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There’s something about bite-sized appetizers that instantly makes a gathering feel more relaxed and fun. Whether it’s game night, a family get-together, or a simple weekend snack platter, little savory bites tend to disappear faster than anything else on the table.
Before I started cooking keto recipes regularly, sausage balls were always one of my favorite party foods. They were warm, cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. The problem was that traditional sausage ball recipes rely on flour or baking mix, which quickly pushes the carb count way higher than what most keto eaters want.
So naturally, I had to find a way to recreate them without the carbs.
After a few tests in the kitchen, I realized something surprising: when you replace the flour with keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour and plenty of cheese, the result is actually even better.
That’s how these Keto Cheesy Garlic Sausage Balls were born.
They’re packed with bold garlic flavor, loaded with melty cheese, and baked until golden on the outside while staying juicy inside. Each bite has that savory, comforting flavor that makes sausage balls so irresistible — but without the carb overload.
The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have a tray of warm, cheesy sausage bites ready to serve.
Whether you’re preparing a keto party appetizer, a game-day snack, or even a quick protein-packed breakfast bite, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sausage balls are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
- 🧀 Loaded with melty cheese
- 🧄 Bold garlic flavor in every bite
- 🍖 High-protein snack or appetizer
- ⏱ Quick and easy recipe
- 🥑 Perfectly keto and low carb
- 🎉 Great for parties and meal prep
They’re the kind of snack that disappears from the plate faster than you expect.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made these keto sausage balls, I was trying to recreate a classic appetizer I used to bring to family gatherings.
I wasn’t sure how the keto version would turn out.
But when the tray came out of the oven, golden and fragrant with garlic and cheese, I knew it was going to be good.
The outside had that lightly crisp texture, the inside was juicy and cheesy, and the garlic flavor brought everything together perfectly.
Even better, the entire tray disappeared in minutes.
Since then, these sausage balls have become one of my go-to keto appetizers — especially when I want something simple that everyone enjoys.
Required Equipment
Baking Sheet
Used to bake the sausage balls evenly and allow them to crisp slightly on the outside.
Mixing Bowl
Needed to combine all ingredients into the sausage mixture.
Knife & Cutting Board
Helpful for mincing garlic or preparing additional ingredients.
Measuring Cups
Ensures the ingredients are balanced for the best texture.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage
1 lb ground sausage (beef or chicken)
Provides the rich, savory base for the recipe.
Substitutions:
- ground chicken sausage
- ground turkey sausage
Cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds flavor and helps bind the mixture.
Substitutions:
- mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Colby cheese
Almond Flour
½ cup almond flour
Replaces traditional flour while keeping the recipe keto-friendly.
Garlic
2 cloves garlic, minced
Adds bold flavor.
Substitution:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Egg
1 large egg
Helps bind the mixture together.
Seasonings
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Keto Cheesy Garlic Sausage Balls
Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, almond flour, shredded cheese, egg, garlic, and seasonings.
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Shape the Balls
Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Place them on the baking sheet.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Rest
Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the mixture
Mix just until combined.
Making balls too large
Smaller balls cook more evenly.
Using very lean meat
Some fat helps keep them juicy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor
- Chill mixture briefly if it feels sticky
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking
Keto Benefits of Sausage
Sausage is naturally high in protein and fat while containing little to no carbohydrates. This makes it a great ingredient for keto recipes that provide energy and keep you feeling full longer.
Variations You Can Try
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Italian Version
Add Italian seasoning and mozzarella.
Parmesan Version
Add grated parmesan cheese.
Herb Version
Add parsley or thyme.
Tips for This Recipe
These sausage balls taste even better slightly warm, so let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optional Additions
- chopped green onions
- parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley
- chili flakes
Serving Ideas
Serve these sausage balls with:
- keto ranch dip
- garlic aioli
- spicy mayo
- keto marinara sauce
They’re perfect for:
- game day snacks
- party appetizers
- holiday platters
- quick protein bites
Storage Recommendations
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked sausage balls for 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in oven or air fryer until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store and reheat very well.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes, freeze raw balls and bake later.
Is almond flour necessary?
Yes, it helps bind the mixture.
Can I make them dairy free?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I cook them in the air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 12g
Fat: 17g
Total Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 2g
Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 sausage balls
Calories: 210
Keto Cheesy Garlic Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- sausage – 1 lb
- almond flour – ½ cup
- cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- egg – 1
- garlic – 2 cloves
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the correct temperature before the sausage balls go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground sausage, almond flour, shredded cheese, egg, and minced garlic. Using a spoon or your hands, begin mixing the ingredients together. Continue mixing until everything is evenly combined and the mixture forms a thick, slightly sticky dough-like texture.
- Once the ingredients are well mixed, check that the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sausage mixture. If needed, gently knead the mixture for another 20–30 seconds to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball about 1 inch in diameter. Try to keep the balls roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the oven.
- Place each sausage ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between them. They don’t spread much while baking, but spacing them slightly helps the heat circulate evenly around each one.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 18–22 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the outside becomes lightly golden. Once finished, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the texture firms up slightly.
