There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of creamy cheese and spicy sausage all rolled into bite-sized perfection — that’s why this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to snacks and party favorites. Crispy on the outside, tender and savory on the inside, these sausage balls pack so much flavor that you’ll find yourself reaching for more, no matter the occasion!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Super simple ingredients: With just a handful of basic pantry staples, you can whip these up in no time.
Perfect for gatherings: These bite-sized snacks are crowd-pleasers, ideal for game days, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Deliciously versatile: They work great as appetizers, breakfast bites, or even a savory snack any time of day.
Customizable flavor: You can easily swap cheeses or add fresh herbs to tailor the taste to your liking.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is in its simplicity! Each ingredient brings something special, from creamy richness and spicy heat to fluffy texture and fresh bursts of herbal brightness. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why it works so well together.
- Ground spicy sausage: This is the star of the show, giving the sausage balls their bold, savory backbone.
- Cream cheese: Adds a luscious, creamy texture that keeps the sausage balls tender and moist.
- Bisquick baking mix: Acts as a binding agent with just the right amount of fluff to hold everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the mix for an extra layer of cheesy goodness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh chives: Provide a mild oniony freshness that brightens every bite.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix sausage and cream cheese
Start by combining the ground spicy sausage and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. I like to use my hands for this part because it allows me to evenly blend the creamy cheese into the meat until it’s smooth and without any lumps. This step ensures your sausage balls will be soft and creamy inside—total game changer!
Step 2: Add Bisquick, cheddar, and chives
Next, sprinkle in the Bisquick baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. The Bisquick helps the mixture bind together, while the cheese adds gooey flavor and the chives lend a fresh, uplifting note.
Step 3: Shape into balls and chill
Using your hands, scoop out the mixture into roughly two tablespoon-sized balls—about an inch in diameter works perfectly. Place the balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, then pop them into the fridge for 30 minutes. This chilling step is key! It firms them up so they hold their shape beautifully while baking.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), then bake the chilled sausage balls for about 25 minutes. They’ll come out golden brown around the edges and perfectly cooked through with a firm, satisfying texture. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t get too dark.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal contrast. You can also serve them with a side of tangy mustard or a creamy ranch dip to amp up the flavor adventure.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls are excellent on their own or served alongside fresh veggies, a light salad, or even buttery dinner rolls. For breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving them on a decorative platter with colorful toothpicks to make them easy to grab. You could also display them on a tiered tray with other appetizer favorites for a stunning and inviting spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cream cheese sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect quick snack to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these sausage balls both before or after baking! Place them on a tray in a single layer to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This way, you always have a tasty treat ready for last-minute occasions.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or thawed sausage balls in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain their crispy edges and melty interior. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven method keeps them tastier.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spicy sausage adds a nice kick, mild sausage or even breakfast sausage work beautifully if you prefer less heat. Just adjust the seasoning if needed.
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What can I substitute for Bisquick?
If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make your own baking mix or use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will still provide the binding and tender texture needed for the sausage balls.
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Are Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional Bisquick contains wheat, so this recipe isn’t gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute gluten-free baking mixes designed for biscuit recipes to make a gluten-free version.
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Can I prepare the sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape them, then keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. This makes them great for prepping ahead of events.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to make and bursting with flavor, you really can’t go wrong with this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, savory bite just as much as I do — go ahead, give it a try and watch these become a staple at your gatherings and snack time!
Print
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 30 sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer combining spicy sausage, creamy cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives mixed with Bisquick baking mix. Perfectly baked until golden and firm, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground spicy sausage
- 1/2 pound cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients and Herbs
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two rimmed baking sheet trays with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix sausage and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground spicy sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to thoroughly mix them until no cream cheese chunks remain and the mixture is smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the Bisquick baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives to the bowl. Mix well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Form meatballs: Use your hands to scoop out tablespoon-sized portions (about 1 inch). Roll each portion into smooth balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill the meatballs: Refrigerate the trays for 30 minutes to firm up the sausage balls, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat oven: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Bake the sausage balls: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the sausage balls are browned on the edges and bottom and feel firm to the touch.
Notes
- Chilling the sausage balls before baking prevents them from spreading and helps maintain their shape.
- You can substitute mild sausage for spicy if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Serving suggestion: These sausage balls pair well with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
