Looking for a satisfying, keto-friendly snack or appetizer? These low-carb sausage balls are made with ground pork (or breakfast sausage), cream cheese, and a combination of shredded cheeses for a rich, savory bite. They’re quick to prepare, high in protein, and perfect for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. This versatile mixture can also be used to stuff mushrooms, jalapeño poppers, or as a protein-packed addition to salads.
These sausage balls are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer at parties. They reheat well and make a convenient meal-prep option when you need a quick high-protein snack. If you prefer a different cooking method, you can also make them in an air fryer by reducing time slightly and checking for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Low-Carb Sausage Ball Ingredients
These sausage balls rely on a handful of simple, low-carb ingredients that come together to form a cohesive, flavorful bite. You can swap seasonings or cheeses to suit your tastes.
- 1 pound ground pork or breakfast sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack (or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or BBQ seasoning), or to taste
How to Make Keto Sausage Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork or sausage with the softened cream cheese, shredded Colby Jack, grated Parmesan, and your seasoning. Softened cream cheese makes mixing much easier and helps the ingredients bind together.
3. Use a spatula, meat masher, or your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they’re evenly incorporated. Make sure the cheese and cream cheese are fully distributed through the meat.
4. Portion the mixture into roughly 12 equal portions and roll each into a golf-ball-sized meatball. Place them on the prepared pan with a little space between each ball.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the balls once about halfway through to promote even browning. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the outside is golden.
6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. These sausage balls pair well with mashed cauliflower, zoodles, a simple dipping sauce, or a crisp green salad.
Recipe Variations for Low-Carb Sausage Balls
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheese Substitutions: Swap Colby Jack for sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
- Fresh Add-Ins: Fold in diced jalapeños, chopped parsley, cilantro, or a touch of garlic powder for depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally low-carb and can be gluten-free if you verify your sausage and seasonings contain no gluten.
These simple swaps let you customize the sausage balls to match your preferences or dietary needs without changing the basic method.
Storage and Meal Prep for Low-Carb Sausage Balls
Refrigerate cooked sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes depending on size).
Because they reheat well and are easy to portion, sausage balls are ideal for meal prep, party platters, or quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
More Low-Carb Recipes
If you enjoy these keto sausage balls, other low-carb favorites to try include veggie pizza dip, smoked or oven-baked wings, brisket or other smoked meats, and air fryer sausage balls for a faster cook method. Experimenting with different cheeses and seasonings will keep these recipes fresh and interesting.
Low-Carb Sausage balls (Recipe Summary)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 meatballs
- Calories: 49 kcal per meatball
- Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 4 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Form into 12 golf-ball-sized meatballs and arrange on the prepared pan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Serve warm or cool and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Nutrition (approx. per meatball)
Calories: 49 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 4 g
Enjoy these low-carb sausage balls as a simple snack, a party appetizer, or part of a hearty keto meal. With minimal prep and a flexible ingredient list, they’re an easy go-to for low-carb cooking.