Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems too dry and isn't coming together, add a little milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not touching.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time might vary based on your oven and the size of your sausage balls.

Allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. They can be served either warm or at room temperature.

While sausage balls are flavorful on their own, you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.