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Keto Sausage Balls 🥘

Published: · Updated: by · 29 Comments

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These Keto Sausage Balls are just like the traditional sausage balls grandma used to make. A great appetizer, perfect and quick snack, breakfast, or game day treat this is Southern finger food at its finest.

a hand holding a sausage ball

Sausage and Cheese…Yes, please! These Keto Sausage Balls are one of our all-time favorites. They remind us of childhood as they were present at any cookout, holiday, or church potluck.

Sausage balls, in our opinion, are the perfect finger food. What could be better than a mashup of meat and cheese that tastes a bit like bread? The answer is obviously nothing 😉 This easy recipe is just the perfect snack!

This great recipe is as simple as the classic Bisquick sausage balls, just with less sketchy ingredients and a lot fewer carbs. In addition to being keto-friendly, these are gluten-free as well. Baking them in our trusted cast-iron skillet for an ultimate crunchy exterior is the icing on the cake.

We think we just need to start making a batch of these on the weekend to have them on hand all week. They'd make an easy grab-and-go breakfast, what do you think? We love a good meal prep for keto recipes, it makes staying on track that much simpler.

We really love these warm but they're equally delicious served cold or at room temperature. You really can't go wrong with this Keto Sausage Ball Recipe!

Do you have about 25 minutes to spare and these ingredients? Read on to learn how to make a batch of your own today!

Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview

In just 25-30 minutes, these easy keto sausage balls will be ready to rock your taste buds. Mix hot breakfast sausage, almond flour, baking powder, and sharp cheddar in a bowl. Form the mix into 28 savory balls, then bake them to golden perfection at 350°F. The result? A tantalizing treat that'll make your heart sing and your cravings dance!

Chef's note

Get ready to unleash your culinary creativity while making these keto sausage balls! Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of hot breakfast sausage, like spicy or maple-flavored, to add a delightful twist to the recipe. For a burst of flavor, add some diced jalapeños or green onions. And here's a pro tip: if you want to achieve an extra cheesy indulgence, sprinkle some additional shredded sharp cheddar on top before baking – it'll turn into a gooey, cheesy paradise!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 14 Servings

🥘 Ingredients for this keto sausage balls recipe

  • 1 pound hot breakfast sausage (we opt for pastured pork)
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar

Ingredient substitutions

  • Hot breakfast sausage: If you're looking for a different protein-packed option, try using ground turkey sausage or ground chicken sausage. Just season it with your favorite keto-friendly spices to bring out that delectable flavor.
  • Shredded sharp cheddar: While we like sharp cheddar, you can experiment with keto-friendly cheeses like mild cheddar, Gouda, or pepper jack for an extra kick.

Additional ingredients

  • Garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder will bring out the savory flavors and elevate the taste of the sausage balls.
  • Cream cheese: Mixing in some softened cream cheese will give the sausage balls a creamy, luscious texture and a mild tang that'll make them truly unforgettable.
  • Diced jalapeños: If you're up for a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños. They'll add a fiery burst of flavor that pairs brilliantly with the richness of the sausage and cheese.
  • Rosemary or thyme: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a delightful aroma and herbaceous taste to the sausage balls. Their earthy notes will enhance the overall experience.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto sausage balls recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • 10.5'' cast-iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: Don't have a cast-iron skillet? You can use a regular oven-safe pan or a baking dish as an alternative. Just make sure it's big enough to accommodate the sausage balls without overcrowding them.

How to make Keto Sausage Balls: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Shred the cheese.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients until combined. Divide the mixture into 28 balls, place in a 10.5" cast iron skillet (or baking sheet if you don't have a skillet), and bake for 25-30 minutes until the sausage balls are golden and cooked through.

How to make the best sausage from scratch?

You'll need the following ingredients to make spicy sausage:

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground poultry seasoning (sage, marjoram, thyme - Italian seasoning will work in a pinch)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl or use a food processor for a quick blitz. Making your own sausage is also a great way to control the heat. Especially if you have kiddos at home who don't tolerate spicy foods.

Chef's pro tip

One common hiccup when making this recipe is ending up with dry sausage balls. Avoid overcooking these sausage balls. Keep an eye out around the 25-minute mark and aim for a golden, slightly firm texture. This way, you'll relish every bite of these delectable treats without a dry moment in sight!

Keto Sausage Balls in a cast iron skillet on a blue background with a tea towel tied around the handle

What to serve with low carb sausage balls?

