Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, brunch, or holiday gatherings. These savory, bite-sized treats are a delicious combination of ground breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and a light, fluffy texture thanks to the baking mix. The cream cheese not only adds a rich, smooth flavor but also helps keep the sausage balls tender and moist.

With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are easy to make and always a hit. They’re simple enough for a weeknight snack, yet impressive enough to serve at your next event. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or serving them as appetizers, these savory bites will have everyone coming back for more.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Any Occasion

From holiday parties to casual snacks, these sausage balls are versatile and suitable for any gathering or meal.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, these sausage balls come together in no time, making them a perfect go-to recipe.

3. Savory and Flavorful

The combination of breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese creates a rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.

4. Crowd-Pleasing

These sausage balls are always a hit with guests. They’re the kind of snack that disappears quickly and always gets rave reviews.

5. Freezer-Friendly

You can make these ahead of time and freeze them, allowing you to enjoy them later without the extra prep work.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls:

• Ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Baking mix (like Bisquick)

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Balls: Use spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños and hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
• Herb Sausage Balls: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the mixture for an added layer of flavor.
• Cheese Varieties: Swap the cheddar cheese for other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp blue cheese for different flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based sausage substitute to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls

Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and fully cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to ensure the sausage is no longer pink inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot, or serve them at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough sausage balls.
• Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses can make the sausage balls even more flavorful.
• Shape Consistency: Try to keep the sausage balls consistent in size so they cook evenly.

How to Serve

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect as an appetizer at parties, a snack for game day, or a savory breakfast option. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm.

Freezing

These sausage balls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, freeze the sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sausage balls in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warm, or microwave them for 30-45 seconds per ball.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative for a leaner version of this recipe. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still work well.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make the sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate them before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve, or freeze them for later use.

4. Can I add spices or herbs to the mixture?

Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

5. Can I make these sausage balls dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheese to make these sausage balls dairy-free.

6. How can I make these sausage balls spicier?

To make them spicier, use spicy sausage, add red pepper flakes, or stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.

7. Can I use homemade baking mix instead of Bisquick?

Yes, you can make your own baking mix using a combination of flour, baking powder, and salt.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch for bigger gatherings or to have extra leftovers.

9. How do I know when the sausage balls are done?

The sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside. If you cut one open, the sausage should no longer be pink.

10. Can I freeze the sausage balls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls and bake them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture and rich, cheesy flavor, they’re always a hit at gatherings or as a simple snack. Whether you make them for a special event or enjoy them as a family favorite, these sausage balls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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