sprinkle in another tablespoon or two of baking mix.
You can swap sharp cheddar for extra-sharp or a cheddar-jack blend, but stick with a cheese that melts well. For make-ahead prep, roll the sausage balls and freeze them raw on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the bake time. To keep them warm for a longer gathering, place baked sausage balls in a slow cooker on the warm setting with a clean kitchen towel under the lid to catch condensation so they stay crisp on the outside.