These cheesy keto low-carb sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for game day or anytime you need a quick easy recipe the whole family will love that's high in protein!
Traditional Sausage Balls
Typical sausage ball recipes I've seen use Bisquick in the sausage mixture.
Classic Bisquick sausage balls are high in carbs and definitely not something you want if you're following a keto diet or low carb diet.
Keto recipes for sausage cheese balls often include almond flour or other nut flours, which is not something I can use since my youngest son has a tree nut and peanut allergy.
I am gluten free and also prefer not use most gluten free flours which contain potato flour, potato starch or rice flours which are also high carb.
According to the app Cronometer, classic sausage balls made with Bisquick mix, pork sausage and cheddar cheese have a carb count of 9 grams.
Easy Keto Sausage Balls
My favorite part of creating recipes for a keto lifestyle or low carb recipes for myself and family, is making them so tasty and delicious that no one really cares they are low-carb recipes or keto friendly.
Honestly the best way to get anyone on board with this way of life is feeding them delicious satisfying food like this low-carb appetizer.
Our keto sausage ball recipe has just a few simple ingredients and no keto flours needed to hold their shape. Our cream cheese sausage balls have 4 g net carbs for 4 large balls.
All nutritional information is below on the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Ingredients needs for new recipe is:
Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
Ground Pork (see substitution options below)
Eggs
Sharp Cheddar Cheese or see other options below
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
Dipping Sauce Options
These sausage balls are a great appetizer with any dipping sauces you like.
Here are some of my homemade recipes for marinara sauce, Ranch dressing, sugar-free BBQ sauce and Salsa.
For store bought sauces without inflammatory seed oils and the best ingredients, I'd recommend Primal Kitchen Ranch, BBQ Sauce, or this Buffalo Ranch dip.
Can I swap the ground pork?
If you don't want to use ground pork, you can swap it with ground chicken, pre-seasoned ground sausage, spicy sausage, turkey sausage, breakfast sausage or any kind of sausage you like.
If you use Italian sausage that is already seasoned, please remove the onion and garlic powder and pre-made sausage usually contains some Italian seasoning.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
I haven't tested these in my air fryer yet, but I would imagine you could use some parchment paper in the air fryer basket for easy clean up and set it for the same temperature of 350 degrees F.
Cook time will probably be less than a conventional oven so check them at about 15 minutes with an internal thermometer. When the middle is at least 160 degrees F, they are done.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can use a pre-shredded cheese in our easy sausage ball recipe if you prefer. Pepper jack cheese would be delicious or a Mexican cheese blend.
More Low Carb Appetizers
The next time you are having company or watching some football, try any easy appetizer here.
These are some of our favorite keto appetizers for all parties with family and friends.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Cheesy Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms
Crispy Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Easy Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Best Easy Cheesy Low Carb Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground pork
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- optional for spicy keto sausage balls add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place all the ingredients into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or into a large bowl to combine together.
- Use a large cookie scoop or about 2 tablespoons to form 36 mounds. Roll into little balls and place in a single layer onto the cookie sheet pan. ( if you want to use a small scoop, about 1 tablespoon, you will double the amount of balls)
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned or internal temperature is 160 degrees F and nicely golden brown. If they aren't quite as browned as you would like, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown on top.
- Enjoy with dipping sauces like fresh salsa, ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Karen Chartrand
These were delicious. I made two changes, I used creamy goats cheese instead of cream cheese and almond flour instead of coconut flour. So good. Thank you for the recipe
Brenda Bennett
Thanks for sharing! How much almond flour did you use? Same amount as I did with coconut?
Carol Zupancic
I made these with Italian turkey sausage and they were very good! I love that there’s an alternative to using bisquick! Thank you!
Brenda Bennett
Thank you!