Keto Sausage Balls with Almond Flour
Keto sausage balls with almond flour are the perfect low-carb snack! These cheesy, savory bites come together in minutes—ideal for parties or meal prep.
You know what’s funny? I used to think giving up traditional biscuit mix meant saying goodbye to sausage balls forever. Those little savory bites were my go-to for every holiday gathering, game day, and potluck. Then I discovered how ridiculously simple it is to make keto sausage balls with almond flour—and honestly, they taste even better than the original.
These keto-friendly sausage balls are everything you want in a low-carb appetizer: cheesy, satisfying, and so easy that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. With just five ingredients and about 20 minutes, you’ve got a crowd-pleasing snack that works for breakfast, parties, or those moments when you need something delicious right now.
Whether you’re fully committed to keto or just looking for how to make keto sausage balls that actually taste amazing, this recipe delivers. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients—just real food that happens to be gluten-free and low-carb.
Table of Contents
Keto Sausage Balls with Almond Flour
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Large mixing bowl
- Small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
- Food processor (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage ground, breakfast style
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup almond flour
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack inside—this helps the keto sausage balls cook evenly and get perfectly golden on all sides.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your hands works best here (yes, it’s messy, but it’s the fun kind of messy!). Mix everything until the sausage, cheese, almond flour, baking powder, and egg are completely combined with no dry pockets.
- Food Processor Method (Optional): If you prefer a faster approach, grate the cheese first and add it to your food processor along with the almond flour and baking powder. Process until combined, then add half the sausage and pulse. Add the remaining sausage and egg, processing until the mixture forms a uniform dough.
- Using a small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1½ to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them on the wire rack with a little space between each one—they’ll puff slightly as they bake.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Remove the pan from the oven and let the sausage balls cool on the wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sausage (ground, breakfast style) | 1 lb |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 8 oz |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack inside—this helps the keto sausage balls cook evenly and get perfectly golden on all sides.
Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your hands works best here (yes, it’s messy, but it’s the fun kind of messy!). Mix everything until the sausage, cheese, almond flour, baking powder, and egg are completely combined with no dry pockets.
Step 3 (Food Processor Method): If you prefer a faster approach, grate the cheese first and add it to your food processor along with the almond flour and baking powder. Process until combined, then add half the sausage and pulse. Add the remaining sausage and egg, processing until the mixture forms a uniform dough.
Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1½ to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them on the wire rack with a little space between each one—they’ll puff slightly as they bake.
Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Remove the pan from the oven and let the sausage balls cool on the wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
Almond Flour Alternatives: If you’re avoiding nuts, coconut flour works but use only ⅓ cup since it’s more absorbent. You can also try sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option that mimics almond flour’s texture beautifully. These keto sausage balls no flour variations still deliver that tender, slightly crispy bite.
Cheese Swaps: While sharp cheddar creates the best flavor, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat, mozzarella for mildness, or a Mexican blend for extra complexity. Just make sure you shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded—it melts so much better.
Sausage Options: Regular pork sausage is classic, but spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick. Turkey or chicken sausage works for a leaner version, though you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep things moist.
Troubleshooting
Sausage Balls Falling Apart: This usually means the mixture needs more binding. Try adding an extra egg or 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to help everything stick together better.
Too Dense or Heavy: You might have packed the almond flour too tightly when measuring. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off gently—don’t scoop directly from the bag. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Dry or Crumbly Texture: Your sausage might be extra lean. Add 2-3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture for moisture and richness.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store cooled keto sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They reheat beautifully in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
For meal prep magic, freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen at 350°F for 22-25 minutes. You can also freeze baked ones and reheat as needed—perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests!
Serving Suggestions
These keto-friendly sausage balls shine at holiday brunches, game day parties, or alongside a creamy avocado feta dip for an irresistible appetizer spread. They’re wonderful with sugar-free marinara for dipping or a tangy mustard sauce.
Pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh berries for a complete low-carb breakfast. They also travel incredibly well, making them ideal for picnics, road trips, or lunchboxes. According to research on ketogenic diets, protein-rich snacks like these help maintain steady energy throughout the day.
Variations
Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds instead of cheddar. Add an extra tablespoon of almond flour to compensate for moisture differences, and you’ll still get delicious results.
Kid-Friendly Mild Version: Use mild breakfast sausage and add a pinch of garlic powder. Roll them slightly smaller (about 1 tablespoon each) so little hands can grab them easily. My nephew calls these “pizza balls” and devours them!
Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Mix in ¼ cup diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for serious heat. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking adds even more flavor depth.
Italian-Inspired: Swap regular sausage for Italian sausage and add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning plus ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Well… these are dangerous because you absolutely cannot stop at just one!
Keto Sausage Balls with Almond Flour FAQs
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring them to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, or add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting them in cold.
How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
The keto sausage balls should reach an internal temperature of 160°F and show light golden browning on top. If you break one open, the center should be firm with no pink spots remaining.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore that slightly crispy exterior. The microwave works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), but the oven keeps them from getting rubbery.
Can these be made egg-free?
You can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) or 2 tablespoons of cream cheese as a binder. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty!
Why are my sausage balls greasy?
Some sausage brands have higher fat content. Using a wire rack during baking (as directed) helps excess grease drip away. You can also drain the cooked balls briefly on paper towels if needed.
Man, oh man, these keto sausage balls with almond flour have become my secret weapon for everything from Christmas morning to random Tuesday snack attacks. They’ve got that tender-yet-slightly-crispy texture that reminds me of traditional sausage balls, but without the carb crash afterward.
The beauty of learning how to make keto sausage balls is that they’re truly foolproof—even if you’re brand new to gluten-free or low-carb cooking. Mix, scoop, bake, devour. That’s it.
Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, pack them for on-the-go breakfast, or set them out at your next gathering and watch them disappear. And if you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing low-carb ideas, try pairing these with a hearty hashbrown casserole recipe for the ultimate comfort food spread.
Once you taste how delicious keto-friendly sausage balls can be, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. Here’s to simple, satisfying food that just happens to fit your lifestyle—cheers to that! 🧡
