Gluten Free Sausage Balls
Easy Italian Sausage Balls! A flavor packed, low carb, keto-friendly appetizer that is so easy to make!
If you’re familiar with the classic sausage balls appetizer (usually sausage, bisquick, and cheese), you are going to love this Italian version! Years ago we did tons of tests to create the perfect almond flour sausage ball so that our favorite snack could be both gluten-free and keto-friendly. It’s always a huge hit at parties, so I got curious about using Italian sausage for even more flavor! It turns out this super easy substitute made this even more savory and delicious, and we didn’t even need extras like eggs or flax meal. Now we’ve got easy sausage balls that pair wonderfully with marinara, pesto, or alfredo sauce for the perfect party appetizer!
Ingredients for Easy Sausage Balls
As always, you will find the printable recipe and instruction card at the bottom of this post. This is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Italian Sausage
- Cream Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Almond Flour
- Baking Powder
- Spices: Italian seasoning and garlic powder
How to Make Gluten Free Sausage Balls
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. You just need to combine the Italian sausage, cream cheese, almond flour, baking powder, spices and mozzarella cheese until completely combined. Roll into small, golf ball size balls and place on a large baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-24 minutes until cooked through. Place the sausage balls on a wire rack to drain off any grease.
How many carbs are in these sausage balls?
This recipe makes about 28 golf ball size sausage balls. This means each sausage ball has 0.8 net carbs each. Pair with a low carb marinara for dipping and this is a great keto-friendly, gluten free snack!
Easy Sausage Ball Recipe Tips
- Room temperature cream cheese is much easier to mix.
- Using an electric mixer, specifically a stand mixer, is easier than mixing by hand.
- Roll the balls into a uniform size, keep them golf ball size or slightly smaller.
- I suggest baking on a silicone baking mat, they will never stick and they bake evenly.
As another big bonus you can totally customize this based on your preferences. I normally use spicy Italian sausage, but depending on what you like you can use mild or sweet Italian sausage to give this a completely different flavor! This is an easy appetizer to keep in mind for the holidays! I suggest making a double batch because…well because why not?
What to Serve with These Sausage Appetizers
How to Store Italian Sausage Balls
- Fridge: Cool and store in an airtight container up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: Freeze 2-3 hours on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer container. Enjoy within 3-4 months for the best taste and texture.
- Reheating: Microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through. If you prefer crispy edges, you can bake (350 degrees, 5-10 minutes) or air fry (350 degrees, 2-3 minutes)
More Popular Keto Recipes
- Keto Buffalo Wings
- Amazing Keto Ham and Cheese Biscuits
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (keto-friendly)
- Pork Tenderloin Medallions Recipe
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine all of the ingredients until well incorporated. I find this easiest in my stand mixer.
- Lightly spray a large baking sheet or line with silicone baking sheets
- Roll the sausage balls into golf ball size balls.
- Bake 20-24 minutes.
Correction: In my previous comment, I meant Keto only–not Keto and Vegan.
I’m assuming that using almond flour pertains to the recipe being Keto and Vegan. Is my assumption correct?
I would like to use regular flour. Will using regular flour affect the recipe results?
That is correct, you can use regular flour if you are not concerned about carbs.
I made these yesterday as a side for lasagna. I made Italian stuffed mushrooms as a 2nd side. they were a great combination; and so easy to make. My 10 yr old niece said the sausage balls were delicious. Thank you for the recipe. I will be making them again.
These would be a hit! Such a great idea using the GF bisquick to help bind. I’m totall gonna use that!
Thanks Laura!
Love this idea! The flavors sound amazing, and it looks like the perfect appetizer-yum!
Thanks Sherri!
These sound great!! Apps are one of my favorite parts of the holidays!! <3
I’m slapping my forehead in a “why didn’t I think of that” moment! Never occurred to me to change up the flavor and dip them in sauce. Hello fabulous idea!!!
These look so good! And YUM cream cheese!!
I feel like sausage and cream cheese should be illegal sometimes. It is SO darn good! I never would’ve guessed how easy these were though I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have had time to think about that since I’d be stuffing my face. Fantastic recipe! Pinning!
I love sausage balls! Like to the point that I can’t make them or I will eat all of them. Love that you made these with Italian sausage, that is genius! I will have to try these for our New Year’s party. Thanks Annie!
How wonderful are these, Annie!! You’re right – just a perfect holiday appetizer. And definitely they’ve got to be served with the marinara sauce. 🙂
The Italian sausage is such a great idea, Annie! They look like the perfect appetizers for any holiday gathering! Especially with the marinara dip – love it!
Oooh these look like the perfect appetizer!! So delicious!