Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Introduction

Looking for a party snack that will disappear in seconds? Look no further than Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! These savory, cheesy bites are a hit at any gathering, and for good reason. They’re packed with flavor, boasting the perfect balance of creamy cheese, flavorful sausage, and a satisfying, golden-brown crunch. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a holiday party, or just need a quick snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Even better, they’re simple to make and customizable, so you can tailor them to fit your flavor preferences!

Picture this: You’re hosting a family game night, and the savory aroma of sausage balls wafts through the kitchen. It’s like everyone just knows that something delicious is coming their way. The beauty of these little bites? They’re so easy to make and serve, they’ll soon become a regular at all your gatherings. Plus, with their rich combination of sausage and cream cheese, they have a comforting, indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more, and another, and—well, you get the idea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls aren’t just tasty—they’re a convenient, versatile snack that can fit into any occasion. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

• Perfect Party Food: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties, potlucks, or tailgates. Their simple, yet delicious flavors make them a guaranteed crowd favorite.
• Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time—no fancy cooking skills required!
• Great for Meal Prep: You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Full of Flavor: The creamy texture of the cream cheese pairs perfectly with the savory sausage, making each bite satisfying and indulgent.
• Customizable: Add your favorite spices, herbs, or cheese variations to suit your taste.
• Great for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple and straightforward to follow.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavor is a hit with kids, and they’ll love how easy it is to eat them.
• Freezable: You can freeze these sausage balls both before and after baking, making them perfect for batch cooking.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: About 24 sausage balls
• Calories per ball: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:

For the Sausage Balls:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Breakfast Sausage: The star of the show! Its savory, flavorful profile is the base of these sausage balls.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together and makes each bite melt in your mouth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The bold flavor of sharp cheddar cheese gives these sausage balls their signature cheesy, savory flavor.
• Biscuit Mix: Provides the perfect structure for the sausage balls, making them easy to shape and bake to perfection.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper bring a bit of zing to the sausage balls without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:

Prepare the Sausage Ball Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The dough will be thick, so don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
3. Shape the Sausage Balls: Once everything is mixed, roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They’re best served warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

How to Serve

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls can be served in a variety of ways to suit your occasion:

1. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair them with ranch, marinara, or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
2. Buffet Style: Arrange them on a serving platter alongside other finger foods for a party buffet.
3. Skewered for Easy Serving: For a fun twist, serve them on skewers for easy pick-up at a cocktail party.
4. With Breakfast: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a breakfast-style spread.
5. Mini Serving Cups: Place a few sausage balls in mini serving cups with a drizzle of your favorite dipping sauce for individual servings.
6. Toss with Hot Sauce: For a spicy twist, toss the sausage balls in a bit of hot sauce before serving.
7. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the sausage balls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, green touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dough, be sure to combine everything just until it’s incorporated. Overmixing can make the sausage balls tough.
2. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps the cream cheese incorporate more easily into the dough, ensuring a smoother consistency.
3. Adjust Spices to Taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the black pepper and red pepper flakes. For a more robust kick, add more spices!
4. Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens vary, so check your sausage balls a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You want them golden brown but not overdone.
5. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the balls, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for up to 3 months and bake from frozen.
6. Bake in Batches: If you have a lot of sausage balls to make, bake them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.
7. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Recipe Variations

Make your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls even more exciting with these creative twists:

• Add Bacon: For a smoky flavor, mix in cooked, crumbled bacon with the sausage.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations, like mozzarella or pepper jack, to experiment with flavor.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more savory touch.
• Spicy Sausage: Use spicy sausage instead of the mild variety to amp up the heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam to the mix, such as apple or apricot, for a sweet-savory combo.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for later enjoyment:

• Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, keep them in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked sausage balls. Arrange uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but the oven method will keep them crispy.

Special Equipment

Here’s a list of equipment you may need for this recipe:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the sausage balls. A parchment-lined baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie Scoop: Optional, but it helps create uniform sausage balls.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet.

faq section

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd favorite, but you might have some questions about making them or customizing the recipe. Here are the most common FAQs to help you out:

• Can I use a different type of sausage?
• Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you like—mild, spicy, or even breakfast sausage links. Just remove the casings before mixing it into the dough.
• Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
• Yes, just substitute the regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go! Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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• Author: Martha
• Total Time: 35 min.

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Ingredients

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For the Sausage Balls:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausage Ball Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. The dough will be thick, so don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
3. Shape the Sausage Balls: Once everything is mixed, roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They’re best served warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 min.
• Cook Time: 25 min.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 24 sausage balls
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 6g

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect snack for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re planning a party or just need a quick and satisfying treat, these savory bites will definitely become a crowd favorite. Try them out, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!