Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect little bite-sized snacks that combine rich cream cheese, flavorful sausage, and a touch of cheesy goodness. They’re soft on the inside with a lightly golden crust on the outside, making them a favorite for gatherings or anytime snacking.
I love making these because they come together so quickly and don’t require many ingredients, but everyone always thinks you spent hours in the kitchen. A little tip I’ve learned is to chill the mixture before baking—this helps them hold their shape and get that perfect golden color.
These sausage balls are great served warm straight from the oven with a little dipping sauce like honey mustard or ketchup. They always disappear fast, and I find they bring out smiles whether I serve them at a casual get-together or just as a tasty treat for the family during the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Breakfast Sausage: This is the star for flavor and juiciness. Mild sausage works well if you want a gentler taste, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick. If you prefer pork-free, try turkey sausage instead – just watch the baking time as it can cook faster.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, try reduced-fat cream cheese but expect a bit less richness. Let it soften first to mix easily with the sausage.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold cheesy taste. For a milder option, use medium cheddar or mozzarella. Freshly shredding your cheese melts better than pre-shredded bags, which often have additives.
Biscuit Baking Mix: This acts as a binder to hold everything together. If you don’t have biscuit mix, all-purpose flour with a pinch of baking powder can work. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free baking mix.
How Do You Get the Sausage Balls to Hold Their Shape and Bake Evenly?
Getting the perfect shape and texture is all in these steps:
- Mixing: Combine ingredients just until blended. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Chilling (optional): If your mixture feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before shaping. This helps the fat firm up and makes shaping easier.
- Shaping: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop for even sizes. Roll gently but firmly into balls – not too tight, or they’ll be tough.
- Baking: Spread the balls evenly on the baking sheet, leaving space between so heat circulates and they brown nicely all around.
These tips help ensure your sausage balls bake into tender, flavorful bites with a nice golden crust instead of falling apart or getting soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining the sausage, cream cheese, and other ingredients without making a mess.
- Sturdy spoon or spatula – makes mixing everything together easy and fun.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps you portion out the mixture evenly for uniform sausage balls.
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy surface to hold the sausage balls while they bake. Line it with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Oven – essential for baking the sausage balls to golden perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese variations: Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack for spice, or a mix for extra flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Add chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Meat options: Use cooked cooked bacon bits, cooked ham, or turkey sausage for different flavors and dietary preferences.
- Glaze or toppings: Drizzle with honey mustard, spicy mayo, or sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving for extra flair.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy as preferred)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups biscuit baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for flavor and garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, plan for around 35 minutes total, including a bit of time to let the sausage balls cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese:
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and ground breakfast sausage. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix them well until fully combined. This will create a creamy, meaty base.
3. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Next, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley (if using). Gently mix everything together just until combined—don’t overmix so the sausage balls stay light.
4. Shape the Sausage Balls:
Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out the mixture and roll into small, bite-size balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Bake the sausage balls in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. The exterior should be slightly crisp.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the sausage balls out and allow them to cool a few minutes on the pan. Serve warm, and if you like, drizzle with your favorite creamy dip or sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before mixing. This ensures even cooking and helps the mixture blend smoothly with the cream cheese.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crispy exterior.
Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for fresh, hot sausage balls.
What Can I Substitute for Biscuit Baking Mix?
If you don’t have biscuit mix, substitute with all-purpose flour combined with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour. This will help the sausage balls hold together nicely.