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.