Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are little bites of cheesy, meaty goodness that always bring a smile to the table. Made with creamy cream cheese, savory sausage, and a mix of crispy breadcrumbs, they bake up golden and perfect for snacking or sharing. These little balls have just the right balance of rich creaminess and hearty sausage flavor that makes them totally addictive.
I love making these for family gatherings or game day snacks because they’re super easy to whip up and always disappear fast. One of my favorite things is that you can make the dough ahead of time and bake them whenever you’re ready. Plus, you can switch up the sausage to spicy or mild depending on what everyone likes. It’s like a little party in every bite!
My go-to way to serve cream cheese sausage balls is warm right out of the oven with a little dipping sauce on the side—maybe some honey mustard or a tangy BBQ sauce. They’re the perfect finger food, great for chatting and munching without any fuss. Whenever I bring these to a get-together, people keep asking for more, so I definitely recommend doubling the batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground sausage: This is the star ingredient that gives sausage balls their meaty flavor. I like using breakfast sausage because it’s well-seasoned. You can pick mild or spicy based on your taste. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken sausage works as a leaner option too.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. You can swap for Neufchatel cheese if you want a slightly lower-fat version.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these sausage balls a punch of flavor. I recommend freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and texture. You can also mix in a bit of mozzarella if you want a milder, stringy cheese.
Baking mix: This is what holds the sausage balls together and gives them structure. A standard baking mix like Bisquick works best. If you want gluten-free, try using a gluten-free baking mix as a substitute.
How Do You Make Sausage Balls So They Hold Their Shape?
Mixing and baking are key here to get sausage balls that stay together and bake evenly. Here are my tips:
- Mix evenly: Combine the cream cheese and sausage first to get a smooth base before adding dry ingredients. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon for best results.
- Softened cream cheese: Make sure it’s soft but not melted — it should blend smoothly without being runny.
- Don’t over-handle: Mix just until combined to avoid tough sausage balls. Too much mixing develops gluten and changes texture.
- Consistent size: Shape into uniform 1-inch balls for even cooking. Using a small cookie scoop helps speed this up and keeps sizes equal.
- Baking sheet prep: Use parchment paper or lightly grease the pan so sausage balls don’t stick and come off easily after baking.
- Check for doneness: Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. If your balls are larger or smaller, adjust time accordingly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl to combine all the ingredients easily and keep everything tidy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you add the right amount of each ingredient for perfect results.
- Rolling spoon or cookie scoop – makes shaping the mixture into uniform balls quickly and evenly.
- Baking sheet – a standard sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased ensures easy cleanup and that the sausage balls don’t stick.
- Oven – obviously, you’ll need one to bake the sausage balls to golden perfection!
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy sausage: Use spicy sausage instead of mild for a little kick. Great if you like more heat in your snacks.
- Cheese options: Swap or mix cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a bit of Parmesan for different flavors.
- Veggies: Fold in finely chopped cooked spinach, bell peppers, or green onions to add freshness and color.
- Herbs & spices: Add chopped cilantro, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to punch up the flavor profile.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ranch or honey mustard
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the ground breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well blended and smooth.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until you get a consistent dough-like texture.
4. Shape the Sausage Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each ball so they bake evenly.
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, with optional dipping sauces like ranch dressing or honey mustard for extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the sausage in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend properly and ensures even cooking.
Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep them covered tightly to prevent drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm before serving.
Can I Substitute the Baking Mix?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free baking mix if needed, or try using all-purpose flour combined with baking powder. Just be mindful this might slightly change the texture.