Turkey Sausage Balls That Are Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Perfect for Any Gathering

Last Updated on December 20, 2025 by Souhail

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm tray of sausage balls straight out of the oven, and these Turkey Sausage Balls are my personal go-to twist on the classic. I first started making these as a lighter alternative to the traditional pork version, and now they’re the most-requested snack in my house, especially during the holidays.

The best part? They’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch buffet, packing them into a lunchbox, or popping a few as a protein-packed snack, these little bites never disappoint. With ground turkey sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a fluffy biscuit mix base, they’re savory, tender, and have just the right amount of bite.

Turkey sausage brings a leaner, slightly sweeter profile than pork, which lets the flavors of the cheese and seasonings really shine. I like mine with a little kick of garlic powder and fresh herbs, but you can tweak the flavor to match your mood (or pantry).

Here’s Why These Turkey Sausage Balls Totally Work

If you’ve ever had sausage balls that turned out dry, crumbly, or just plain bland, I feel your pain. But these turkey sausage balls are seriously next-level. Here’s what makes them a total win:

• Leaner but still flavorful: Using turkey sausage instead of pork keeps things lighter, without sacrificing any of the savory richness we love in a sausage ball.
• Cheddar cheese magic: Sharp cheddar adds salty creaminess that melts beautifully into the mix.
• No dry balls here (promise): The key is balancing the ratio of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. Plus, adding a splash of milk keeps everything moist and tender.
• Ridiculously easy to prep: Toss everything in a bowl, mix, roll, and bake. Done. No special equipment, no chilling time, no fuss.
• Perfect for freezing: These freeze like a dream, making them ideal for meal prep or make-ahead party planning.
• Customizable: Want them spicy? Toss in red pepper flakes. Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF biscuit mix. Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese—it still works.

Honestly, these are just as at home on a holiday platter as they are in a kid’s lunchbox or post-workout snack spread. And if you’re a fan of bite-sized comfort food, you might also love these chicken sausage balls as a tasty variation.

Let’s Make These Turkey Sausage Balls

Turkey Sausage Balls

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Appetizers, Snacks, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

135

kcal

A juicy, cheesy, and protein-packed take on a classic appetizer. These Turkey Sausage Balls are quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey sausage

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1.5 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 0.25 tsp black pepper

• 0.25 cup milk

Directions

• First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it fully hot by the time your sausage balls are ready to bake so they crisp up perfectly on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
• Grab a big mixing bowl (and I mean big) because we’re going to mix everything in one go. Start by adding 1 pound of ground turkey sausage to the bowl. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off—it’ll be easier to mix.
• Next, toss in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I always recommend shredding it fresh off the block for maximum meltiness and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but fresh is worth the extra minute, I promise.
• Now add 1 and ½ cups of biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick). This gives our sausage balls that fluffy, tender bite.
• Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of black pepper. You can also add a dash of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
• Now here’s the key to moist sausage balls: add ¼ cup of milk. It hydrates the biscuit mix and makes sure everything holds together without being dry or crumbly.
• Time to mix! I won’t lie—this part’s a bit messy, but your hands are really the best tool here. Work everything together until it forms a uniform dough. It should be slightly sticky but still easy to shape.
• Once the dough is ready, use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll it into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. You should get about 24–28 depending on your scoop size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t touch.
• Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re sizzling and smell absolutely irresistible.
• Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—just enough time to mix up a dipping sauce or set the table.

Notes

• Use fresh cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese can make the mix drier.
• Don’t overbake—turkey dries out more quickly than pork, so keep an eye on the oven.
• Customize the flavor with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
• Want them extra moist? Add 1 extra tablespoon of milk to the mix.
• Freezer-friendly: Flash freeze the raw balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for future baking.
• Mini version: Make smaller balls for bite-sized party snacks—just reduce bake time slightly.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 24
• Calories: 135kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.6g
• Protein: 9g

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Let Me Share Some Tips So Yours Come Out Perfect Every Time

Over the years (and dozens of batches later), I’ve picked up some tricks to make sure turkey sausage balls are always on point. Here’s how to get that perfect cheesy, juicy result:

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it’s coated in anti-caking agents that can make your mix dry. Freshly shredding your cheddar melts better and gives a creamier texture.
• Don’t skip the milk: Even just a splash of milk makes a noticeable difference. It hydrates the biscuit mix and keeps things tender without becoming soggy.
• Mix with your hands: Honestly, the best tool for this job is your hands. You’ll get a better sense of the texture and won’t overmix the dough like you might with a spoon.
• Use a cookie scoop: For even-sized balls that bake evenly, a small cookie scoop is your best friend.
• Don’t overbake: You want a golden crust and juicy center. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes—turkey can dry out if overcooked.

By the way, if you’re into hearty, comforting recipes like this one, you’ll want to check out my favorite cold-weather meal: this lasagna soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl!

Fun Ways to Mix It Up: Variations You’ll Want to Try

Once you’ve made the classic turkey sausage balls, the fun really begins. These are so easy to adapt based on what you’re craving—or what you have in the fridge.

Spicy Turkey Sausage Balls

Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or swap in hot turkey sausage for a spicy kick. You can even mix in a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño if you’re really into heat.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free biscuit mix like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur, and make sure your sausage is certified gluten-free. The texture is still light and fluffy!

Dairy-Free Sausage Balls

Try using plant-based cheese like Daiya or Violife and unsweetened almond milk in place of dairy. Just make sure your turkey sausage is dairy-free too—many brands are!

Herb and Garlic Style

Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a combo of dried sage, rosemary, and thyme for an herby upgrade. These feel very festive and pair beautifully with a cranberry dipping sauce.

Mini Stuffing Ball Mashup

Inspired by holiday flavors? Combine a few spoonfuls of chopped cooked stuffing into the mix—it’s a nod to these turkey stuffing balls and tastes like Thanksgiving in one bite.

How to Serve These Bad Boys

Whether you’re hosting brunch or just feeding a crowd, turkey sausage balls are endlessly snackable. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

• With dipping sauces: Try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a zesty ranch. For a breakfast vibe, serve them with warm maple syrup!
• As part of a brunch board: Include them alongside mini muffins, fruit, and scrambled eggs for a protein-packed brunch spread.
• Party platter favorite: Serve with toothpicks, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a ramekin of dipping sauce.
• On the go: Pack them into lunchboxes or snack packs—they hold up great at room temp for a few hours.

They also pair surprisingly well with sweet and savory bites like these energy balls for a mix of flavors and textures.

How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you. These sausage balls keep beautifully.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 to 3 months.
• To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes (no sogginess), or microwave for 30 seconds per ball if you’re short on time. A quick air fryer blast also works wonders for restoring crisp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s Wrap It Up!

So, whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, prepping snacks for the week, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing bite, these Turkey Sausage Balls check all the boxes. They’re quick, cozy, endlessly customizable, and always a hit.

If you loved these, you might also enjoy trying my beef sausage balls or mixing things up with this comforting lasagna soup.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget the dipping sauce!