail healthy eating goals. The protein-to-carb ratio helps maintain steady energy levels.

Frequently Asked Questions