These ugly-delicious toddler sausage balls function like an inverted sausage biscuit sandwich but eat like a meatball–are they a breakfast dish, or are they dinner? Yes! In the South, they’re known as “sausage balls” (true enough!); in our house, we have a simple and singular name for ‘em, no matter what time of day they are served: the guilty pleasure meal.
One look at the ingredient list below and you’ll see why: no one will accuse these guys of being healthy; no one can deny, even if all you have to go on is the accompanying photo and ingredients, how delicious they are. Meaty, rich, even a bit tangy and sweet (if you dip into the accompanying sauce)--they hit all dopamine registers in the most satisfying, if not most basic, way. We parents pop ‘em like, well, popcorn; make them small enough and your child will attack them the same way he/she does chicken nuggies. They’re so good, in fact, that you’ll make them (for yourself) even when your child says no.
Looking for a simple, savory snack or dinner that little ones can pick up with ease? These toddler sausage balls transform a classic Southern staple into kid-friendly bites perfect for tiny hands, big appetites, and busy family life.
This recipe mixes savory sausage with cheese and a hint of ranch seasoning, then bakes them into golden, bite-sized balls. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy dads juggling toddlers, mealtime, and everything life throws their way.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! These sausage balls are a great base—mix in finely chopped veggies, herbs, or swap the ranch for paprika or garlic powder to change the flavor profile.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can roll them ahead and freeze the uncooked balls. Bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What’s a good dip for kids?
They’re great plain, but toddler-approved dips like mild ketchup, honey mustard, or a creamy yogurt ranch work well.
Can I use lean sausage or turkey?
You can, but leaner meats may dry out quickly. If using turkey or lean sausage, add a tablespoon of olive oil or an egg to help keep the texture soft.
How do I ensure they bake evenly?
Space them an inch apart on a lined tray. A quick turn halfway through baking helps achieve a uniform golden crust.
Check out our other great toddler meatball recipes!
These ugly-delicious toddler sausage balls function like an inverted sausage biscuit sandwich but eat like a meatball–are they a breakfast dish, or are they dinner? Yes!
Heating instructions:
While balls cook, make the dipping sauce: add one big dollop of yogurt or mayo, followed by two or three squirts of mustard and a splash of syrup or honey; mix. Do a taste test and determine how to improve: you can add more mustard and/or syrup if the sauce isn’t tangy enough; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of water to thin out.
As the accompanying picture suggests, we like to splay these on a platter and serve as poppable bites; for a younger child, halve or quarter each ball, putting a bit of the sauce on the side for dipping. Keep any additional items on the plate light and healthy (i.e., broccoli florets, carrot coins), as these balls are quite rich and heavy.
Like the idea of this recipe but can't/don't want to use pork? You're going to need enough fat in whatever you choose to ensure the meat doesn't dry out as the flour cooks; beef with a 80/20 would be your next best bet. If you want to make poultry work, try adding a bit of mayo to the ground white meat, or increasing the amount of butter used when making the balls.
Forming the sausage-flour-cheese mixture into a workable dough can be a grind. If you're having difficulty getting it to stick together, two things may help: 1) try drizzling another 1/2-1 tbsp of melted butter over the mixture, smooshing and pressing the batter together until it binds; 2) form balls as best as you can, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes so they firm up and stick together.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
