Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer cheesy, savory, and deliciously bite-sized. Each ball is packed with flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and a tender biscuit-like texture that makes them impossible to eat just one.
Whether you’re serving them at holiday parties, brunch gatherings, or game day, these sausage balls are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. The addition of cream cheese gives them a richer, softer texture than traditional versions, and the cheddar adds that sharp, melty flavor that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, cheesy and meaty, and quick yet satisfying. With just four ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes no complicated prep required. Whether you’re hosting or snacking, these golden bites bring Southern-style comfort and modern convenience to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk sausage (mild, spicy, or breakfast-style)
- 1¼ cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare your oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Combine the sausage and cream cheese
In a large mixing bowl, use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to combine the bulk sausage with the softened cream cheese. Mixing these two first helps ensure the cream cheese distributes evenly before adding the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add the baking mix and cheese
Add the baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Work the mixture together until everything is evenly combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky that’s what makes the sausage balls stay moist and tender. If it feels too soft to shape, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Form into balls
Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to form the mixture into 1-inch balls, rolling them between your palms for a smooth shape. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The outside should be lightly crisp, and the cheese will be bubbling slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve warm
Serve these sausage balls warm with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy jalapeño aioli. They’re equally tasty at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks or buffets.
Expert Tips for Success
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Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes it blends more easily with the sausage and creates a smoother texture.
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Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sausage balls less gooey and flavorful.
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Test for doneness: Check one sausage ball at 18 minutes you’re looking for no pink in the center and melted cheese throughout.
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Make-ahead ready: Roll the sausage balls ahead and refrigerate raw for up to 24 hours or freeze before baking.
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Freeze for later: Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–28 minutes for a quick snack anytime.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Spicy sausage balls: Use hot or Cajun-seasoned sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra kick.
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Bacon cheddar flavor: Add crumbled cooked bacon and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
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Herb and garlic: Stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for a zesty flavor boost.
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Maple breakfast version: Use maple breakfast sausage for a subtly sweet flavor great for brunch menus.
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Jalapeño popper style: Add finely diced jalapeños into the mixture for a spicy, tangy blend.
Serving Ideas
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Party platter favorite: Serve with toothpicks and dips like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
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Breakfast spread: Pair with scrambled eggs, fruit, and biscuits for an easy morning feast.
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Holiday appetizer: Add them to your Christmas or Thanksgiving buffet for an irresistible finger food option.
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Game day snack: Keep them warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting guests can grab them all afternoon.
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Make it a meal: Serve with a green salad or roasted veggies for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
No this recipe works best with raw bulk sausage. Pre-cooked versions won’t hold together or absorb the baking mix properly.
What type of sausage is best?
You can use mild, spicy, or even breakfast-style sausage depending on your taste. For gatherings, mild tends to please everyone.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes! Place the sausage balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Definitely. Freeze the unbaked balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen when ready they’ll need just a few extra minutes of cook time.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 28–32 sausage balls 1x
Description
Cheesy, savory bite-sized appetizers made with flavorful bulk sausage, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Golden, tender, and perfect for parties, brunch, or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk sausage (mild, spicy, or breakfast-style)
- 1¼ cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat.
- Mix sausage and softened cream cheese until fully combined.
- Stir in baking mix and shredded cheddar until evenly blended. Chill 15–20 minutes if too soft.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls, placing 1 inch apart on baking sheet.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until golden, cooked through, and cheese bubbles.
- Cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with ranch, honey mustard, or preferred sauces.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
Shred cheddar fresh for best flavor and melt.
Check for doneness at 18 minutes — no pink center, melted cheese.
Make ahead by forming balls; refrigerate raw up to 24 hours.
Freeze unbaked balls; bake from frozen with extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 110
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sausage balls recipe, cream cheese sausage balls, biscuit mix appetizers, game day snacks, holiday party bites
