If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines rich, cheesy goodness with savory sausage in every bite, the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is the answer. These little golden nuggets are delightfully tender and packed with flavor, perfect for any gathering, holiday party, or casual snack time. The blend of sharp cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and flavorful sausage creates an irresistible harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you try this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of texture and taste. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory sausage lending rich flavor, to the cream cheese adding creaminess, and the cheddar delivering that sharp, cheesy punch.
- 1 pound uncooked breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): The star protein that provides juicy, savory depth to the sausage balls.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth creaminess and helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and helps achieve the perfect soft-yet-firm texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A subtle leavening agent that lightens the sausage balls for a tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy bite that defines the classic sausage ball flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Prepping the oven and pan first makes the entire process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix them thoroughly until fully blended into a uniform, creamy mixture. This step ensures that every sausage ball will be perfectly moist and flavorful inside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cheese
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add these dry ingredients along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything well until evenly combined for a consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows them to bake evenly and develop an appealing golden crust while remaining tender inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly to lock in their shape and flavor before serving.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While these sausage balls are flavorful on their own, adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar can brighten the presentation and add a pop of color. For a little extra zest, serve alongside spicy mustard or creamy ranch dipping sauces that complement their savory bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe with fresh vegetables like crisp celery sticks or sliced bell peppers for a well-rounded snack. They also work wonderfully alongside salads or simple roasted veggies if serving as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the sausage balls on a tiered platter or skewer them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites at parties. You can also serve them warm in a mini crockpot alongside flavorful dipping sauces for gatherings, keeping them cozy and delicious all event long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe freezes exceptionally well. After shaping the balls, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method preserves their delightful texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works perfectly and creates a lighter, leaner version of the cream cheese sausage balls without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a way to make these sausage balls gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend can make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure your flour blend includes a binding agent for best results.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes them even easier to whip up for gatherings.
What are some good dipping sauces for these sausage balls?
Classic options like ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce pair wonderfully. Feel free to experiment based on your personal taste!
How many sausage balls does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically makes around 36 sausage balls, perfect for sharing with a crowd at parties or family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and undeniably addictive—ideal whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving a satisfying snack. Once you’ve tried these savory bites, they’ll quickly become a staple in your appetizer arsenal, ready to bring smiles and happy tummies every time.
Print
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Deliciously cheesy and savory cream cheese sausage balls, perfect as a party appetizer or snack. These baked bites combine savory breakfast sausage, smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a light blend of flour and baking powder to create a golden, hearty treat that’s easy to prepare and flavorful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix meats and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked breakfast sausage with softened cream cheese, blending thoroughly until you achieve a consistent mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings.
- Incorporate cheese and dry mix: Add the dry flour mixture and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the sausage and cream cheese blend. Mix well until all components are thoroughly combined into a uniform dough-like consistency.
- Shape sausage balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, and arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the sausage balls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Optionally, serve with dipping sauces such as ranch or spicy mustard to enhance flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the mixture up to one day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- These sausage balls freeze well; bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for thorough cooking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing or a spicy mustard for added zest.
