Late one night, I found myself in the kitchen on a flavor adventure, experimenting with a twist on classic comfort food. That’s when the magic happened—the discovery of Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! The original sausage ball recipe is good, but adding cream cheese? Total game changer. The slight tang and creamy richness of cream cheese bring these sausage balls to a whole new level of cozy, bold flavor that makes you want to grab a second (or third) bite.
I remember the excitement bubbling up as I mixed the ingredients, anticipating the first bite. When those cheesy sausage bites came out of the oven all golden and fragrant, the first taste made my taste buds do a happy dance! This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe turned what I thought was a just-okay appetizer into a must-have for every party, weeknight dinner, or holiday spread. The combination of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and a bit of savory spice feels like comfort food that doesn’t hold back on flavor.
What I love most is how this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe turns everyday snacks into something special and memorable. Whether it’s a quick weekend snack or a fun holiday sausage balls platter that everyone digs into, it always steals the show. If you adore easy party snacks packed with bold flair, you’re in the right place. I’m inviting you to join me in cooking up these cheesy sausage bites that bring excitement to your table and smiles to your favorite people. Ready to spice up your kitchen with a delicious twist? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You Need
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You’ll want:
- 1 pound spicy or mild ground sausage (grab this during your next grocery run—regular or seasoned works great)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (the secret to those irresistibly creamy, cheesy sausage bites)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for deep cheesy flavor that melts perfectly)
- 2 cups biscuit mix or Bisquick (this gives structure without fussing over dough)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (boosts savory notes in your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for extra depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want to dial up the heat)
No worries if you don’t have biscuit mix—the classic Sausage Balls Recipe from Allrecipes works well with Bisquick too. If you want to switch it up, I’ve sometimes swapped sharp cheddar for pepper jack, which adds a fun twist.
For busy weeknights, you can soften the cream cheese in the microwave in 20-second bursts to save time. The sausage can be fresh from the meat counter or pre-packaged—you’ll want the freshest for the best melt-in-your-mouth cheesy sausage bites.
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls gets its amazing taste from the sharp cheddar and the creamy texture of the cream cheese balancing the juicy sausage seasoning perfectly. I love adding extra black pepper because it brings more punch to the holiday sausage balls versions I make in the winter!
Keep your ingredients chilled until right before mixing to keep everything fresh, especially if prepping in advance. Leftover Cream Cheese Sausage Balls store beautifully in the fridge, sealed tight for up to 4 days. You can even freeze the formed balls on a tray before baking for up to 2 months—perfect for holiday sausage balls prep!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to cook up some Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with me? Here we go!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this is where the magic starts happening!
- Mix the sausage and cream cheese: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mash it together until it’s really blended and creamy. Your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls will smell incredible right now—spicy, cheesy, and full of promise.
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Toss in the shredded cheddar, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Stir everything gently to combine. Don’t worry if your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls dough looks sticky—that’s exactly what you want.
- Form the balls: Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. They should be uniform in size so they cook evenly. This is my favorite part—watching the cheesy sausage bites come to life in your hands!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes: Arrange the balls on your baking sheet spaced apart. Pop them in the oven and get ready for that irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen. My Cream Cheese Sausage Balls usually hit golden perfection right around 27 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving: Let them rest a few minutes so they set up and the cheese inside isn’t lava-hot, then dive in!
If you’re thinking of a shortcut, you can make these ahead of time, freeze the raw balls on a tray, then bake them fresh from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. That’s a lifesaver for holiday sausage balls or when you need easy party snacks at a moment’s notice.
I stumbled on this method through playful kitchen experiments and every time I taste these cheesy sausage bites, I smile. The combo of textures—crispy outside, soft and creamy center—is a comfort food love story that keeps me coming back for more.
For extra flavor adventures, try swapping the cheddar for jalapeno jack or add chopped herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist. If you love spice, the Red Lobster Sausage Balls inspired version kicks up the heat even further!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls hits the table with some favorite flavor buddies! I love pairing them with tangy dipping sauces like honey mustard or a spicy ranch. A side of crisp pickles or a fresh veggie tray rounds it out perfectly. For a holiday sausage balls version, I serve with cranberry chutney to balance the savory bites.
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls shines at any occasion—from casual game nights to potluck parties where everyone eyes those cheesy sausage bites like they’re the main event. You can arrange them on a fun serving board with colorful dips and fresh herbs, and trust me, guests will be impressed.
Leftover Cream Cheese Sausage Balls? No problem! Toss them into a warm skillet with some greens and eggs for a quick breakfast twist or chop and mix into a cheesy pasta bake for an easy fusion favorite. For a fun fusion discovery, I once shredded leftover balls into a spicy cream cheese tortilla wrap—hello, flavor fusion! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for these cream cheese tortilla bites that carry similar creamy goodness in a different shape.
For an appetizer that’s just as easy but adds a smoky jalapeno punch, check out my other favorite: Bacon Jalapeno Cream Cheese Balls. It’s a flavor explosion that complements the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls magic.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Absolutely! This sausage ball recipe is forgiving and easy to follow. Even if you’re new to cooking, mixing the ingredients and shaping these cheesy sausage bites is straightforward. My tips on softening cream cheese quickly and forming uniform balls make it stress-free.
What if I mess up my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Spoiler: It’ll still taste incredible! If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more biscuit mix. Too dry? Add a dab more cream cheese. The flavor stays bold and comforting no matter the texture adjustments.
Can I prep this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for busy weeknights?
Yes! You can fully assemble and freeze the balls on a parchment-lined tray, then bake straight from frozen adding 5-7 minutes to baking time. Perfect for planning ahead.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
I love spicy sausage for a kick, but mild is great too if you want the cream cheese and cheddar to shine more. Some readers say ground breakfast sausage also works well for holiday sausage balls with a sweeter note.
Can I use gluten-free biscuit mix?
Yes, gluten-free options work fine. The texture might be slightly different but the cheesiness and sausage flavors stay delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. I like reheating them in the oven to keep that golden crispness. You can freeze cooked balls too for up to 2 months, perfect for saving holiday sausage balls.
Are there easy ways to change up the flavor?
Definitely! Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack, add chopped herbs, or toss in some cooked bacon bits. I’ve found that adding a splash of hot sauce into the mix before forming gives a killer flavor punch. Check out this Easy Sausage Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese & Bisquick for more spice ideas.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe brings me serious joy because it turns simple ingredients into a comfort food sensation with bold flavor that’s fun to share. My Cream Cheese Sausage Balls flavor secrets?
- Use softened cream cheese for that rich, creamy texture
- Don’t skip the sharp cheddar—it’s the flavor backbone
- Add a touch of garlic and onion powder for savory depth
I’ve tested variations with jalapeno, bacon, and even herb blends, each one perfect for different vibes. Holiday sausage balls get a festive upgrade with cranberries and sage, while jalapeno versions make weeknight dinners remind you of a party.
You can trust your taste buds here. Try these creamy, cheesy sausage bites your way. I’m beyond excited for you to whip up your own batch of Cream Cheese Sausage Balls and share that delicious magic with your friends and family. Dive into this comfort food favorite and let it bring bold, happy energy to your kitchen adventures!
If you love these, check out these favorites too for more creamy cheese appetizers: Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries offers a sweet twist, or for that smoky jalapeño kick, try my Bacon Jalapeno Cream Cheese Balls. Turn any meal into a celebration!
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory Southern appetizer combining spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy biscuit mix for an irresistible snack perfect for parties or game day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or serving with a spicy dipping sauce.