The church ladies demanded I bring a double batch to the next potluck. You only need 4 ingredients for these.

These southern 4-ingredient sausage cheese balls are the kind of thing you bring to a church potluck once, and then the ladies immediately tell you to bring a double batch next time. They’re a classic Southern appetizer: savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, and baking mix rolled into little bite-size snacks that bake up golden, crispy outside and cheesy inside. I love them because they use pantry-friendly ingredients, come together fast, and can be prepped ahead—perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or when you promised to bring something and totally forgot until an hour before you need to leave.

Serve these sausage cheese balls warm on a big white platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re great on their own, but you can set out a few simple dips like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy barbecue sauce. For a brunch spread, pair them with a fruit salad and scrambled eggs. For parties or potlucks, they fit right in next to veggie trays, chips and dip, and a simple green salad. They also reheat well, so you can keep a batch warm in a low oven or serve them at room temperature if you’re transporting them.

Servings: 30–36 sausage balls

1 pound (16 oz) raw pork breakfast sausage, mild or hot

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, add the raw pork breakfast sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking mix, and milk.

Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until the baking mix is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform. This can take a few minutes; press and squeeze the mixture together to help it come together. If it feels too dry and crumbly to hold a ball shape, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it just holds together.

Once the mixture is well combined, pinch off portions and roll into balls about 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter (roughly 1 tablespoon of mixture each). Try to keep them similar in size so they bake evenly.

Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one so the heat can circulate and they brown nicely.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through, lightly puffed, and golden brown on the outside with some melty cheese spots showing. If you cut one open, there should be no pink in the sausage.

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the sausage balls cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to transfer.

Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm. If you’re taking them to a potluck, you can bake them ahead, cool completely, and reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes before serving.

You can easily tweak these sausage cheese balls to fit your crowd and your schedule. For a little kick, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the mixture (this would technically be a 5th ingredient, so only do this if you’re not strictly sticking to the 4-ingredient idea). Swap in extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or use a cheddar-jack blend for a slightly creamier texture. If you prefer them a bit lighter, you can use reduced-fat cheddar and a leaner sausage, but keep in mind they may not brown quite as deeply. To prep ahead, mix and roll the sausage balls, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking; add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge. They also freeze well: freeze unbaked balls on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 5–7 extra minutes. For food safety, always use fresh, cold sausage, keep the mixture chilled if you’re not baking right away, and wash your hands and any surfaces that touch raw meat. Bake until there is no pink in the center and the internal temperature of the sausage balls reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.