Irresistibly Crunchy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Packed with flavor and golden-brown deliciousness, these cream cheese sausage balls dance between savory and indulgent.

Mixing cream cheese creates a surprisingly smooth texture that elevates every single bite.

Sausage brings rich, hearty notes that complement the creamy cheese perfectly.

Each morsel promises a delectable crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy kick that balances the meaty undertones beautifully.

These bite-sized appetizers work magic at parties, game nights, or whenever you crave something irresistibly satisfying.

Serve them warm and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary delight.

Gear List for Cream Cheese Sausage Ball Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Essential for cooking sausage balls evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Hands: Best tool for forming sausage balls into uniform shapes.

How to Cook Up Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Blend Flavor Powerhouses

Toss sausage and cream cheese into a mixing bowl, giving them a thorough massage until they become best friends and merge completely.

• Create Flavor Magic

Sprinkle in cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until you’ve got a delicious, unified mixture that looks and feels like a flavor party.

• Shape Tasty Bites

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, placing them evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not too crowded – they need personal space to get crispy.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let these savory nuggets bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and look irresistibly crispy.

• Cool and Serve

Let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. They’ll be molten hot, so give them a moment to chill out before serving to hungry guests.

Flavor Swaps for Sausage Balls That Work

• Chill for Firmer Texture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming balls to make them easier to shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Freezer-Friendly Snack: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time for a convenient make-ahead appetizer.

How to Plate Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these sausage balls on a decorative wooden board with toothpicks, creating an irresistible appetizer spread perfect for game day or holiday gatherings.
• Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty morning meal that adds protein and flavor to your breakfast routine.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a variety of dipping sauces like spicy ranch, honey mustard, or marinara to complement the savory sausage balls and enhance their taste profile.
• Meal Prep Marvel: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacks during the week, reheating quickly in the microwave or air fryer for a convenient protein-packed option.

Store and Reuse Sausage Balls

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours before baking, covering them tightly in the refrigerator to save time on busy cooking days.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, gooey center.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 166 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Sausage Balls

• Breakfast Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the balls, choose high-quality ground sausage with good fat content for best results.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy smoothness and helps bind ingredients together, select full-fat version for maximum richness.

• Bisquick Mix: Creates light, fluffy structure and helps hold ingredients together, ensures consistent texture throughout the balls.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully, opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melting and taste.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and savory undertones that complement the sausage.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the sausage balls.

Crispy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Savory cream cheese sausage balls bring zesty Southern comfort to party snacking. Cheesy, spicy bites deliver irresistible flavor that keeps guests returning for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or your preferred variety)
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) Bisquick mix (or other biscuit baking mix)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Thoroughly blend ground sausage and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely uniform, creating a smooth foundational mixture.
2. Cheese Integration: Fold in shredded cheddar and Bisquick mix, working the ingredients together to form a cohesive dough that maintains structural integrity without excessive crumbling.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika across the mixture, gently folding to ensure even distribution of aromatic spices throughout the blend.
4. Shaping Preparation: Craft compact, uniform spherical portions by rolling small amounts of mixture between palms, creating consistent bite-sized morsels that will cook evenly.
5. Baking Setup: Arrange sausage balls one inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning the rack centrally in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to promote optimal heat circulation.
6. Cooking Process: Bake for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensure complete internal cooking, watching for a crisp surface and enticing savory aroma.
7. Resting Stage: Remove from oven and let the sausage balls rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth blending without lumps.
• Balance Meat Moisture: Choose less fatty sausage to prevent greasy texture, keeping sausage balls crisp and appetizing.
• Uniform Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent-sized balls for even cooking and professional appearance.
• Customize Seasoning Flexibly: Experiment with different spice combinations like cayenne, dried herbs, or smoked seasonings to match personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg