Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Appetizer Everyone Will Beg You to Make Again
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s irresistibly cheesy, perfectly savory, and unbelievably easy to make, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the answer. These little bites of comfort are golden on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavorful sausage, melty cheese, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day gathering, or family breakfast, this simple recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these sausage balls deliver that warm, homemade flavor you can’t get enough of.
What Makes Cream Cheese Sausage Balls So Special
Unlike traditional sausage balls made with only sausage, cheese, and baking mix, this version includes cream cheese—which changes everything. The cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture that keeps the sausage balls moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful. Each bite feels decadent and satisfying without being dry or heavy. The mix of spicy sausage and creamy cheese makes this recipe a favorite across all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep or parties
- Great hot or at room temperature
- Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead snacks
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or maple depending on your preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick or all-purpose baking mix
That’s all you need! Four ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and cheesy satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing—it’s key to getting a smooth blend. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Shred your cheddar cheese fresh for the best flavor and melt.
Step 2: Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend them together until evenly combined. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated into the sausage.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Baking Mix
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and baking mix (like Bisquick) to the sausage mixture. Stir or knead until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky but easy to roll into balls.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. For even cooking, try to make them all roughly the same size. You should end up with about 24–30 sausage balls, depending on size.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the sausage balls rest for 5 minutes after baking. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is—they’re delicious either way!
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
These cream cheese sausage balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some ideas:
- Ranch dressing – cool and creamy to balance the sausage’s heat
- Honey mustard – a tangy-sweet contrast that complements the richness
- Spicy sriracha mayo – for those who like a little kick
- Maple syrup or BBQ sauce – adds a touch of sweetness
- Creamy cheese dip – double the cheesy flavor for the ultimate indulgence
Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for parties or alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty breakfast spread.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest results.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more cream cheese.
- For extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- If you want crispy edges, bake them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Grate your own cheddar cheese—it melts better and gives superior texture compared to pre-shredded.
Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Balls
Add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a fiery twist.
2. Maple Breakfast Version
Use maple-flavored sausage and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory morning treat.
3. Cheddar and Chive Sausage Balls
Mix in chopped fresh chives or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
4. Italian-Style Sausage Balls
Swap cheddar for mozzarella and use Italian sausage. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like cheesy pizza bites in sausage form.
5. Bacon Ranch Sausage Balls
Add crumbled cooked bacon and a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to create the ultimate flavor-packed snack.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Once cooled, store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: These sausage balls freeze beautifully. Place cooled balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, bake frozen sausage balls at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave refrigerated ones for about 30–45 seconds.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time, shape the balls, and refrigerate them overnight. Bake the next day for fresh, hot appetizers without the prep mess.
Nutritional Information (per sausage ball, approximate)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 2g
They’re a great low-carb, keto-friendly option when made with sugar-free baking mix.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby jack all work wonderfully and give different flavor profiles.
Can I make these without Bisquick?
You can substitute 1 ½ cups of flour mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, but note that turkey sausage is leaner, so the texture may be slightly less moist. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese.
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
No—use raw sausage when mixing. It cooks fully in the oven as the sausage balls bake.
How do I know when they’re done?
They’re ready when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Creative Serving Ideas
- Serve as breakfast bites with scrambled eggs and fruit.
- Add to a brunch buffet alongside mini quiches and muffins.
- Serve at parties with toothpicks and multiple dipping sauces.
- Pack them in lunchboxes as a high-protein snack.
- Use them as a side dish at BBQs or potlucks.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret lies in the balance of fat and flavor. Cream cheese not only adds smoothness and moisture but also prevents the sausage balls from becoming dry or crumbly. The baking mix holds everything together while the cheddar melts into gooey perfection. The result? A golden, cheesy bite with a tender center that practically melts in your mouth.
The Perfect Party Appetizer
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the kind of dish that disappears fast from any table. They’re bite-sized, portable, and satisfyingly savory. You can make them ahead, freeze them, or bake them fresh right before serving. Plus, they pair beautifully with drinks, brunch spreads, and all kinds of finger foods.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic with a Creamy Twist
Whether you’re hosting guests or just want something warm and satisfying, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls never disappoint. They’re flavorful, tender, and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch anytime you need a quick snack or appetizer. With their creamy interior, cheesy flavor, and golden edges, these little bites are guaranteed to be a hit every single time.
Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection—because nothing beats the combination of sausage, cheese, and cream cheese baked into bite-sized perfection.
