Imagine a bite that's crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside, with a burst of savory flavors from sausage and a creamy touch from cream cheese. That's what you get with these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They're little rounds of deliciousness that are surprisingly easy to make.
This recipe mixes sausage meat with cream cheese, cheddar, and a bit of Bisquick mix to hold it all together, creating a snack that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, needing a snack for game day, or just want something tasty to munch on, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese not only adds richness and moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth, but it also helps bind the sausage and cheese together, ensuring they don't dry out while baking. The cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the savory sausage, while the Bisquick mix creates a golden crust that's irresistibly crunchy. These elements combine to make a snack that's satisfyingly cheesy, meaty, and easy to pop in your mouth.
What's great about this recipe is its versatility and crowd-pleasing ability. It can be served at breakfast, as an appetizer, or as a snack at any time of the day. They're also incredibly easy to customize; you can switch up the type of sausage for a different flavor profile or use a different cheese to suit your taste. Plus, they're just as delicious served warm from the oven as they are at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings where they might sit out for a while. With a recipe this simple, delicious, and versatile, you'll find any excuse to make these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.
Ingredients
Sausage: Use ground sausage for a savory flavor. Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Cream Cheese: Makes the balls moist and creamy. Substitute: Neufchâtel cheese for fewer calories.
Bisquick: Helps bind the balls together. Substitute: Homemade Bisquick mix or another pancake mix for convenience.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and melts beautifully. Substitute: Any other melty cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
Garlic Powder: Gives a slight kick of flavor. Substitute: Onion powder or minced fresh garlic for variation.
Tips
- Let the sausage and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ease blending.
- Mix the ingredients by hand to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
- Use a cookie scoop to form uniform balls for even cooking.
- Space the balls evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow and browning.
- Bake until golden brown and slightly crispy for the best texture.
How to Serve
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a versatile and delicious treat that works well in various settings. They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as appetizers during parties and gatherings. Their savory flavor and bite-sized form make them a hit with both adults and kids.
- As Appetizers: Serve them with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- With Breakfast or Brunch: Pair these sausage balls with eggs, toast, and fresh fruit for a hearty and fulfilling meal.
- In Lunchboxes: A great addition to lunchboxes for a midday snack that's both satisfying and protein-packed.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Sausage And Potatoes
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Mix the ingredients by hand to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
• Use a cookie scoop to form uniform balls for even cooking.
• Space the balls evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow and browning.
• Bake until golden brown and slightly crispy for the best texture.