Name: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls effortlessly steal the spotlight at any party or family brunch. Imagine a fluffy, savory bite with a hint of spice, bound together by creamy cheese and baked to irresistible golden perfection! The best part? They’re ready in under an hour and require minimal effort, making them perfect for both busy weekdays and special gatherings. Whether you’re serving these as a hearty snack or a unique appetizer, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls might just become everyone’s new favorite comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly remarkable how a handful of kitchen staples can create such a flavorful snack. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to do its part, ensuring every bite is packed with comfort and just the right amount of zing.

Ground breakfast sausage: Feel free to use mild or spicy depending on your preference; it’s the hearty backbone of these sausage balls.
Cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends easily, adding luscious richness and keeping the sausage balls tender.
All-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick): This gives the balls their signature fluffiness and helps them keep their shape.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a punch of flavor and melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Garlic powder: Just a dash deepens the overall savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and ties everything together for that perfectly seasoned bite.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring everything bakes up golden and delicious. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and to keep those sausage balls from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Sausage and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the ground sausage and the softened cream cheese. The cream cheese should be silky and blend easily, making it simple to form a cohesive mixture that bakes up tender rather than dry.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Cheese

Sprinkle in your baking mix, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. It’s easiest to combine everything with clean hands or a sturdy spoon, so all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—rustic is charming! Place each ball about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to puff up and brown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and breathe in the amazing aroma!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Garnishes

A tray of Cream Cheese Sausage Balls always looks inviting, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brings a lively pop of color—and a boost of freshness. If you want to take things up a notch, serve them with tiny skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Side Dishes

Make it a meal! These savory bites pair wonderfully with light, crisp salads, a platter of crunchy raw veggies, or even lightly toasted baguette slices. For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

A simple platter always works, but you can also arrange these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls in a lined basket for rustic flair, or pile them up on a cake stand if you’re feeling fancy. For parties, consider offering a trio of dipping sauces—like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo—for guests to mix and match!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), store the cooled Cream Cheese Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Freezing

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls freeze brilliantly. Simply arrange the unbaked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake from frozen—no need to thaw—with an extra 5 minutes of baking time added.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your sausage balls in a 350°F oven for 7–8 minutes to revive that crisp exterior and melty, cheesy middle. The microwave also works in a pinch, though they’ll come out softer—try 30 seconds per ball, covered with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is classic, feel free to experiment with Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a hot, spicy variety. Each one brings its unique personality to your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.

What’s the best way to keep them warm at a party?

Keep things simple by placing baked sausage balls in a slow cooker set to ‘warm,’ or serve them straight from the oven when guests arrive. Lining a baking dish with foil and covering keeps them hot and moist, too.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the regular baking mix for a certified gluten-free variety, and you’ll have creamy, cheesy sausage balls everyone—gluten-free or not—can enjoy.

Why did my sausage balls turn out too dry?

That usually happens if there wasn’t enough cream cheese or if the baking time was too long. Make sure to use the full amount of cream cheese, and keep a close eye during baking for perfectly moist Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.

What can I serve as dipping sauces?

You can’t go wrong with classic ranch, spicy mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a simple marinara! Guests love to dip, so it’s fun to offer a few options with your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something satisfyingly savory, these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls never disappoint. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious warm from the oven. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 30 sausage balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Made with breakfast sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and a blend of spices, these baked sausage balls are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage and softened cream cheese. Add baking mix, cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
Form the balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool slightly before serving.