Description
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Each bite is packed with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a tender, lightly crisped exterior. This easy, make-ahead recipe is perfect for parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings, delivering comfort food flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (regular or spicy)
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven โ Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine the Sausage and Cream Cheese โ In a large bowl, use your hands or a sturdy spoon to combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese until well blended. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated for a smoother texture in the finished balls.
- Add Cheese and Dry Mixture โ Mix in the shredded cheddar, baking mix, and optional seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. It may take a few minutes of mixing to get everything combined.
- Shape the Balls โ Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms to form 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
- Bake โ Bake for 22โ25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden on the outside and cooked through. They should feel firm and slightly crisp on the bottom.
- Serve โ Let the sausage balls cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For easy mixing, let the cream cheese come to room temperature first.
- Switch up your cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
- You can prepare the balls ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
- If baking from frozen, add 5-7 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or marinara for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg