Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Just four main ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Quick to make: Mix, roll, and bake—no complicated steps.
Flavor-packed: Cream cheese adds moisture and richness to classic sausage balls.
Perfect for entertaining: Great finger food for parties, holidays, or brunch spreads.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake straight from frozen when needed.

Ingredients

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

Ground pork sausage (mild, hot, or a mix of both)
Cream cheese, softened
Bisquick baking mix (or any all-purpose biscuit mix)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, or paprika

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Soften cream cheese: Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, shredded cheddar, and seasonings if using.
Blend well: Use your hands or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape into balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool slightly: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm: Enjoy plain, or with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 30 sausage balls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Herb and Garlic: Mix in dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Cheese Lover’s Version: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a cheesy blend.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of Bisquick.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Bites: Shape and freeze the unbaked balls, then bake straight from frozen when needed (add 5 minutes to bake time).
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 20–30 seconds per sausage ball.
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a crisp exterior.

FAQs

Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?

Yes! Hot or spicy sausage works great for those who like a little kick. You can also mix half mild and half hot for balanced flavor.

Why are my sausage balls dry?

Dryness can come from too much baking mix or overbaking. Use softened cream cheese and measure your Bisquick accurately for the perfect texture.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, mix and roll the sausage balls ahead of time. Store in the fridge (up to 24 hours) or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use turkey sausage or chicken sausage?

Absolutely. Choose a well-seasoned variety, and note that poultry sausage may produce a slightly different texture.

Can I make these without Bisquick?

Yes. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons butter to create your own quick biscuit mix substitute.

How do I keep them warm for serving?

Keep baked sausage balls in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or in a covered dish in a low oven (200°F).

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, finely diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños can be mixed in for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, though full-fat cream cheese provides a richer, creamier texture.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Definitely. Place unbaked sausage balls on a tray, freeze until solid, and store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best dipping sauce for sausage balls?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli all pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served at breakfast, game day, or holiday gatherings, these savory bites disappear fast. With their tender, creamy interior and crispy golden edges, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are savory, cheesy, bite-sized appetizers made with sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and biscuit mix. These golden, tender bites are perfect for parties, breakfasts, or holiday gatherings and can be easily made ahead or frozen for later.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 30 sausage balls
Category: Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork sausage (mild, hot, or a mix)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or any biscuit mix)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, shredded cheddar, and optional seasonings.
Mix thoroughly using your hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until well blended.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
Use hot sausage or cayenne pepper for a spicier variation.
Do not overbake—remove once golden for moist, tender centers.
To freeze, place baked or unbaked sausage balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
Calories: 260
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg