Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect little bite-sized snacks that pack a punch of flavor and a great mix of textures. These golden bites combine savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, and tender biscuit mix to create a deliciously soft yet crispy treat that’s super easy to make. They’re great for parties, game days, or just whenever you need a tasty snack on hand.
I love making these sausage balls because they come together quickly, and the cream cheese gives them just the right amount of richness and moisture. Plus, they’re one of those recipes that are hard to mess up—just mix, roll, and bake. I always find myself sneaking a few before they even make it to the plate!
The best way I like to serve these is warm straight out of the oven, maybe with a little dipping sauce on the side, like honey mustard or ranch dressing. They’re great finger food, easy to pop and enjoy, making them a crowd favorite every time I bring them along to gatherings or holiday get-togethers.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: Choose breakfast sausage with your preferred spice level. Mild works well for gentle flavor, while spicy adds a nice kick. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey sausage.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds moisture and richness, making the balls tender. If you want a dairy-free version, try a cream cheese alternative made from nuts or soy.
Baking Biscuit Mix: This helps bind the balls and gives a soft crumb. If you don’t have biscuit mix, try self-rising flour mixed with a bit of baking powder and salt as a substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar boosts flavor and melts nicely. You can swap for Colby Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.
How Can I Make Sure My Sausage Balls Bake Perfectly Every Time?
Getting the right texture and doneness is key. Follow these tips:
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to mix easily with sausage. Cold cream cheese won’t blend well.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly but don’t overwork the dough; this keeps the balls tender.
- Roll evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches, so they cook at the same rate.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Turn them halfway to brown evenly.
By following these steps, you’ll get sausage balls that are crispy on the outside and soft inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large one to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurement of ingredients like cheese and spices.
- Baking sheet – provides a sturdy surface for baking the sausage balls evenly.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – helps prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and makes clean-up easier.
- Ice cream scoop or tablespoon – makes it simple to portion out uniform-sized sausage balls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper Jack or Monterey Jack to add a different cheesy flavor or some heat.
- Mix in chopped green chiles, diced jalapeños, or chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Use Italian sausage and add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for an herby twist.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want to spice things up a bit!
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (240g) baking biscuit mix (e.g., Bisquick)
- 1 to 1.5 cups (100-150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you can have these tasty sausage balls ready in around 35 to 40 minutes total — fast and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the sausage balls won’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the ground sausage and softened cream cheese well until smooth and combined. Next, add the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a firm, easy-to-shape dough.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls
Use a tablespoon or your hands to scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on your baking sheet, giving each ball a bit of space so they cook evenly.
4. Bake and Serve
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Around halfway through, turn the sausage balls so they brown nicely on all sides. When they’re golden and cooked through, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mustard.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the sausage in the refrigerator before mixing. This helps it combine evenly with the cream cheese and other ingredients for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy.
Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough and shape the balls ahead, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Biscuit Mix?
If you don’t have biscuit mix, you can use 2 cups of self-rising flour. If using regular flour, add 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt per 2 cups to mimic the biscuit mix’s leavening.