Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Quick & Creamy Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe / Party Favorite!

Savory cream cheese sausage balls bring zesty comfort to any gathering of hungry people.

Small, bite-sized morsels pack an incredible flavor punch that surprises everyone.

Spicy sausage mingles perfectly with creamy cheese and crisp breadcrumbs.

Sharp cheddar adds depth to these irresistible appetizers that disappear rapidly from serving platters.

Mixing ingredients becomes simple with minimal kitchen prep required.

Guests always request seconds of these delectable little treats.

You’ll want to double the batch for maximum snacking pleasure.

Reasons People Rave About Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Crowd-pleasing bite-sized treats that will wow guests at game days, potlucks, or holiday gatherings with their irresistible cheesy flavor.
  • Swap spices, use different cheese types, or adjust meat preferences to create a personalized version that suits your taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Using just one bowl and a baking sheet, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess and cleanup time, letting you enjoy more eating and less washing.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Meat Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful protein that provides the main savory taste and texture of the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Cheese and Flour:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that contributes additional flavor and melty texture.
  • Bisquick Mix: A convenient baking mix that provides structure and helps the balls hold their shape.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile with depth and warmth.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Quickly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Meat and Cheese

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in the sausage and cream cheese. Mash and mix these two ingredients until they become a smooth, well-integrated mixture.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Blend

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Bisquick mix
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika

Combine everything thoroughly until you have a consistent dough that holds together nicely.

Step 4: Shape the Bites

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Aim for about an inch in diameter, making sure they’re compact and uniform.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Cook and Check

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure the centers are completely cooked through. The balls should be firm and sizzling when done.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes. They’ll be incredibly hot, so give them a moment to cool down before serving. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!

Helpful Pointers for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Chill Ingredients for Easier Mixing: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother blending with sausage and easier handling of the mixture.
  • Avoid Overmixing Dough: Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense sausage balls that can become rubbery.
  • Use Lean Sausage for Lighter Texture: Choose lower-fat sausage to reduce greasiness and create a more balanced, lighter appetizer.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to match your preferred taste intensity and heat preference.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Bisquick with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Right

  • Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack cooked sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Quickly reheat individual sausage balls for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed to ensure even heating.

Got Questions on Cream Cheese Sausage Balls? Check Here

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with hot or mild varieties depending on your flavor preference. Just ensure the meat is ground and has enough fat content to bind the ingredients.

  • Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked balls for up to a month.

  • What can I do if the mixture seems too dry?

If the dough feels crumbly, add a little more cream cheese or a tablespoon of milk to help the ingredients bind together more easily. Mix thoroughly until you can form cohesive balls.

  • Are these gluten-free?

No, the Bisquick mix contains wheat flour. To make a gluten-free version, you’ll need to use a gluten-free baking mix as a substitute for the traditional Bisquick.

Perfect Matches for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Pair these sausage balls with a crisp, tangy Granny Smith apple slaw to cut through the richness and add refreshing crunch.
  • Serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs and a robust black coffee to balance the savory, cheesy profile of the sausage balls.
  • Choose a bright, medium-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the smoky sausage and creamy cheese notes, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Whip up a zesty honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo sauce for an extra kick that enhances the sausage balls' complex seasoning.

Try New Flavors in Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace Bisquick with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use ground turkey sausage for a leaner protein choice.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap Bisquick with almond flour or coconut flour. Select spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute sausage with plant-based ground meat or crumbled firm tofu. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and use vegetarian cheese alternatives.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mixture. Choose hot breakfast sausage for an additional layer of heat and complexity.
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Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Savory cream cheese sausage balls bring southern comfort to your appetizer spread, promising irresistible flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating bite-sized delights you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or your preferred variety)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) Bisquick mix (or other biscuit baking mix)

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend ground sausage with softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring complete incorporation of both ingredients.
  2. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, blending with a robust stirring motion to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
  3. Incorporate Bisquick mix, creating a cohesive dough that holds together with minimal crumbling.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika across the mixture, carefully folding to distribute seasonings uniformly.
  5. Using clean hands or a small scoop, form compact spherical portions, rolling each between palms to create consistent bite-sized morsels.
  6. Arrange the sausage balls approximately one inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing adequate spacing for even heating.
  7. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway through cooking to ensure golden-brown exteriors and thoroughly cooked interiors.
  9. Remove from oven when balls display a crisp, golden exterior and emit an appetizing, savory aroma.
  10. Allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, permitting the internal temperature to stabilize and flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Chill ingredients beforehand to ensure easier mixing and better texture binding.
  • Use lean sausage for a lighter version that reduces excess grease during baking.
  • Consider using gluten-free Bisquick mix to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Allow mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes before forming balls, which helps ingredients meld and improves overall flavor cohesion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 166
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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