This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Impress your guests with my addictive keto sausage ball recipe and get tender, juicy sausage every time. They’re easy to customize, naturally gluten-free, and only 1 gram of net carbs.
Love keto appetizers? Try my keto jalapeño poppers, keto mozzarella sticks, keto deviled eggs, and keto buffalo chicken dip next.
When I want a quick and easy appetizer that caters to my low-carb diet, I make these keto sausage balls.
There’s no Bisquick or grains needed, but you’d never tell. They’re soft and juicy in the center, with a cheesy richness and subtle hint of sweetness.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Customizable. Don’t fret if you don’t have all the ingredients listed. Most of them are easily substituted with whatever you have in your kitchen.
- Salty yet sweet. Don’t let the sugar-free maple syrup turn you off of this recipe. It adds a subtle sweetness that really complements the pork and cheese.
- Fast and easy. Sometimes I have a crew of hungry guests before I know it. When I don’t have time to make an elaborate meal, I whip up these sausage balls.
- Two cooking methods. I usually find the oven to be the best method for cooking these sausage balls, but I also included air fryer instructions, just in case.
Ingredients needed
- Ground pork. I usually prefer full-fat meat for sausage balls, but lean ground pork sausage is great since we’re adding plenty of wet ingredients.
- Almond flour. Either blanched almond flour or superfine almond flour. You can even use keto bread crumbs if you’d like more tender sausage balls.
- Baking powder. Adds structure and binds the other ingredients.
- Sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese. For cheesy flavor and creaminess.
- Sugar-free maple syrup. Skip the expensive store-bought kind and make my keto maple syrup!
- Milk. Any milk works.
- Onion powder. Adds a subtle onion flavor without needing onions (and keeping the carbs down!).
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Scallions. Adds a subtle peppery kick.
How to make keto sausage balls
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Preheat oven to 210C/425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix. Add all ingredients (except the scallions) to a food processor. Pulse until fully mixed. Add the scallions and pulse twice to combine.
Step 3- Shape. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out equal-sized portions of the meat mixture. Shape them into balls and place them on the baking sheet.
Step 4- Bake. Bake the balls for 7-10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 72C/160f.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! If I’m making a half-batch of sausage balls for myself, I’ll often use the air fryer.
To do this, place the sausage balls in the greased air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them at 400F/200C for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Shred your cheese. I swear this makes all the difference. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and, frankly, just tastes better!
- Use your hands. I appreciate the convenience of the food processor, but if you’d rather save yourself the dish, use a large bowl and mix by hand.
- Make them in advance. Prepare the sausage mixture, form the balls, and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.
- You’ll know the sausage balls are fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 72C/160F.
Variations
- Swap the protein. Use spicy sausage, breakfast sausage, ground turkey sausage, or even ground chicken!
- Use different cheeses. Try pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, or parmesan cheese.
- Add spices. Like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Serve them with a dipping sauce. Try my keto ranch dressing, keto honey mustard, or sugar-free ketchup!
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To freeze: Place leftover sausage balls in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Reheating: Microwave them in 20-second intervals, in a preheated oven, or in the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
These sausage balls have less than 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
Yes, if you’d rather not use almond flour, coconut flour can be substituted. Reduce the amount added to ¼ cup and add more if needed.
Bisquik is not keto-friendly as it contains flour and wheat in the mix.
More low carb snacks you’ll enjoy
- Keto crackers
- Keto charcuterie board
- Keto cheese chips
- Keto stuffed mushrooms
- Or any of my keto snacks
Keto Sausage Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or ground sausage * See notes
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup keto maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 210C/425F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the ground pork, almond flour, baking powder, shredded cheese, cream cheese, maple syrup, milk, salt, and onion powder and pulse until combined. Add the green onions and pulse twice until combined.
- Using a small cookie or ice cream scoop, scoop out equal size portions of the sausage ball mixture. Use your hands to shape them into balls and place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake the sausage balls for 7-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160C.
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published June 2022, updated and republished August 2024
Hm never heard before of “keto” maple syrup. Need to buy it.
Im making these today for a family get together. You never disappoint. Love your recipes. Thanks so much.
I just recently discovered your website, I’m managing Type 2 with diet alone, and can’t wait to try these sausage balls!! They’ll fit my schedule and my cravings beautifully!!
sorry, maybe I’m missing g it…but how many in a serving?
6 servings in an entire recipe