• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Breakfast

    Updated: Mar 30, 2023 · Published: Mar 31, 2023 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Keto Low-Carb Sausage Cheese Balls

    Jump to Recipe

    These homemade keto sausage balls with cheese are an easy low-carb recipe great for breakfast, brunch, appetizer, or snack.  They are full of flavor, tender, and cheesy good. I have been making this easy recipe for years and once you try it, you will know why it's a staple at my house.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls in a bowl next to a cup of coffee

    Obviously these are great for breakfast. I love making up a huge batch for busy weekday mornings. Enjoy with some fluffy soft scrambled eggs for a complete meal I also love these as an appetizer or snack with my HOMEMADE KETO RANCH DRESSING recipe.

    Jump to:
    • How Many Carbs in Sausage Balls
    • Ingredients for Keto Sausage Balls
    • How to Make Keto Sausage Balls
    • Substitutions or Additions
    • Make-Ahead & Storage Information
    • Other Keto Breakfast Recipes -
    • PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
    • Keto Low-Carb Sausage Balls

    How Many Carbs in Sausage Balls

    Below are the few ingredients you need to make these sausage balls.  Based on the ingredients shown for this recipe, the nutritional information including carbs and calories for each sausage ball is as follows:

    16 servings:  = 180 calories - 12.8g fat - 1.1g net carbs - 14.1g protein

    Each sausage ball is low-carb with just 1.1g net carbs. Plus it is high in fat with 12.8g fat which is why this is keto-friendly. This is also a great high-protein & high-calorie recipe for weight gain.

    Ingredients for Keto Sausage Balls

    These are made with almond flour, egg, & cream cheese to help them hold together & remain tender. The shredded cheddar makes sure they are melty, gooey, & extra cheesy.

    This recipe is made with a combination of both ground pork and ground beef. The sage, salt, & pepper seasons the meat for that classic savory breakfast sausage flavor. I wanted that tender texture I get when I make homemade Italian meatballs. And boy did it deliver!

    No Bisquick , wheat, or coconut flour in this recipe. The fresh flavor makes these better than other recipes that use premade sausage. No store-bought sausage here. 

    Homemade Low-Carb Keto Sausage Balls ingredients
    • Ground Pork
    • Ground Beef
    • Cream Cheese
    • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
    • Almond Flour
    • Egg
    • Baking Powder
    • Dry Minced Onion
    • Ground Sage
    • Salt & Pepper
    • optional - cayenne pepper

    For the amounts & full instructions see the recipe card below.

    How to Make Keto Sausage Balls

    This simple recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Here are the quick & easy steps needed to make these cheesy sausage balls.

    • Make the Meat Mixture
    • Roll out the Sausage Balls
    • Bake in the Oven

    Make the Meat Mixture

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl add all the ingredients.  Combine evenly and mix with your hands to ensure it is all coming together. 

    Refrigerate the sausage mixture for 30 minutes to help it set and firm up before rolling out the sausage balls or patties. This helps them hold their shape while baking. It is also key to ensure all the cheddar doesn't just melt & run out.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls bowl to mix

    Roll out the Sausage Balls

    Prep a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil with some cooking spray.  Next, preheat your oven to 375° at this time as well.

    After the mixture has chilled,  roll out golfball-sized sausage balls.  Place each on the baking sheet as shown below.  If making patties, flatten each out with the palm of your hand.

    You should get 16 sausage balls for this recipe.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls raw meatballs

    Bake in the Oven

    Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 375° oven. The cheese will be melting and the meatballs should be golden brown and register at least 160° on a meat thermometer. 

    Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before removing them carefully with a spatula. The cheese should be crispy on the edges and pop right off as you remove it from the foil. The crunchy cheese is honestly my favorite part.

    Keto Sausage Balls cooked on a baking sheet with cheese oozing out.

    Substitutions or Additions

    Here are some great recipe variations & ingredient substitutions that can be made. Add, omit, or use one of these alternatives for other delicious recipe ideas.   These may help you enjoy this recipe even with dietary, health, or personal nutritional preferences. 

    • Ground Pork & Beef - substitute with other meat combinations like turkey, chicken, venison, or bison.
    • Veggie - add ½ cup chopped cooked low-carb vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or rice cauliflower.
    • Spicy - add the optional cayenne pepper or red pepper flake (minded jalapeno too OMG!)

    Make-Ahead & Storage Information

    They store great in the refrigerator or freezer. Place in an air-tight container with a lid or Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 30 days.  

    The sausage balls bake up easily in the oven and can be made ahead of time. I love making a double batch & popping one in the freezer.  To defrost, place frozen sausage balls in the refrigerator overnight.

    All you need to do is warm them up in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. In minutes a fast keto breakfast, appetizer, lunch, or snack is ready.

    Homemade Keto Sausage Balls ready to eat in a bowl.

