Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for Savory Appetizers

You know that moment when you’re scrambling for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or a reliable appetizer that always hits the spot? That’s exactly where my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls come in. I first discovered this recipe years ago during a busy holiday season. I was juggling cooking for relatives, making sure guests had something tasty to nibble on, and this sausage ball recipe turned out to be the effortless hero of the party. The mix of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and tender biscuit base came together fast and everyone kept asking for more. It felt like a little kitchen miracle.

What I love about these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is how well they fit into everyday home cooking. You don’t need special ingredients or strange steps. It’s straightforward and delivers that comforting, cheesy flavor with minimal fuss. I’ve made them late on weeknights when unexpected company stops by, and just recently, they saved a busy weekend potluck dinner. The ease of assembling baked sausage balls means you can focus on other things without stressing about the food.

If you peek at The Country Cook’s Cream Cheese Sausage Balls or the version from Plain Chicken, you’ll see how this classic appetizer has captured many hearts. Whether you’re making a batch for game day, a family brunch, or snacks to bring to work, this cheesy sausage bites recipe is always a winner.

I’m excited to share this dependable, delicious recipe with you. It’s one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it keeps things simple without skimping on flavor. So if you’re looking for easy party snacks that never disappoint, let’s get cooking together and make some Cream Cheese Sausage Balls you can count on.

What You’ll Need:

Here’s the ingredient list for my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. These are staples in most kitchens, which makes this sausage ball recipe an easy choice whenever you need it.

  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, based on your taste)
  • 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened (room temperature is best)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a nice punch)
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for a little extra flavor)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

No worries if you don’t have biscuit baking mix — I often use self-rising flour mixed with a pinch of baking powder instead. You can find the sausage right by the fresh meat section or the refrigerated breakfast items at most grocery stores. The cream cheese and cheddar cheese will be in the same dairy aisle.

This recipe keeps costs reasonable because it uses simple pantry basics and a small amount of cheese, which stretches enough for plenty of bites. If you want to speed things up, soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 15 seconds or until it’s easy to mix. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze nicely for longer.

I like adding a little extra shredded cheese sometimes — it makes these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls especially cheesy and irresistible.

Raw ingredients for cream cheese sausage balls laid out on a surface including sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and biscuit mix

Let’s Make It Together:

Making Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is straightforward, and the results are always reliable. From start to finish, expect about 35-40 minutes total including baking.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy.
  2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. You want it fully cooked but not crispy. Once done, drain excess fat with a paper towel.
  3. Mix the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage in a large bowl until evenly combined. This creamy base is what makes the sausage balls so tender and tasty.
  4. Add shredded cheddar cheese and the biscuit baking mix into the bowl. Toss everything together gently. If you’re using garlic or onion powder, stir those in here.
  5. Form the mixture into 1-inch-sized balls using your hands. If the dough feels too sticky, moistening your hands with water helps.
  6. Arrange the sausage balls on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between each.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and firm. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing by this point — a sure sign they’re ready.
  8. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

If you want to multitask, while these baked sausage balls bake, you can prepare a simple salad or set the table. Don’t worry if your sausage balls look different each time — size and shape can vary but the flavor is always spot on.

I used to rush this step, but taking your time to mix ingredients evenly really pays off in texture.

This recipe’s reliability reminds me of the versions shared on Grilled Cheese Social — simple, tasty, and always a hit whether for kids or adults.

How to Serve & Enjoy:

My favorite way to serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is warm with a few good dippers nearby. Mustard or ranch dressing make great companions, and for fuss-free sides, I often go with fresh-cut veggies or a light green salad.

These cheesy sausage bites are fantastic for game days, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend get-togethers. Their hand-held size makes them easy to pass around, and the mix of flavors appeals to a wide crowd.

Presentation tips? Scatter some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a little brightness. Warm bowls of dipping sauces nearby make it extra inviting.

Leftover Cream Cheese Sausage Balls reheat well in the microwave or oven. You can also slice them in half to make mini sliders, adding a little lettuce and tomato for a quick snack twist.

Seasonally, I’ve tossed in a bit of chopped jalapeno for a spicy kick, or swapped cheddar for pepper jack cheese. These swaps keep the sausage balls interesting and still simple.

Friends and family always ask for these at parties — it’s that kind of crowd-pleaser that feels just right anytime.

If you love these, your family might also enjoy recipes like Chicken Piccata Pasta or the Pistachio Lush Dessert found at AllFoodsRecipe.com for easy meal and dessert ideas.

Your Questions Answered:

Can I make this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter and form the balls a day ahead, then refrigerate them covered. Bake fresh just before serving. Or bake them fully, then reheat when needed.

What’s a good substitute for cream cheese in this sausage ball recipe?
Some cooks use ricotta or even softened goat cheese for a tangier twist. The texture will change a bit, but it’s still tasty.

How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
It scales easily — double everything for a larger crowd or halve the ingredients for a smaller batch. Just keep the ratio the same.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! If you have leftover cooked sausage, just chop it finely and mix with the other ingredients. You might reduce baking time slightly.

What baking mix can I use if I can’t find Bisquick?
Try plain self-rising flour or all-purpose flour with a teaspoon each of baking powder and salt added.

How do I store leftover baked sausage balls?
Place cooled Cream Cheese Sausage Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave before serving.

Are these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can try gluten-free baking mix. Be sure to check your sausage and cheese labels for gluten-free certification.

I’ve seen readers suggest adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts:

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s reliable and truly delivers comfort in every bite. From busy weekday snacks to party favorites, it’s been a steady crowd-pleaser.

My Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Tips:
– Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and tender texture.
– Don’t skip browning and draining the sausage — it prevents grease and keeps balls from getting soggy.
– Form the balls in a consistent size so they bake evenly.

I’ve tested versions with spicy sausage, extra cheese, and even added herbs. The classic cheddar and mild breakfast sausage combo still gets the most requests. But feel free to make it your own!

If you want a dinner idea alongside these, check out the Chicken Piccata Pasta or treat yourself after with the Pistachio Lush Dessert and Chocolate Mint Pie from AllFoodsRecipe.com.

Making these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is a friendly reminder that great home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about good ingredients, simple steps, and sharing food that brings people together. So go ahead — give this recipe a try and enjoy those warm cheesy bites!

If you want a delicious, fuss-free appetizer everyone loves, these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are ready when you are.

Close-up of finished golden baked cream cheese sausage balls served warm
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Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Homemade Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Close-up

Deliciously savory and cheesy, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect appetizer or snack with a tender, flavorful bite that’s quick to make and great for any occasion.

  • Author: Carrisa Monroe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (raw)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese; mix until well blended.
  3. Add Bisquick, garlic powder, and black pepper; stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with your favorite spicy dipping sauce.

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