Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory snack that combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying flavor of sausage and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cream cheese. The cheesy filling keeps them moist and adds a rich flavor, while the seasoning gives them a slight kick. They’re easy to make with only a few ingredients and bake up in no time. Plus, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (any variety, such as pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or regular flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of spice)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything together until fully incorporated. It may get a little sticky, but that’s okay!
- Form the Balls: Use your hands or a spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may want to check one ball by cutting it open to ensure it’s fully cooked in the center.
- Serve: Once the sausage balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 20-25 sausage balls (depending on size)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 18-20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use spicy sausage instead of mild, or add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give them a nice kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan for different flavors.
- Herbed Sausage Balls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a more aromatic twist.
- Gluten-Free Sausage Balls: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Bacon Sausage Balls: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These sausage balls freeze well. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for about 20-30 seconds per ball.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or any kind of sausage you prefer. The flavor will vary depending on the type of sausage used.
3. Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing it?
No, you do not need to cook the sausage before mixing. It will cook as the sausage balls bake in the oven.
4. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. You can either bake them beforehand or freeze them raw and bake them when you’re ready.
5. Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour, but you’ll need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the mixture to help them rise.
6. Can I add vegetables to the sausage balls?
You can add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the mixture.
7. Are these sausage balls keto-friendly?
Yes, if you substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the regular flour, these can be made into a keto-friendly snack.
8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you want to reduce the fat content, but it may slightly affect the texture of the sausage balls.
9. Can I use a different type of seasoning?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
10. Can I skip the cheese altogether?
While the cheese helps add flavor and moisture, you can skip it if you prefer a more basic version of the sausage balls. You may need to adjust the moisture content slightly by adding a bit more cream cheese or another binder.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, party, or just enjoying them as a quick snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. With their rich, creamy texture, seasoned sausage, and golden crispy exterior, they’re irresistible and simple to make. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, stored, and even frozen for convenience. Enjoy these delicious bites any time you want a tasty treat!
PrintCream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer made with flavorful sausage, creamy cream cheese, and a hint of spice. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a quick, satisfying snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 sausage balls (depending on size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (any variety, such as pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or regular flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of spice)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Check one ball to ensure it’s fully cooked inside.
- Serve: Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, use spicy sausage or add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Make them gluten-free with a gluten-free flour or almond flour substitution.
- For a smoky flavor, add crumbled bacon to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
