Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Sausage balls are a classic appetizer, perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a quick and satisfying breakfast. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, adding cream cheese takes them to a whole new level of creamy, savory goodness. This recipe delivers perfectly moist, flavorful sausage balls every time. Get ready to impress your guests (or simply treat yourself!) with this easy and irresistible recipe.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Cream Cheese Magic:** Cream cheese adds a delightful tanginess and moisture that prevents the sausage balls from drying out, resulting in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques are required.
* **Versatile:** These sausage balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a breakfast side, or even a snack. They’re also easy to customize with different types of sausage, cheese, and seasonings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can easily prepare the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve. They also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping or last-minute gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these cream cheese sausage balls:

* **1 pound Breakfast Sausage:** Use your favorite breakfast sausage. I prefer a mild or hot sausage, depending on my mood and who I’m serving them to. Jimmy Dean is a popular and reliable choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands and flavors, like sage sausage or maple sausage. For a spicier kick, use hot sausage. For a sweeter note, use maple sausage.
* **8 ounces Cream Cheese:** This is the key ingredient! Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Full-fat cream cheese will give you the best results, but you can use a lower-fat version if you prefer. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.
* **1 ½ cups All-Purpose Baking Mix (Bisquick or similar):** Bisquick is the secret ingredient that binds the sausage balls together. It provides structure and helps them hold their shape. You can also use a gluten-free baking mix if needed. Make sure to use the original Bisquick mix and not a pancake mix, as the pancake mix will be too sweet.
* **1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Cheddar cheese adds a classic cheesy flavor and enhances the overall texture of the sausage balls. You can use sharp, mild, or medium cheddar, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and have a better flavor.
* **Optional Add-ins:** These are not necessary, but they add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions:** Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Complements the garlic powder and adds more depth of flavor.
* **Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of heat (optional).
* **1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce:** Boosts the savory umami flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect cream cheese sausage balls every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Soften the cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients and prevent lumps.
* Shred the cheddar cheese. If you’re using a block of cheddar cheese, shred it using a cheese grater. Freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and have a better flavor.

**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using any optional add-ins, add them now as well.
* Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the sausage balls tough. Mix until just combined. The mixture will be sticky and that’s okay.

**Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls**

* Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly wet your hands with water or spray them with cooking spray.
* Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow them to bake evenly.

**Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls**

* Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* If you want the sausage balls to be extra crispy, you can broil them for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.
* Serve the sausage balls as an appetizer, a breakfast side, or a snack. They are also great for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

## Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough can result in tough sausage balls. Mix until just combined.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese is essential for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
* **Use Quality Sausage:** The quality of your sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the sausage balls. Choose a sausage that you enjoy.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices to suit your taste.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** A cookie scoop will help you form uniform sausage balls, which will bake evenly.
* **Line Your Baking Sheet:** Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the sausage balls can make them dry and crumbly. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through.
* **Let Them Cool Slightly:** Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. This will allow them to firm up and make them easier to handle.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage.
* **Different Cheese:** Try different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free baking mix to make these sausage balls gluten-free.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to the mixture for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary, to the mixture for a fresh flavor.
* **Jalapeños:** Add diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy and cheesy twist.

## Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese sausage balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
* **Breakfast:** Serve them as a breakfast side with eggs, toast, or pancakes.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Brunch:** Include them as part of a brunch spread with other savory and sweet dishes.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make-Ahead:**

You can prepare the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply form the sausage balls and bake as directed. You can also form the sausage balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

**Storage:**

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

**Freezing:**

To freeze sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen sausage balls, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

## Recipe Card

**Cream Cheese Sausage Balls**

**Yields:** Approximately 30 sausage balls
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound breakfast sausage
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose baking mix (Bisquick or similar)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional Add-ins:
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Pinch of red pepper flakes
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional add-ins.
3. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls.
5. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

**Notes:**

* For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
* Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* Sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

## Enjoy!

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are sure to be a hit! They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a breakfast side, or a snack, they are sure to disappear quickly. Enjoy!