• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Breakfast

    Published: Jan 11, 2021 · Modified: Feb 1, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Keto Low-Carb Sausage Cheese Balls

    Jump to Recipe

    These homemade sausage balls with cheese 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.  They will not dry out or fall apart thanks to the egg and cream cheese in the mixture. 

    This recipe for gluten-free sausage balls is also grain-free thanks to using just a little bit of almond flour. There is no Bisquick or flour to hold these sausage balls together.  You can shape the best homemade sausage mixture into balls or patties. What I love about these little guys is they can be enjoyed in so many ways to help me stay on track with my low-carb or keto diet.

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

    The sausage balls bake up easily in the oven and can be made ahead of time to have a quick easy keto low-carb meal ready in seconds.  They store great in the refrigerator or freezer to last long.  All you need to do is warm up the sausage balls in the oven or microwave when you want a fast keto breakfast, appetizer, lunch, or snack.  I love these as an appetizer or snack with my HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING recipe.

    Ingredients for Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls

    My recipe is made from ground pork and ground beef instead of store-bought sausage.  I wanted to make a homemade breakfast sausage using ground pork and beef that is flavored with traditional sausage seasonings like sage, minced onion, salt, and pepper.

    Below are the few ingredients you need to make these keto gluten-free sausage balls.  Based on the ingredients shown for this recipe, the nutrition and calorie information for each sausage ball is as follows:

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

    These keto sausage cheese balls are made with almond flour, egg, & cream cheese to help them hold together & remain tender. The shredded cheese adds extra cheese that is melty & gooey.

    Substitutions or Additions for Sausage Balls

    You could even make the sausage balls with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, venison, or bison. To add some vegetables you can also add frozen drained chopped spinach, small diced cooked mushrooms, or riced cooked cauliflower.  I also like to add minced jalapeno, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicy low-carb keto sausage ball recipe.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls ingredients

    How to Make Breakfast Sausage Balls

    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.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls bowl to mix

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls bowl to mix[/caption]

    Roll Out the Sausage Balls

    Prep a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil with some cooking spray.  Preheat your oven 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.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls raw meatballs

    How to Bake Homemade Sausage Balls

    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 for a few minutes on the baking sheet before removing them carefully with a spatula.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls cooked on a baking sheet

    Enjoy and Store the Sausage Balls

    They store great in the refrigerator or freezer to last long.  All you need to do is warm up the sausage balls in the oven or microwave when you want a fast keto breakfast, appetizer, lunch, or snack.

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls ready to eat

    Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls ready to eat[/caption]

    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
    Keto Belgian Chaffles
    Keto and low carb waffles made from shredded cheese and eggs = chaffles. Each one has only 3 net carbs and a ton of flavor and versatility to enjoy so many ways. Great for breakfast, made into pizza, as sandwich bread, and strips for snacking.
    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:

    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

    Homemade 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
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Refrigerator Time 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 each

    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

    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 Facts
    Servings: 16
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 180
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 12.8g 16%
    Saturated Fat 5.7g 28%
    Cholesterol 62mg 21%
    Sodium 124mg 5%
    Total Carbohydrate 1.2g 0%
    Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%
    Total Sugars 0.3g  
    Protein 14.1g  
    Vitamin D 1mcg 5%
    Calcium 71mg 5%
    Iron 1mg 6%
    Potassium 106mg 2%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
     
    Keyword appetizer, baking, brunch, comfort, diabetic, dinner, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, healthy, keto, low carb, meat

    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.

    « Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
    Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #412 »

    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. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that hopes you find something new & tasty to love while you are here.

    More about me →

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

    Popular

    • Slow Cooker Corned Beef featured close up
      Slow Cooker Corned Beef
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Teriyaki chicken on a stick stacked on a plate with dipping sauce
      Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
    • Homemade Snickers Bars featured 5 stack
      Homemade Snickers Bars
    • Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup overhead
      Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup
    • Overhead of cast iron skillet with creamy coconut chicken thighs ready to top with cilantro, green onion, and hot sauce.
      Creamy Coconut Chicken 
    • A bun topped with 3-ingredient sloppy joe meat and cheese.
      3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Best Ever Mango Ice Cream featured two bowls close mango bottom corner
      Best Ever Mango Ice Cream (with Ice Cream Maker)

    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

    #ad The Short Order Cook LLC is an affiliate of ButcherBox. I have been a customer for years and cannot recommend it enough. Great prices & even better meat! Sign up today.

    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 © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share a photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any items as if they were your own is prohibited.

    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