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Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to whip up and downright addicting, you’ve got to try this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. Trust me, these little bites are the perfect mix of cheesy, savory, and a touch spicy, and once you make them, you’ll find so many reasons to keep these in your freezer for quick snacks or party starters.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Using just sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar, this recipe is approachable yet delivers big flavor.
  • Perfect Texture: Cream cheese keeps the sausage balls tender and moist, balancing that slight crisp on the outside.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead or freeze them, making snack time super convenient.
  • Customizable: Switch up the cheese or sausage type for different tastes and heat levels.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is all about the balance between creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors, and the ingredients come together like best friends in the kitchen—especially when the Bisquick brings just enough structure without weighing things down.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, how to make sausage balls, cheesy sausage bites, easy party snacks, sausage ball appetizer - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh hot pork sausage, an uncut block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale Bisquick baking mix, a small white bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Hot pork sausage: The star protein with a nice spicy kick – you can swap for mild if preferred, but I love the heat.
  • Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a bit of tang, keeping the sausage balls soft and irresistible.
  • Bisquick baking mix: Provides the perfect binding agent and a tender crumb; just be sure not to pack it when measuring.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese lovers rejoice here – it really ups the savory factor and melts beautifully inside.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe depending on the occasion—sometimes I add a bit of garlic powder or swap in different cheeses. Feel free to experiment and make it your own; after all, homemade is meant to be personalized!

  • Variation: Once, I swapped out cheddar for pepper jack and used a mild sausage— the result was a wonderfully mellow yet flavorful bite that my kids loved.
  • Diet-friendly swaps: Want to go gluten-free? Try using a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick—the texture changes a bit but still tasty.
  • Mix-ins: Toss in finely chopped jalapeños or some Italian seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese

Start by softening your cream cheese to room temperature—that’s the secret to easy mixing. I usually pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds but watch it carefully so it doesn’t melt! Then, mix it with the raw pork sausage in a bowl or your stand mixer. If you don’t have a mixer, no worries! I’ve done this by hand plenty of times—just use your clean hands to really incorporate the cream cheese into the sausage evenly. It gets a little messy but so worth it.

Step 2: Add Bisquick and Cheddar Cheese

Next up, gradually stir in your Bisquick baking mix. Here’s a key tip: spoon the Bisquick into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly, and don’t pack it down. This little trick keeps the sausage balls tender and stops them from drying out. After the Bisquick is combined, fold in the shredded cheddar. Feel free to be generous with the cheese—it’s my favorite part!

Step 3: Shape into Balls and Chill

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out 1-inch balls, then roll them gently between your palms so they’re nice and round. I find a spring-loaded cookie scoop makes this part quick and less sticky. Once shaped, place the balls evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This chilling step is essential to help keep their shape while they bake and prevents them from spreading too much.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the sausage balls for around 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them after about 20 minutes—the tops should be lightly browned but not burnt. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, though I often sneak some warm from the oven!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overpack Your Bisquick: I’ve ruined batches by scooping too much in—lightly spoon it in for best results.
  • Room Temp Cream Cheese: Softening cream cheese first makes mixing effortless and avoids clumps.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: Quickly shapes uniform balls that bake evenly—trust me, it saves time and mess!
  • Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip this step; it prevents them from flattening and keeps the perfect bite-sized shape.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, how to make sausage balls, cheesy sausage bites, easy party snacks, sausage ball appetizer - A close-up view of a stack of round, baked meatballs covered with melted orange cheese and small green herb bits on top. The meatballs have a light brown, slightly crispy texture with some spots of red sauce peeking through the cheese. They are piled high in a metal tray, with some meatballs resting on others. The background shows a white marbled surface, keeping the focus on the warm, cheesy meatballs. The lighting highlights the gooey cheese and fresh herbs, giving the image a fresh and tasty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens these rich bites. Sometimes I offer a side of spicy mustard or a zesty ranch dip too, which guests seem to really enjoy.

Side Dishes

To make these sausage balls part of a bigger spread, I often set them out alongside fresh veggie sticks, some sliced apples or grapes for sweetness, and even some crusty bread or crackers. They pair beautifully with an easy salad or soup if you’re looking for a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a tiered platter or in colorful mini muffin liners to make them look extra festive. Another favorite is threading a few sausage balls onto small skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves—a fun finger food that gets everyone chatting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for snack cravings throughout the week. Just pop ‘em in the microwave or oven to warm them back up.

Freezing

I almost always freeze half of my batch because they thaw and reheat so well. I lay the formed (but unbaked) sausage balls on a parchment-lined tray spaced about an inch apart and freeze them for a couple hours. Then, I transfer them into a freezer bag, and they last for months! When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or frozen sausage balls, I like to pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps them crispy on the outside and melty inside—microwaving works if you’re in a rush but it softens the exterior.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork sausage for this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich or spicy unless you add seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne. Also, since these meats are leaner, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more cream cheese to keep the balls moist.

  2. Why shouldn’t I pack down the Bisquick when measuring?

    Packing down the Bisquick compresses it, adding more flour mixture than the recipe intends. This leads to drier, tougher sausage balls. The best way is to spoon it into your measuring cup lightly and level it off without pressing down—this ensures the right texture every time.

  3. How many sausage balls does this recipe yield?

    You can expect to get about 60 to 64 sausage balls from this recipe if you keep them around 1 inch in size. Smaller balls are great bite-sized snacks, but if you want larger appetizer portions, you can make them a bit bigger and adjust your baking time accordingly.

  4. Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar in the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe?

    Definitely! Cheddar is classic, but I’ve had great success with pepper jack for a spicy twist, mozzarella for stretchiness, or even a blend with parmesan for more depth. Just avoid super watery cheeses as they can affect the texture.

  5. Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake just before serving?

    Yes! You can shape the sausage balls, refrigerate them for up to a day before baking, or freeze them to bake later. This makes entertaining a breeze—just plan on adding a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe has been my go-to for potlucks, game days, and holiday gatherings because it’s so easy, tasty, and universally loved. I guarantee once you try them, you’ll find yourself sharing this recipe with friends and tweaking it for your own signature spin. So grab your ingredients, get that cream cheese softening, and have fun making these crowd-pleasing snacks that everyone ends up asking for seconds on!

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Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 64 pieces
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring hot pork sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick baking mix, and cheddar cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or game day gatherings, combining a savory flavor with a tender, cheesy texture.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound hot pork sausage
  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 1 pound hot pork sausage with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until fully blended. You can also mix by hand or with a hand mixer if preferred.
  3. Add Bisquick: Stir in 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix gently until the mixture is blended well. Be sure to spoon the Bisquick into the measuring cup rather than packing it down to avoid dryness in the final product.
  4. Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until evenly combined. Feel free to add more cheese for a richer flavor.
  5. Form Sausage Balls: Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop or your hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the shaped sausage balls on the baking sheets for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
  7. Bake: Bake the chilled sausage balls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Do not pack the Bisquick measuring cup; spoon it lightly to prevent sausage balls from becoming dry.
  • Mixing is easiest with an electric mixer, but mixing by hand works well too.
  • This recipe makes about 64 sausage balls.
  • To freeze, place the sausage balls on a wax-paper lined tray an inch apart and freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
  • For a flavor twist, try using Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix instead of Bisquick, or substitute shredded cheddar with pimento cheese spread or other favorite cheeses.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 pieces
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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