Get ready to discover your new favorite party food: these incredible Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Forget dry, crumbly sausage balls. This recipe uses the magic of cream cheese to create incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful bites that are impossible to resist. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these savory appetizers that are perfect for holiday gatherings, game day, or even a special weekend breakfast. They are truly the ultimate easy and delicious treat.
We’ve all been there—needing a quick and impressive appetizer that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This is that recipe. The combination of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar is a classic for a reason. Let’s dive in and make the best sausage balls you’ve ever had!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: Cream cheese is the secret weapon that guarantees your sausage balls are tender and never dry.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Perfectly Portioned: These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties and gatherings of any size.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them in advance, making party day a total breeze. More on that below!
The Core Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long shopping list, just a few high-quality ingredients to make these fantastic Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.
Key Components
- Pork Sausage: A one-pound roll of ground pork sausage is the foundation. A “hot” variety will give your sausage balls a wonderful kick, but “mild” or “sage” sausage works beautifully too.
- Cream Cheese: This is what sets our recipe apart. Use an 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- All-Purpose Baking Mix: The classic choice is Bisquick, but any similar store-brand mix will do. This provides the structure and a bit of leavening.
- Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor and melt, shred your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Optional Seasonings: A dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these sausage balls is as simple as mix, roll, and bake. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment for the easiest mixing. Otherwise, use your hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until no dry streaks of baking mix remain.
- Portion the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. A small cookie scoop can help ensure they are all a uniform size, which helps them bake evenly. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Serve Warm: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
Want to guarantee your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the star of the show? Follow these simple but effective tips from our kitchen to yours.
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this step! Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth, lump-free mixture. Let it sit on the counter for about an hour before you begin.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: As mentioned, shredding your own cheese from a block results in a better, meltier texture.
- Uniform Size is Key: Use a cookie scoop to make sure all your sausage balls are the same size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is a winner, it’s also a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Kick: Use hot pork sausage and add a finely diced jalapeño to the mixture.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap the baking mix for a low-carb alternative like almond flour or Carbquik.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them on their own, or with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy ranch dip. They are a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread, alongside other favorites like creamy crockpot mac and cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. For longer storage, freeze them! Place the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This is a perfect strategy for holiday meal prep, just like making our famous sweet potato casserole ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the sausage balls, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
The secret is cream cheese! It adds moisture and fat, ensuring the sausage balls stay tender and delicious. Using full-fat cream cheese and not overbaking are also key.
They are fantastic on their own or with a dipping sauce. Honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a simple marinara sauce are all great options.
A good quality ground pork sausage is best. You can use mild, sage, or hot sausage depending on your spice preference. Hot sausage will give the balls a pleasant kick.
The Perfect Party Appetizer
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, baking mix, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and no dry streaks remain. Using your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works best.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Freezing: Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
Pro Tip: Using a small cookie scoop ensures all your sausage balls are the same size for even baking.
We Want to See Your Creations!
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying. If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it with us. For more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