Here are some keto-friendly food pairings that go perfectly with these mouthwatering sausage balls:

  • Keto Puttanesca Sauce: This boldly flavored sauce, rich with olives, capers, and tomatoes, brings a tangy and savory kick that adds depth to the sausage balls.
  • Creamy Spinach Dip: The earthy richness of spinach dip complements the sausage balls beautifully, creating a creamy and indulgent combination.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts create a satisfyingly hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the sausage balls.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing zucchini noodles with herbs create a delightful balance with the hearty sausage balls.
  • Keto Cauliflower Rice: Enjoy the keto sausage cheese balls with cauliflower rice, a versatile and satisfying alternative to regular rice.

How to make it healthier

  • Go for leaner varieties of breakfast sausage to reduce saturated fat content. Look for options with lower fat percentages and minimal additives.
  • Choose shredded sharp cheddar with reduced sodium content to cut back on excess salt without sacrificing flavor.
  • Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like onions or spinach into the mixture. This adds essential nutrients, fiber, and a burst of color to the sausage balls.

Time-saving tips

Here are the best time-saving tips to make these delectable sausage balls quickly:

  • Pre-shredded cheese: Go for pre-shredded sharp cheddar to save time on grating. It's a convenient shortcut that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Use a cookie scoop: To form evenly-sized sausage balls quickly, use a cookie or ice cream scoop with a trigger release. It'll help you shape the mixture effortlessly.
  • Silicone baking mat: Line your baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This saves time on cleanup and ensures the sausage balls don't stick to the pan.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Here are a couple of tips on what you can do in advance:

  • Pre-shred cheese: If you're using block cheddar, shred it ahead of time using a food processor or a grater. Store the shredded cheese in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
  • Form the balls in advance: Prepare the sausage mixture and shape it into balls beforehand. Place the uncooked sausage balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until ready to bake them.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator: Cool the cooked sausage balls before storing them to prevent condensation. Store in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze the keto sausage balls in two ways:

  • Option 1: Make a batch and freeze leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them out and warm them as needed. They'll stay good in the freezer for at least 2 months.
  • Option 2: Make a batch, but freeze the uncooked sausage balls. A pro-tip- freeze the sausage balls in a single layer on a covered baking sheet or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. That way, each sausage ball freezes individually instead of being frozen together in a clump. After they are frozen, about 3-4 hours later, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Arrange the desired number of sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-40 seconds per 4-5 sausage balls.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Share the joy of these Keto Sausage Balls with your friends and family – whether it's a laid-back brunch, a cozy game night, or a delightful appetizer for a gathering, these sausage balls will steal the show.

Let's make memories, one bite at a time. Cook them, devour them, and spread the love – because great food is even better when shared! Don't forget to tag us – we'd love to see your kitchen masterpiece and share it with our food-loving community!

Check out The Best Keto Appetizers For Any Occasion for more low carb appetizers and low carb recipes.

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, no, Bisquick or other similar biscuit mixes are a common ingredient in most recipes for regular sausage balls you'll find online, making them a no-go for the keto diet.

A good reason to avoid it is the carb count. 2 cups of Bisquick (which is what most recipes call for) has more carbs than 18 Oreos. Wow!

Other sausage ball recipes that are low carb sometimes use ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, green onions, or even pepper jack cheese, but our recipe stays true to the classic recipe we love.

Nope! You can totally use a baking dish or baking sheet pan to make these keto sausage balls. Although we highly recommend cast-iron skillet as it makes food so crispy and works great for recipes like this one. Some folks like to use an air fryer, but we have yet to try the keto sausage balls air fryer recipe, so if you do, leave us a note in the comments below!

Yes, you can freeze these low-carb sausage balls for later. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for 2 to 4 months.

To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the sausage balls on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes or until hot. Enjoy the deliciousness once again!

If your sausage balls turn out too dry, add a touch of moisture by incorporating some cream cheese into the mixture. This will lend a creamy texture and prevent the balls from becoming overly dry.

The carbs in sausage balls can vary based on the specific recipe used, but they generally have a low carb content due to ingredients like almond flour and minimal additives. For this recipe, two servings of keto sausage balls contain only 1.3 carbs.

📖 Recipe

a hand holding Keto Sausage Balls

Keto Sausage Balls

These Keto Sausage Balls are just like grandma used to make. A great appetizer, breakfast, or snack; this is Southern finger food at its finest.
4.86 from 21 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gameday, keto, snack
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 14 (2 Sausage Balls Per Serving)
Calories: 232kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb hot breakfast sausage we opt for pastured pork
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients until combined. Divide the mixture into 28 balls and place in a 10.5" cast iron skillet (or baking sheet if you don't have a skillet) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the sausage balls are golden and cooked through.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Sausage Balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 307mg13%
Potassium 125mg4%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 186IU4%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 157mg16%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cass says

    What do you mean by Hot Breakfast Sausage?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Hi Cass, hot breakfast sausage is a style of sausage that typically has sage and red pepper flakes added to it. It can be found at most grocery stores or you can use any breakfast sausage you like.

