How to Make Delicious Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls are a classic appetizer for parties and gatherings They are easy to make, perfectly bite-sized, and always a crowd pleaser While traditional sausage ball recipes call for just sausage, Bisquick, and cheese, adding cream cheese makes them extra moist, rich and flavorful. The cream cheese binds everything together and gives the balls an irresistibly creamy texture.

In this article, I’ll explain how to make the best sausage balls with cream cheese. I’ll go over tips for choosing ingredients, mixing and forming the dough, baking to perfection, serving suggestions, and how to freeze them. This easy 3-ingredient sausage ball recipe will be your new go-to!

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

To make about 4-5 dozen sausage balls you’ll need

• 1 lb pork sausage (can use hot or mild)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

That’s it! Just those 4 ingredients make for amazing sausage balls. Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients:

Pork Sausage

I recommend using hot Italian sausage for the best flavor. Hot sausage has spices like garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes which gives the sausage balls a nice kick. However, mild Italian sausage or breakfast sausage also work well.

For a lower-fat option, you can use ground turkey instead of pork sausage. The cream cheese will keep the turkey sausage balls moist.

Cream Cheese

Use an 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese does not work as well in this recipe. The full-fat creaminess is key for getting the texture just right.

Bisquick Baking Mix

Bisquick provides the binding and gives the sausage balls their signature texture. You can use the original or reduced-fat Bisquick. For gluten-free sausage balls, use your favorite gluten-free baking mix.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but any shredded cheese works like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too.

How to Make Sausage Balls Step-by-Step

Now let’s get to the fun part – mixing, scooping and baking these irresistible sausage bites:

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a spoon or electric mixer to combine the softened cream cheese and pork sausage until well blended. Next, stir in the Bisquick and shredded cheese until fully incorporated into the meat mixture.

The mixture will be sticky. Resist adding more Bisquick. The cream cheese provides plenty of moisture.

Step 2: Scoop and Shape into Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop up the sausage mixture. Gently roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

This recipe should make around 4-5 dozen bites. Place the balls in a single layer on the baking sheets.

Step 3: Chill the Formed Sausage Balls

Here’s an important tip for preventing the bottoms from overbrowning – chill the shaped sausage balls before baking.

Pop the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Letting them chill firms up the dough so the balls hold their shape better in the oven.

Step 4: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 Minutes

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled sausage balls for 20-25 minutes, until nicely browned on the outside.

Baking time may vary slightly depending on size. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Let cool 5 minutes before serving warm. Serve with favorite dipping sauces.

Serving and Dipping Sauce Ideas

Sausage balls pair well with so many dips! Here are some of my favorites:

• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• Chili sauce
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Cheese sauce
• A&B Sweet Hot Pepper Jelly
• Jalapeño jelly

Get creative with unique dipping combinations. The possibilities are endless!

For parties, set up a dipping sauce bar with multiple options so guests can sample different flavors.

Freezing and Reheating Instructions

To freeze the unbaked sausage balls:

• Place shaped sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Freeze until completely hard, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer frozen balls to a freezer bag or airtight container.

To bake frozen sausage balls:

• Place frozen balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 23-28 minutes, until heated through 165°F.

• Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

To reheat baked sausage balls, place in a 375°F oven for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.

Microwaving is not recommended, as it makes the texture rubbery. Oven heating is best for maintaining a tender, moist texture.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Follow these tips and tricks for guaranteed sausage ball success:

• Make sure the cream cheese is soft enough to blend smoothly into the sausage. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing.

• Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment if possible for faster, easier mixing. A hand mixer or just a spoon can be used too.

• Don’t skip the step of chilling the shaped balls before baking. It prevents spreading and excess browning on the bottom.

• For mini sausage balls, use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce baking time by 5 minutes.

• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

• Let the baked sausage balls rest 5 minutes before serving so the texture firms up.

• For even baking, do not overcrowd the pans. Make sure there is space between the balls.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to crispen the outside.

More Delicious Sausage Ball Recipes

Once you master the classic sausage ball recipe, try out these creative variations:

• Jalapeño Sausage Balls – Add diced jalapeño and pepper jack cheese for heat.

• Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls – Mix in cooked crumbled bacon and extra cheddar.

• Ranch Sausage Balls – Blend in ranch seasoning mix and chives.

• Blue Cheese and Walnut Sausage Balls – Crumble in blue cheese and chopped walnuts.

• Everything Bagel Sausage Balls – Coat baked balls in everything bagel seasoning.

• Pizza Sausage Balls – Stir in mozzarella, Italian seasoning and pepperoni.

The options for customizing sausage balls are endless! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or any of your favorite flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for pork sausage?

You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Vegetarians can make these with crumbled veggie burger patties.

Can I use almond flour instead of Bisquick?

Yes, almond flour or other gluten-free baking mix can be substituted for Bisquick. The texture may be slightly different.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

The cream cheese is key for getting the signature soft, moist texture. Without it, the balls may turn out dry. For best results, don’t omit the cream cheese.

Can I freeze the unbaked sausage balls?

Absolutely! Scoop the sausage mixture into balls then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake frozen balls at 375°F for 23-28 minutes.

How long do cooked sausage balls last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked sausage balls will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to refresh before serving.

Do I have to use hot sausage?

Hot sausage adds nice flavor, but mild Italian sausage works great too. Use whatever type of ground sausage you prefer.

The Perfect Game Day Appetizer

Cream cheese sausage balls are ideal for tailgating, potlucks, and parties. The combination of spicy sausage, rich cream cheese, flaky biscuit, and melted cheese is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Make a double or triple batch because these appetizers will go quickly!

Now that you know how easy it is to make sausage balls with cream cheese, this can become your go-to party recipe. The preparation is simple, they transport well, and the flavor always impresses. Whip up a batch for your next gathering. I promise, they will be devoured!