Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Savory Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: Irresistible Party Favorite

Whipping up these delectable cream cheese sausage balls will transform your snack game in minutes.

Savory aromas fill kitchens faster than guests can gather around the appetizer table.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser at potlucks and game nights.

Mixing simple ingredients creates magic that surprises even experienced home cooks.

Sharp cheddar and zesty sausage blend seamlessly with creamy cheese, promising irresistible bites.

Crispy exteriors give way to tender, mouthwatering centers that keep everyone coming back for more.

Trust you’ll become the star of any gathering with these irresistible morsels.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls That Are Savory Party Favorites

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate or freeze, making party prep a breeze for busy hosts.
  • Super Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing mean even novice cooks can whip up these cheesy, savory bites without stress.
  • Versatile Snacking Solution: Enjoy as an appetizer, breakfast bite, or game day snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible cheesy-meaty flavor profile.

Easy Picks That Shape Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Meat and Dairy Base:
  • Ground Sausage: Rich, savory foundation of the recipe, best with medium to spicy pork sausage for extra flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind ingredients, softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Bisquick Baking Mix: Provides structure and helps create a light, crispy exterior, standard all-purpose baking mix works well.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, cheesy flavor and helps enhance overall taste, sharp or mild varieties are suitable.
Optional Serving Companions:
  • Honey Mustard: Classic dipping sauce with sweet and tangy profile.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herbal sauce that complements the sausage balls.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup during baking.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Prepare your cooking surface by spreading out the parchment paper evenly.

Step 2: Blend Meaty Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine sausage with cream cheese.

Mash and mix these ingredients until they create a smooth, uniform texture.

An electric mixer works like magic to blend everything perfectly.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Toss in your ingredients:
  • Bisquick baking mix
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir the mixture until all components are thoroughly integrated and look consistent.

Step 4: Shape Delicious Morsels

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange these tasty spheres on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one.

Step 5: Quick Chill Break

Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

This quick cooldown helps the balls maintain their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes until the bites turn a beautiful golden brown and cook through completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the sausage cheese bites cool slightly.

Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like tangy honey mustard or creamy ranch dressing for an extra flavor kick.

Easy Tips for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and help sausage balls maintain their shape during baking.
  • Use an electric mixer to ensure sausage and cream cheese blend completely, creating a smoother, more consistent texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
  • Ensure sausage balls reach 160°F internally for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
  • Prepare sausage balls in advance and freeze uncooked, then bake directly from frozen state, adding extra 5-7 minutes to cooking time.

Sausage Balls Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Warm refrigerated sausage balls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.
  • Heat refrigerated sausage balls for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed to avoid overcooking.

Dip Pairings for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Pair with Zesty Honey Mustard Dip: Whip up a quick, tangy sauce that complements the rich, savory sausage balls by mixing dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bright, punchy flavor.
  • Serve with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and sausage, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
  • Complement with Fresh Veggie Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty, dense texture of the sausage balls.
  • Match with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light amber ale to enhance the spicy notes of the sausage and provide a bold, complementary drinking experience.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese Snack Variants

  • Gluten-Free Sausage Balls: Replace Bisquick with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Mix in diced jalapeños or add red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a zesty flavor boost.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap ground sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles and use vegan cream cheese for a meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute Bisquick with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can affect the texture of the sausage balls?

Using high-fat sausage and softened cream cheese helps create a moist, tender texture. The Bisquick mix also contributes to a lighter, more tender bite compared to using plain flour.

  • Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form balls in advance. Store them unbaked in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the raw balls for up to a month.

  • How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The edges will look crispy, and they’ll no longer appear pink or raw in the center.

  • Are there any tips for getting perfectly shaped sausage balls?

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking while rolling, and chill the mixture briefly before forming balls for cleaner shaping.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Savory cream cheese sausage balls deliver a mouthwatering appetizer that combines zesty sausage and creamy cheese in perfect harmony. Crispy exterior and tender inside make these irresistible bites a crowd-pleasing snack you can’t wait to devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground pork sausage (hot or mild)
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) Bisquick baking mix

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Blend ground sausage with softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to ensure smooth, uniform incorporation of ingredients.
  3. Introduce Bisquick baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, gently folding and stirring until all components are evenly distributed.
  4. Craft uniform spherical portions by scooping and rolling the mixture into compact 1-inch orbs, strategically positioning them across the prepared baking sheet with slight separation.
  5. Enhance structural integrity by briefly chilling the assembled sausage spheres in the refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
  6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the sausage spheres to transform into golden-brown delicacies over 25 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking.
  7. Remove from the oven and permit a brief cooling period, then present these savory morsels alongside complementary condiments like honey mustard or ranch dressing for an elevated gastronomic experience.

Notes

  • Swap spicy sausage for a milder version if you prefer less heat, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty bites.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage to create a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising flavor.
  • Freeze unbaked sausage balls for quick future appetizers by placing them on a tray, freezing solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for convenient storage.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor dimensions to the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star