Breakfast meets appetizer in these irresistible pancake sausage balls! They combine all your favorite breakfast flavors with fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melty cheese. Perfectly sized for popping in your mouth on the go, each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory notes.

Drizzle them with maple syrup, or add some excitement with your favorite jelly. Serve them as a grab-and-go breakfast or elevate your next gathering with these fantastic appetizers!

Why You’ll Love These Pancake Sausage Balls

• Time-Saving Delight: With pancake mix as the base, you won’t have to measure multiple dry ingredients, turning this recipe into a quick, five-ingredient dish that comes together in mere minutes.
• Two-in-One Breakfast: No need to choose between pancakes and sausage! These ingenious balls serve up both breakfast favorites in every bite, with the added bonus of ooey-gooey melted cheese.
• Party-Perfect: These two-bite wonders make the ultimate make-ahead party appetizer. They stay warm for hours on a heated tray and require no utensils for serving.
• Freezer-Friendly: Consider making a double batch. You can freeze the unbaked balls for up to three months; just toss them straight from the freezer into the oven when unexpected guests arrive.

Ingredients

• Pancake Mix: This is the base that brings all the flavor components together, providing a hint of sweetness and that famous fluffy texture. Brands like Pearl Milling Company are fantastic, and Bisquick works just as well.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and loads of gooey goodness, pairing perfectly with the savory sausage.
• Breakfast Sausage: The true star of the dish, delivering savory flavors that beautifully complement the other ingredients.
• Milk: Important for moisture, making sure everything blends together smoothly.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: Use your favorite for a pop of color and delicate herby flavor that brightens the dish.
• Maple Syrup or Jelly: The ideal dipping option to add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory sausage balls.

How to Make Pancake Sausage Balls

This recipe is a well-rounded delight! With just five ingredients (excluding the dipping sauce) and five simple steps, it couldn’t be easier.

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and either spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, sausage, cheese, and milk. Mix by hand or use a stand mixer for about a minute, until everything is well combined.
3. Shape: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1½-inch round balls, placing them about an inch apart on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake the balls for 20-23 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the pancake batter turns golden brown.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with parsley or chives, then serve with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pancake Sausage Balls

Like other sausage ball recipes, this one is super simple. Here are some helpful tips to make it even easier:

• Fresh is Best: Skip pre-shredded cheese and grate your own from a block. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture.
• Room Temperature is Key: Let the cheese, sausage, and milk come to room temperature before mixing. This makes them easier to handle and helps them mix more evenly.
• Don’t Overmix! Mixing too much can result in dry balls. Gently fold until just combined.
• Choose Your Consistency: If your mixture seems too dry, add a little extra milk (about ¼ cup). If it becomes too runny, add more pancake mix or sausage.
• Amp Up the Flavor: Add optional seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.
• Pick the Right Tools: If mixing by hand, use clean gloves. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well too. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizing for even cooking, and always check the internal temperature—aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Try Tasty Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Mozzarella. You can also add minced jalapeños for extra kick or crumbled bacon for some extra indulgence.

What to Serve with Pancake Sausage Balls

While serving these tasty bites with maple syrup and jelly is perfect, there are plenty of creative dipping sauces you can try:

How to Store

Here are some versatile tips for make-ahead, storage, and freezing!

• Make-Ahead: Shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before baking. Alternatively, freeze them for up to three months and bake straight from frozen by adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
• To Store: Place the cooked and cooled pancake sausage balls into an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days.
• To Freeze: Arrange the cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. From there, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container—good for up to three months.
• To Reheat: Warm them up in the microwave at 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. For a crispier result, use an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.