Smoked Gouda Sausage Balls with Spicy Honey
Sausage balls are one of those classic party appetizers that never go out of style, and for good reason. These smoked Gouda sausage balls take the traditional recipe up a notch with the smoky, melty cheese and a spicy honey dipping sauce that’s absolutely addictive. They’re savory (with a sweet and spicy dip!), slightly crispy on the outside, and incredibly easy to make with just three main ingredients.
I’m a new sausage ball convert. 🤩
And if you’re unfamiliar with them, now is the time to change that! Traditionally, sausage balls are made with cheddar cheese, but we’re using smoked Gouda to elevate the flavors a bit.
With a dip in the hot honey, each bite has delicious and satisfying savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. They’re…
🧀 Smoky & savory: The smoked gouda brings these to the next level!
🍯 Balnced & delicious: The hot honey dipping sauce is ridiculously good and turns these into something special.
👐 Just 3 ingredients: Sausage, cheese, and baking mix is all you’ll need. (Plus maybe a splash of milk and hot honey.)
⏱️ Easy: These come together fast, perfect when you need appetizers in a hurry.
❄️ Freezer-friendly: Make them ahead and bake straight from frozen whenever you need them. Perfect for holiday party season!
You’ll also want to try my sausage pinwheels, hot bacon pimento dip, and chili cheese dip.
I originally created this recipe for Jones Dairy Farm, and they were kind enough to let me share it here with you!
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring these hot honey sausage balls to the party: Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Roll Sausage, freshly grated smoked gouda, baking mix like Bisquick, and a splash of milk if needed. For the spicy honey, use store-bought hot honey or make your own with honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: Chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes before rolling. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the sausage balls hold their shape better during baking. Your hands will thank you!
- Shortcuts: Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out perfectly sized sausage balls in seconds. It’s faster than rolling by hand and keeps them uniform so they bake evenly.
- Additions: Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) or add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture for extra flavor. Some people love adding a pinch of cayenne too!
Smoked Gouda Sausage Balls with Spicy Honey
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: about 50 1-inch sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These smoked gouda sausage balls with spicy honey are savory, cheesy bites perfect for any party. Just 3 ingredients plus hot honey!
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Roll Sausage, thawed
- 12 oz. smoked Gouda, freshly grated
- 2 cups baking mix like Bisquick
- 1–3 Tbsp. milk (if needed)
Spicy Honey Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot honey (such as Mike’s Hot Honey)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, add raw sausage, smoked Gouda, and baking mix. Mix well with your hands until everything is incorporated. If the mixture is dry and too crumbly to come together, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until it will all hold together.
- For easier handling, chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes.
- Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll into 1-inch balls and transfer to the baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with toothpicks immediately with spicy honey for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months once baked.
- Ingredients: Jones Dairy Farm pork sausage is a favorite here. For the baking mix, Bisquick is the classic, but any biscuit baking mix works.
- Prep ahead: You can refrigerate the shaped, unbaked sausage balls on a tray (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding just 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Tools: A tablespoon cookie scoop makes portioning so much easier and keeps all the sausage balls the same size.
- Serve with: Besides the spicy honey, set out toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re perfect alongside other appetizers and can be a hearty option to holiday spreads.
Serving Suggestions
These Bisquick sausage balls are an delicious and hearty addition to party and appetizer spreads. Here are some
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer and founder of My Everyday Table, where she helps busy families take the stress out of weeknight dinners. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily specializes in simple, nourishing recipes and weekly meal plans that actually work for everyday life. She’s a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who believes delicious food and good nutrition go hand in hand.
Get started: Weeknight Dinners Guide | Weekly Meal Plans | About Emily
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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