      Reply

    • Lona webb says

      4 stars
      Can you substitute an eight of of Almond flower with coconut flower?

      Reply

      • Cast Iron Keto says

        We're not quite sure what you're asking but typically, no we don't recommend substituting flours as the recipes haven't been tested any other way than written.

        Reply

  2. Heidi says

    Is that only 1.3 carbs per serving for 2 pieces? I love these!! I've made them before & will do it again soon. Great for breakfast & I might have even had them as a snack! LOL

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Yes! 1.3 net carbs per serving which is 2 sausage balls.

      Reply

  3. Cindy says

    Are these served hot or cold?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Either!

      Reply

  4. CTYonit says

    These are going to rock our next church potluck! A handful of us at church do keto and this is just what we need to add to our (secret section) of the spread.

    BTW if you ever have trouble finding pastured sausage, I use this gal's recipe (tweaked a bit for the ultimate keto sausage)
    https://happymoneysaver.com/homemade-sausage-patties-recipe/

    ALso just wanted to say--I love the name of your blog.

    Keep On Keto-ing On!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Thanks for the link, glad to hear you are enjoying our recipes!

      Reply

  5. Sherry says

    I made a batch of these (modified) for New Year's Eve - big hit! Nobody could hold at 2 sausage balls, but we survived the night if not the morning weigh-in!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Awesome to hear that!

      Reply

  6. Andrea says

    Holy shit are these delicious!! I was looking for a keto sausage recipe that didn't contain eggs as I was out, and man-o-man did I hit the jackpot with this one! My entire family loved it and I like your idea of serving them for breakfast. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Thrilled you guys loved them!

      Reply

  7. Dirk A. says

    Excellent. As a southerner, we're issued sausage ball recipes with our birth certificates. This really scratches the itch when I can't bring myself to eat eggs again. I do add a half teaspoon of garlic powder because I always have and I drop a little maple wood smoked onion hot sauce on them because my sausage wasn't very spicy. Great recipe. We'll be doing it for Super Bowl.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      That hot sauce sounds awesome!

      Reply

  8. Susiewithkids says

    Made these for Super Bowl. Only change was not spicy sausage since I can’t do nightshdes. Yummy! ? Will definitely make again. Thanks!

    Reply

  9. Nancy says

    Can I substitute the shredded cheddar with a shredded cheese mix, or would it mess with it holding together? My husband recently brought home a HUGE bag of the shredded mix for my Keto diet (so sweet of him trying to be helpful!) but I am going to have to use it quickly or divide it up and freeze it.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Sure!

      Reply

  10. Lamr says

    Sweet! I just got my hands on Penzeys Breakfast sausage seasoning. I am going to make two batches (ground pork & ground chicken) and freeze the leftovers.

    Reply

  11. Betty says

    Yummy. Made these a few months ago, and made again today. They're going in the freezer for a pre-Thanksgiving snack. Love your recipes!

    Reply

  12. Keto On says

    5 stars
    This recipe is better (yes, BETTER) tasting that the original Bisquick version!! I ate way more than two but who counts calories any more anyway?? Who would have thought that almond flour's infinite capacity to absorb liquids & fats would knock this one out of the park?

    Reply

  13. Ian Hicks says

    5 stars
    I've made these more times than I can count at this point and I love them more with each bake! Can't beat how easy they are to whip up, either—always great to have on hand.

    Reply

  14. Dustin says

    5 stars
    Actually I did pre-ground pork for a great lunch, it tasted great and was quite weird for the taste buds.

    Reply

  15. Nancy says

    I love these sausage balls! I make them all the time.

    Reply

  16. nancy says

    Yummy sausage balls.

    Reply

  17. Becky Vigus says

    5 stars
    Could these be made in a cast iron pan on the stove? I only have a toaster oven and my pan doesn't fit. If not, I will use a cake pan. Thanks

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      I would go the cake pan route and bake them in the toaster oven, hope this helps.

      Reply

  18. Kris. O says

    5 stars
    used a mixture of vermont white and mild cheddar. Being a southerner ...these are a holiday staple. Having a member who is on a low carb diet, this was worth trying. Very very very close to my long time go to recipe. We will be making these again. I used hot breakfast sausage! yum

    Reply

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