    Other Keto Breakfast Recipes -

    Toaster Oven Bacon
    For the best toaster oven bacon, try this quick & easy recipe. It is a great way to make a small amount of bacon. Whether you want 1-2 servings of bacon for burgers, sandwiches, or breakfast, this is the foolproof way to cook it.
    Toaster Oven Bacon
    Overhead plate piled with cooked bacon from the toaster oven.
    How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
    Turkey bacon is a healthy option that turns out perfectly crispy every time when cooked in the oven and the clean-up is so easy. It is by far the best way to cook turkey bacon. 
    Turkey Bacon Cooked in the Oven
    plate of cooked turkey bacon with a mug and fork on the table
    Basic Keto Chaffles
    Keto and low-carb waffles are made with just two ingredients in only 6 minutes. These savory basic chaffles are only 3 net carbs and have a ton of flavor and versatility to enjoy in so many ways. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Turn them into keto pizza, a sandwich, or top with so many. No almond or coconut flour.
    Check out this recipe
    keto belgian chaffles plated
    Soft Scrambled Eggs
    For the best soft scrambled eggs, this recipe to slow cook them on the stove is so easy. They are creamy, fluffy, & moist every time. Great for breakfast, brunch, or anytime. Add to recipes, and sandwiches, or enjoy with your favorite breakfast meats for a great meal.
    Soft Scrambled Eggs
    Scrambled eggs softly cooked in a skillet.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls PIN

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    Calphalon Baking Sheets, Nonstick Baking Pans Set for Cookies and Cakes, 12 x 17 in, Set of 2, Silver
    $29.99
    Calphalon Baking Sheets, Nonstick Baking Pans Set for Cookies and Cakes, 12 x 17 in, Set of 2, Silver
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 06:55 pm GMT

    Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowls, Set of 3
    Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowls, Set of 3
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Simply Organic Btl Sage Grnd Org, 1.41 OZ
    Simply Organic Btl Sage Grnd Org, 1.41 OZ
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Saebye Cookie Scoop Set, 3 PCS Cookie Scoops for Baking Include 1 Tbsp/ 2 Tbsp/ 3 Tbsp, Cookie Dough Scoop, Ice Cream Scoop Set, for Cookie, Cupcake, Melon Ball, Meatball, Ice Cream
    $17.99
    Saebye Cookie Scoop Set, 3 PCS Cookie Scoops for Baking Include 1 Tbsp/ 2 Tbsp/ 3 Tbsp, Cookie Dough Scoop, Ice Cream Scoop Set, for Cookie, Cupcake, Melon Ball, Meatball, Ice Cream
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 08:06 am GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls featured overhead close up

    Keto Low-Carb Sausage Balls

    Angela
    These homemade sausage balls are an easy low-carb recipe great for a keto breakfast, brunch, appetizer, or snack.  They are full of flavor, tender, simple, and packed with protein while also being gluten-free.
    4 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Refrigerator Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 each
    Calories 144 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces ground beef 80/20
    • 8 ounces ground pork
    • 1 egg beaten
    • ½ Cup almond flour blanched & finely ground
    • ¾ Cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 4 ounces cream cheese full-fat and softened
    • ½ tablespoon minced dry onion
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground sage
    • salt & pepper
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional - for spicy sausage
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-sized mixing bowl add all the ingredients.  Combine evenly and mix with your hands to ensure it is all coming together. 
    • Refrigerate the sausage mixture for 30-minutes to help it set and firm up before rolling out the sausage balls or patties.
    • Preheat oven to 375°.
    • Prep a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil with some cooking spray.  
    • Once the mixture has chilled, get ready to make the balls or patties. Using your hands, roll out golfball-sized sausage balls.  Place each on the baking sheet spacing them out as shown above.  If making patties, flatten each out with the palm of your hand.
    • Bake for 20 minutes in a 375° oven. The cheese will be melting and the meatballs should be golden brown and register at least 160° on a meat thermometer. 
    • Let them cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before removing carefully with a spatula. Enjoy!
    • They store great in the refrigerator or freezer to last long.  Be sure to keep them in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag. All you need to do to reheat is to warm up the sausage balls in the oven or microwave when you want a fast keto breakfast, appetizer, lunch, or snack.
       

    Notes

    BASED ON THE INGREDIENTS / PRODUCTS SHOWN:

    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 190IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword appetizer, baking, brunch, comfort, diabetic, dinner, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, healthy, keto, low carb, meat
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

    « Keto No Bake Cheesecake
    Crustless Cheesecake Without a Springform Pan »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Megan says

      January 11, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      My husband would absolutely love these! They look amazing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 12, 2021 at 4:32 pm

        I hope you and your husband enjoy these easy breakfast sausage balls.

        Reply
    2. Alexis Farmer says

      January 11, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      Yum! I would destroy these!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 12, 2021 at 4:31 pm

        Haha - love that compliment! My youngest child did help me destroy these, he is a bit addicted.

        Reply
    3. Christina Siwik says

      January 11, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      4 stars
      These look delicious.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 12, 2021 at 4:31 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
    4. Emily says

      January 12, 2021 at 6:01 am

      Yum!!! These look delish!

      Reply
    5. Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com says

      January 12, 2021 at 6:14 am

      These sound great. I checked out your deviled egg recipe too. I might need to try some new things- thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 12, 2021 at 4:30 pm

        Great to hear. I am glad you found a few new recipes to try - both are low-carb and easy to make.

        Reply
    6. Lisa S says

      January 12, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      I am definitely sharing with my daughter the cook!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 12, 2021 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks for sharing this recipe.

        Reply
    7. Marianne says

      January 12, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      Ummmm... YES PLEASE! YUM!! I think my family would love these!

      Reply
    8. Ashley Pacheco says

      January 12, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      I actually enjoy using almond flour. These look like they'd be delicious!

      Reply
    9. Barbara says

      January 12, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      What a great option and they look really tastey!

      Reply
    10. Misskorang says

      January 14, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      These look so palatable!

      Reply
    11. Virginia says

      January 15, 2021 at 7:50 am

      Thanks for the recipe. Pinned.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
    • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
      Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
    • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
      Naked Chicken Wings
    • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
      How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    Try Audible Plus
    Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
    Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
    Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Top Categories

    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Italian
    • Holidays
    • Southern
    • Recipe Roundups

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT