If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with savory sausage in every bite, this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is your new best friend. These little golden spheres are delightfully tender inside with a perfect crispy crust outside, making them an irresistible appetizer for game days, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a snack that feels like a warm hug. The cream cheese adds a richness that keeps the sausage juicy and balanced, while the cheddar cheese brings that sharp bite we all adore. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each component plays a vital role in texture, flavor, and overall satisfaction when you bite in.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): This is the flavorful foundation, providing the classic savory and juicy taste you expect.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese gives the mixture a luscious creaminess and helps bind everything perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick): Adds structure and helps hold the sausage balls together while delivering a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy, cheesy punch that complements the sausage beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle boost to deepen the savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to round out the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your sausage balls are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, the sausage balls won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, mix the raw breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese. This step is crucial because the cream cheese softens the meat, helping create a tender, moist texture. Mixing thoroughly by hand works best to gain full control over the texture.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Spices
Next, add the all-purpose baking mix, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can speed this up, but hand mixing allows you to feel the consistency to know when it’s just right.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls
Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced about an inch apart on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and develop a nice crust all around.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the sausage balls in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. When done, let them cool slightly before enjoying—they will be piping hot right out of the oven!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is fantastic on its own, garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a little pop of color and freshness. Sprinkling a bit of extra shredded cheddar on top after baking for a melty finish is also a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Sausage balls pair wonderfully with classic dips such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For a fuller experience, consider serving alongside crunchy veggie sticks or a light salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these sausage balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also thread them onto skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and basil for a colorful appetizer display. Another fun idea is to offer a trio of dips in small bowls to scoop and customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, no worries—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days, making for convenient, delicious snacks or quick reheat appetizers.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze the unbaked sausage balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—easy and stress-free.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sausage balls in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or so until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaves work in a pinch but can sometimes make them a bit soggy, so the oven is best for maintaining that perfect crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works beautifully and reduces the fat content while keeping the flavor intact. Just make sure it is raw and seasoned well to mimic that classic sausage taste.
Is there a low-carb version of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose baking mix for a low-carb or almond flour alternative. This adjustment keeps the sausage balls keto-friendly without sacrificing texture or taste.
Can I add spices or extras to customize the flavor?
Definitely. Adding chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give the sausage balls your personal signature twist.
Do these sausage balls need to be cooked before freezing?
Nope! It’s best to freeze them raw. This way, you can bake fresh sausage balls anytime and still get that perfect texture and flavor straight from the oven.
What is the best dip to serve with sausage balls?
Classic choices like ranch or honey mustard never fail. For a bit of zing, try a sweet chili sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo. Having a variety of dips is always a hit at gatherings!
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is truly a versatile, delicious treat that will quickly become a favorite for any festive occasion or casual get-together. The balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes wrapped in a perfectly baked shell is pure comfort food magic. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever went without these in your appetizer arsenal!
Print
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with breakfast sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and sharp cheddar, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and bake until golden brown. Flavorful with a hint of garlic, onion, and black pepper, they are ideal served warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), uncooked
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese, mixing until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Seasonings: Add the all-purpose baking mix, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a stand mixer until fully incorporated.
- Form Balls: Scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving them warm, optionally with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen before baking.
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick or add chopped jalapeños to the mixture for added zest.
- Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces for enhanced flavor.
