If there’s one snack that never fails to bring smiles at every gathering, it’s the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the savory punch of hot sausage, all perfectly bound together with fluffy Bisquick and sharp cheddar cheese. They bake up golden brown and irresistible, offering a warm, comforting snack that’s equal parts flavorful and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a game day treat, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep in your go-to list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and taste, delivering a balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness in every bite.
- 1 lb hot sausage: The star protein providing bold, spicy flavor that gives these bites their signature kick.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious creaminess that binds the ingredients and keeps the balls moist.
- 1¼ cups Bisquick: Acts as a quick and easy filler that helps the sausage balls stay soft but hold together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty bite that deepens the savory complexity.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 400ºF—this temperature ensures the sausage balls will bake up evenly, turning perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender within.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the hot sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese. Using a KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment makes this step a breeze, but you can absolutely stir by hand until everything is thoroughly incorporated into a shapable dough.
Step 3: Shape into 1-inch balls
Take portions of the mixture and roll them into small, uniform balls about one inch in diameter. This size is perfect for bite-sized finger food and ensures even cooking across all the sausage balls.
Step 4: Bake until golden brown
Place the sausage balls onto a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping a close eye until they develop a nice golden brown color—this guarantees crispy outsides with a juicy, cheesy center.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika adds a pop of color and a fresh or smoky note that complements the richness of the sausage balls perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls pair wonderfully with cool, crunchy sides like a crisp garden salad or fresh-cut veggies with a creamy dip, balancing the hearty, cheesy goodness with light refreshment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of mustard or spicy aioli for dipping. For a festive look, arrange them around a bowl of cranberry sauce during holiday gatherings or drizzle a bit of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack or addition to a packed lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sausage balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat sausage balls in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage?
Absolutely! Mild sausage will give you the same great texture, just a gentler flavor—perfect if you want to tone down the spice but keep all the deliciousness.
What can I substitute for Bisquick?
If Bisquick isn’t on hand, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic its leavening effect, but be sure to adjust the quantity to achieve the right dough consistency.
Can these sausage balls be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick, and make sure the sausage and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to keep the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy do the hot sausage balls get?
Hot sausage usually has a moderate heat level, enough to give a pleasant warmth without overwhelming most palates. You can always spice it up more or reduce heat by mixing it with mild sausage.
Can I make these ahead and bake just before serving?
Definitely! Prepare and shape the sausage balls ahead of time, keep them refrigerated, and simply bake them fresh right before your guests arrive to enjoy that perfect warm, just-baked taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe—warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor that instantly brings people together. It’s easy enough for a casual snack but special enough to shine at a party or holiday brunch. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as addictive and delightful as I do. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection too!
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Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and cheesy appetizer made with a blend of hot sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Perfectly baked until golden brown, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, brunches, or snacks.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups Bisquick
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the sausage balls.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, thoroughly mix the hot sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is well combined and uniform.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls to ensure even baking and perfect bite sizes. Place the balls on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use hot sausage for a spicy kick; you can substitute with mild sausage if preferred.
- For easier shaping, chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling can help.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Bisquick provides the perfect binding and texture; do not substitute with flour alone.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
