Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sausage balls are incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. The addition of cream cheese keeps them extra moist and tender, while the sharpness of the cheddar adds bold flavor. They can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated, making them perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Breakfast sausage (uncooked, regular or spicy)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked sausage and softened cream cheese until well blended.
3. Add in shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, and seasonings. Mix until fully combined.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 sausage balls, serving 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use hot sausage for a spicy kick.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda.
• Add chopped jalapeños, green onions, or cooked bacon to the mix.
• Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free baking mix.
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
You can also freeze them before or after baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the balls and refrigerate them overnight or freeze them for later.

Do I have to cook the sausage first?

No, the sausage goes in raw and cooks as the sausage balls bake.

Can I freeze sausage balls?

Yes, freeze them raw or baked. Store in a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen as needed.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Any breakfast sausage works—mild, spicy, or maple depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer makes combining the ingredients easier, especially when dealing with raw sausage.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, but you can use any cheese that melts well.

Why are my sausage balls dry?

Overbaking or using too much baking mix can make them dry. The cream cheese helps prevent this.

Can I make these without baking mix?

Yes, use a combination of flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I serve these for breakfast?

Absolutely! They make a great grab-and-go breakfast or brunch item.

Conclusion

Cream cheese sausage balls are a rich, cheesy, and satisfying appetizer that’s simple to make and always a hit. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of these savory bites for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite flavors and enjoy warm, straight from the oven or reheated throughout the week.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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Cream cheese sausage balls are savory, cheesy, and tender bites made with sausage, cheddar, and cream cheese. These easy-to-make appetizers are perfect for parties, breakfast, or game day snacking, and can be made ahead or frozen for later.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24–30 sausage balls (serves 6–8)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked breakfast sausage (regular or spicy)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage and softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add cheddar cheese, baking mix, and seasonings. Mix until fully combined.
4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F/71°C).
6. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use hot sausage for extra spice or maple for a touch of sweetness.
• Freeze unbaked sausage balls and bake from frozen when needed.
• Swap cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
• Don’t overbake to prevent dryness.
• Serve with ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard for dipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg