If you’re like me and often find yourself stuck in that “what’s a quick, tasty snack I can throw together?” jam, trust me, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are your go-to cure. I first stumbled upon them during a cozy weekend brunch with friends, and honestly, the moment those warm, cheesy sausage bites hit the table, I thought, “Yep, I’m all in.” These little gems fit perfectly into my foodie life because they bring that unbeatable combo of savory sausage and creamy cheese with such ease—plus, they’re party-ready and family-approved.
There’s just something so joyful about making Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They give me a sense of cooking satisfaction without any fuss, and the best part? They happen fast and vanish even faster at get-togethers. I love that they’re comfort food that feels a little festive, which is exactly what I want on busy days or when I’m craving that southern sausage balls magic. If you’ve been hunting for a cream cheese appetizer that’s both effortless and unforgettable, this one’s calling your name. Ready to make your kitchen smell incredible with cheesy, savory goodness? Let’s dive in and get those Cream Cheese Sausage Balls rolling!
What You’ll Need:
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your vibe)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (room temp works best!)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (more for extra melty goodness)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (this helps keep your sausage balls tender and fluffy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (sausage usually brings some salt, so keep it moderate)
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Out of Bisquick? No problem! You can grab this at any regular grocery store, but if you’re in a pinch, swap it for your favorite baking mix or even some all-purpose flour with a quick homemade leavening blend.
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is kind to your wallet because most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find year-round. Plus, it stretches well—meaning you get plenty of cheesy sausage bites from a little effort.
Quick prep tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly with the sausage. You can microwave it for about 15 seconds if you forgot to take it out earlier. Leftovers? No worries. Store your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat wonderfully in the oven or air fryer to crisp up again.
Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls from good to “wow”: a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you want that extra kick. Trust me, it’s irresistible.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Start to finish, this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute party snacks or a weekend treat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and raw breakfast sausage. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix them together until smooth and well combined. This is the step where I learned to be patient with my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls—it makes all the difference in texture.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until the dough comes together. It should feel slightly sticky but hold its shape when formed.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each into a bite-sized ball and place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is ready.
- Once done, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a serving plate. While that’s going, you can quickly clean up or grab a drink—these cheesy sausage bites are seriously worth the wait.
If your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls looks a little soft when they first come out, that’s totally fine—they’ll firm up as they rest. A helpful kitchen nugget: don’t overcrowd the pan; they need space to bake evenly.
Short on time? You can freeze unbaked sausage balls on a sheet tray before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Making these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls again and again taught me that using sharp cheddar is key to that melty flavor punch everyone raves about. Don’t skip it!
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls truly shines when you serve it with something fresh and crunchy, like sliced cucumbers or a crisp green salad. The contrast between those warm, cheesy sausage balls and fresh veggies makes the bites feel balanced and satisfying.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is on a lazy weekend or when we’re having people over because they’re irresistibly share-worthy. They work amazing as party snacks during football games, brunch spreads, or holiday get-togethers—southern sausage balls at their finest.
For a fun twist, I like to serve them with a side of tangy mustard or a spicy ranch dip. It kicks those cheesy sausage bites up a notch. Another winning combo? Pairing them with homemade green bean casserole or soft dinner rolls to round out your meal. (If you’re curious about cozy sides, check out my Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe for a complementary dish that’s always a hit.)
Leftover Cream Cheese Sausage Balls? Slice them in half and use them as sliders with some pickles and mustard for a clever lunch idea. Or toss them in a morning scramble for a savory breakfast upgrade.
Seasonally, these sausage balls mix beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—like rosemary or thyme—when the holidays roll around. It’s a simple way to add festive flair that friends and family love.
Your Questions, Answered:
Q: Can I prep parts of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ahead?
A: Absolutely! Mix the dough and roll balls ahead of time, then store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. I’ve even frozen pre-rolled balls to bake fresh later—super handy for busy days.
Q: What’s a good swap for Bisquick in this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe?
A: You can use all-purpose flour mixed with a little baking powder and salt as an easy swap. Some have tried gluten-free baking mixes with success too.
Q: How can I make this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for fewer people?
A: Just halve the ingredients! It’s a perfect make-again recipe that adapts well to smaller batches without losing flavor.
Q: Can I use different cheeses in my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
A: Yes! I’ve experimented with pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for extra melty bites, but sharp cheddar keeps it classic.
Q: Are these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls okay to freeze?
A: For sure. Freeze unbaked balls on a sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: What type of sausage works best?
A: Breakfast sausage is the classic choice, but you can try spicy Italian or even turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Q: Any ideas on seasoning variations?
A: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth, or mix in chopped green onions for freshness. The recipe is super flexible.
Q: Can I make these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls dairy-free?
A: It’s a bit tricky since cream cheese and cheddar are key, but you might find dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese options to experiment with.
For more tips and inspiration on creamy, cheesy goodness, check out Cream Cheese Sausage Balls – The Country Cook or Southern Bite’s classic southern sausage balls spin. Grilled Cheese Social also has a great easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe showing how simple and yummy these treats can be.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls have a special spot in my heart because they capture that perfect balance of savory, cheesy comfort with zero hassle. They remind me of fun gatherings, kitchen wins, and those simple moments when food just fits right.
My Top Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Tips:
- Always soften your cream cheese for smooth mixing—trust me on this!
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; spacing helps them bake crisp and golden.
I’ve loved putting my own spin on these cheesy sausage bites by mixing in smoked paprika, swapping cheeses, or serving with smoky dips. One batch always gets requested more than others—the classic southern sausage balls version with just sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and Bisquick. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Make this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe your own. Switch up spices, try new dips, or pair it with your go-to sides like my Japanese Katsu Bowls recipe for an unexpected meal treat.
Fellow foodies, I hope you love making and sharing these creamy, cheesy sausage balls as much as I do. Give this recipe a whirl and watch them become a regular. Happy cooking and snacking!
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Deliciously savory Cream Cheese Sausage Balls feature a perfect blend of sausage, creamy cheese, and biscuits, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, uncooked
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and biscuit baking mix. Stir until fully combined into a dough-like mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or chopped green onions to the mixture before baking.