Turkey Sausage Balls

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers or a quick and satisfying breakfast, Turkey Sausage Balls are a total game-changer. These savory, bite-sized delights are packed with flavor, featuring lean turkey sausage, melty cheese, and a perfectly seasoned, tender texture. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, meal-prepping for busy mornings, or looking for a protein-packed snack, these sausage balls won’t disappoint.

Unlike traditional sausage balls that use pork, this version with turkey sausage is lighter but still incredibly flavorful. The addition of cheese and a well-balanced seasoning mix ensures that every bite is juicy, cheesy, and packed with just the right amount of spice. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, making them a great go-to option for any time of the day.

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Sausage Balls

• Healthier Alternative – Made with lean turkey sausage instead of pork, making them lower in fat but still full of flavor.

• Easy to Make – Just mix, roll, and bake! No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.

• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, meal prep, or even a quick snack.

• Customizable – Add different cheeses, herbs, or spices to make them your own.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – These freeze well, so you can prepare them in advance and bake when needed.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 24 sausage balls

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 3 Sausage Balls)

• Calories: 210

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Turkey Sausage Balls

• 1 pound ground turkey sausage

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for moisture)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Sausage Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne (if using).

4. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to help bind the ingredients.

Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls

5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the sausage balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

7. Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Ingredient Background

The key to making the best turkey sausage balls is understanding the role of each ingredient. Let’s break down what makes them so delicious and why each element is important.

Turkey Sausage

Using ground turkey sausage instead of traditional pork makes these sausage balls lighter yet still full of flavor. Turkey sausage contains less saturated fat while still being high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthier, leaner alternative. The key to keeping turkey juicy is not overcooking and ensuring it has enough moisture from added ingredients like cheese and milk.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice because of its bold, sharp flavor and perfect melting properties. However, you can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, creamy texture. The cheese helps bind the mixture together while adding richness.

Seasonings and Spices

Since turkey sausage can be milder than pork, the right seasoning mix is essential to add depth and a touch of heat. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper work together to enhance the savory profile. A small amount of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat, but it’s completely optional if you prefer a milder version.

Flour and Baking Powder

The combination of flour and baking powder helps create a light texture in the sausage balls, preventing them from becoming too dense. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but all-purpose flour works just as well if you prefer a classic texture.

Milk (Optional Moisture Boost)

Since turkey is naturally lean, a small amount of milk helps ensure the mixture stays moist and tender. It’s optional, but if your mixture feels dry, adding a tablespoon or two of milk can make a noticeable difference.

Technique Tips for Turkey Sausage Balls

Perfecting your Turkey Sausage Balls is all about getting the right balance of texture, flavor, and moisture. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your sausage balls come out perfect every time.

First, don’t overmix the dough. When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overworking the dough can lead to tough sausage balls. If using your hands, try lightly oiling them to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Next, if you want an extra crispy exterior, place the sausage balls on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of directly on parchment paper. This allows air to circulate underneath, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a delicious golden-brown crust.

Finally, check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Since turkey sausage is lean, it can dry out if baked too long. The ideal internal temperature for fully cooked turkey sausage is 165°F (75°C). Using a digital meat thermometer helps prevent dryness and ensures they’re cooked just right.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

These Turkey Sausage Balls are already a fantastic appetizer or snack, but there are creative ways to serve them for different occasions.

For a party platter, arrange them on a large plate with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

For a breakfast-friendly twist, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a protein-packed start to the day. You can also make them into breakfast sliders by placing them inside mini biscuit halves or small English muffins with a slice of cheese.

For a low-carb option, serve these turkey sausage balls inside lettuce cups with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. This keeps them light and fresh while still being full of flavor.

Freezing and Storing Turkey Sausage Balls

One of the best things about these Turkey Sausage Balls is that they’re freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead. Here’s how to store them properly.

Refrigerating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Freezing Uncooked Sausage Balls

To make a batch ahead of time, roll the sausage mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and cook straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Cooked Sausage Balls

If you prefer to freeze fully cooked sausage balls, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to make these even healthier? Here are a few easy modifications to lighten them up without sacrificing flavor.

Instead of using traditional cheddar, swap in reduced-fat cheese or a blend of nutritional yeast and mozzarella for a lighter yet still cheesy texture.

If you want to reduce the carbs, replace the flour with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative.

For an extra boost of fiber and healthy fats, add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the mixture. This enhances the nutritional value while keeping the texture light.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These Turkey Sausage Balls are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a brunch, party, or holiday gathering.

For a holiday appetizer, serve them on a platter with cranberry sauce or a maple-mustard dip. The contrast of savory and sweet makes them an instant hit.

If you’re hosting a game day party, pair these sausage balls with crispy potato wedges, buffalo wings, and a selection of dips for the ultimate snack spread.

For a kid-friendly meal, serve them with mac and cheese or mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting, satisfying dish that kids will love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular ground turkey instead of turkey sausage?

Yes! Just add extra seasoning, such as 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cayenne, to replicate the flavors of turkey sausage.

2. What’s the best way to keep them from drying out?

Don’t overbake them, and consider adding a small amount of milk or grated onion to keep them moist.

3. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well. Choose one based on your flavor preference.

5. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and replace milk with almond or oat milk.

6. Can I make them spicy?

Add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños for a spicy version.

Conclusion

These Turkey Sausage Balls are simple, delicious, and versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or party appetizers. With easy make-ahead and freezing options, they’re a convenient and flavorful dish for any occasion. Try them today, and enjoy a protein-packed treat that’s both healthy and satisfying!

Print