Are you looking for a fun and easy keto recipe that the whole family will love? Then you have to try these keto sausage balls! With just 5 ingredients plus seasoning, they are a great appetizer or snack to make in 30 minutes or less, and so delicious you won’t believe they’re keto-friendly. You will love that this keto sausage recipe is really easy to throw together – just like traditional sausage balls, but with a keto twist!
It doesn’t matter if anyone is on the keto diet, these cream cheese sausage balls are a holiday must-have appetizer at my house around Christmas, but these are perfect any time of the year. Like game day! Spot on taste to the old classic Bisquick sausage balls, these little guys have tons of flavor with just the right texture. This poppable appetizer will have you sharing these with your family – and they will ask for more. It’s one of those keto recipes you’ll make over and over.
As I developed this recipe, I knew it had to be the right texture with lots of flavor and moist in the center without crumbling. Cream cheese seemed like the most obvious choice to help keep it moist and bind together with the shredded cheese and coconut flour. I’ve been baking a lot more with coconut flour lately – mostly to help those with nut allergies – but you also need a lot less of it. This makes it a cheaper and nut-free alternative to almond flour.
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
- Perfect for holiday or party appetizer
- Great idea for breakfast meal prep
- Low carb and grain-free
- Only 5 main ingredients plus seasoning
- Make it in 30 minutes or less
Ingredients for Keto Sausage Balls
- Coconut flour -This type of flour is necessary in keto baking because it’s the closest thing to actual flour, and it add great texture, plus it helps hold the mounds together. You’ll also need less of it compared to almond flour, and it keeps the carb count lower. You could also use crushed pork rinds as a carnivore option.
- Hand Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Store-bought pre-shredded cheese contains more carbs because it has potato starch added to keep the shreds from sticking together in transit. It’s best to always hand shred from a block of cheese. It may be extra work, but you’ll thank me later since the taste will be amazing. I like to use sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use any type really. Add in some parmesan cheese if you like! The two cheeses work together beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning – I put this seasoning on literally everything. It’s the perfect blend of spices all in one convenient bottle. It’s the lazy way, but it’s also the saving my sanity way!
- Baking Powder – Whatever you do, don’t use that dusty baking powder in the back of your pantry. Chunky baking powder does not make for a great baking companion. The absolute best brand I’ve found is Rumford. It’s a little red tin, and it’s found at most grocery stores, plus it’s gluten-free.
- Garlic Powder – Another staple for cooking in general. I add to my dishes a little more garlic powder (and fresh minced garlic cloves) than I care to admit, but it’s so delicious! You can even add in more spices like onion powder or paprika.
- Cream Cheese – Make sure it’s room temperature and cubed for easy mixing. Use your favorite cream cheese brand, but if you don’t have a preference, I recommend finding one that had the lowest net carbs per serving.
- Breakfast Sausage – Inspect the ingredient label on this type of sausage because sometimes there can be some hidden sugars. You can also use ground pork, Italian sausage, or even spicy sausage.
How to make Keto Sausage Balls
This is just about as easy as the traditional Bisquick recipe. We just have to make our own keto-friendly version of Bisquick, then add in the cheeses and sausage. And mix until your heart’s content!
- Mix coconut flour, baking powder, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Add the sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheese.
- Mix well with your clean hands or a spatula to make the sausage mixture.
- Use a cookie scoop to form little balls (about 1 tablespoon), then roll with your hands to make super round ones. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes for 350 F / 180 C. You can even broil it in the last 2 minutes for a nice, crispy finish.
Add to your favorite serving tray, then serve immediately. They won’t last long!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I store these easy keto sausage balls?
These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. And can be easily frozen and stored for up to 3 months. Simply flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag, making them a convenient, low-carb snack or meal component anytime.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use any ground sausage you prefer, such as pork, ground chicken, or turkey sausage.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Do these go great with dipping sauce?
Yes, they pair wonderfully with various low-carb dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sugar-free barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo.
Are these great for keto meal prep?
Absolutely, they’re excellent for keto meal prep as they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
What are the substitution options?
You can substitute almond flour with coconut flour, switch out types of cheese, or use different meats like turkey instead of pork.
Can I make a double batch?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch, just ensure to cook them in multiple batches if necessary to maintain spacing in the cooking process.
This makes the perfect snack any time of day – or occasion! Check out the recipe card below for my notes and how to make them perfectly. For a visual step-by-step, play the video to see how I got to the end result.
Want More Holiday Recipes?
If you liked this easy-to-make appetizer, you’ll love these other recipes:
Best Keto Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 lb breakfast sausage , or ground pork
- 2 cups hand shredded cheddar cheese , 8 ounces hard cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese , room temperature and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F / 180° C.
- Place coconut flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix well until combined.
- Add sausage, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese and mix well until combined. (Note 1)
- Form balls with a cookie scoop and place on a parchment-lined, greased cookie sheet. (Note 2)
- Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350° F / 180° C. (Note 3)
Linda
Approximately how many carbs in 1 cookie scoop?
Olivia Wyles
Hi Linda, it’s less than 2 carbs per bite. See full nutrition details below the recipe card.
Kassie
What were the original ingredients/measurements when you made it with almond flour? I LOVED that recipe and it seems like you adjusted everything recently. Used to be baking soda not powder if I’m remembering correctly? And 1 tsp of Italian seasoning/garlic powder?
Olivia Wyles
Hey there! Yes, I reworked the recipe for coconut flour. The original ingredients were 2 cups almond flour instead of coconut flour. The rest was pretty much the same! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Susan Etheridge
Can you make these with almond flour?
Olivia Wyles
Yes, you might have to use a little more. My original recipe had 2 cups of almond flour.