Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are one of those easy, comforting recipes that seem to disappear almost as quickly as they come out of the oven. They are warm, cheesy, savory, and incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, holidays, potlucks, game days, or casual family gatherings.
Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients—ground sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and baking mix—these bite-sized appetizers require very little preparation. Simply combine the ingredients, shape the mixture into small balls, and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and melted cheddar gives every bite a rich and satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are such a favorite:
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Quick and easy preparation
- No stovetop cooking required
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Great for breakfast or brunch
- Easy to make ahead
- Easy to customize
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature
- Excellent with dipping sauces
- Always a crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls
- 1 lb. ground sausage, mild or hot
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix, such as Bisquick
- ½ tsp garlic powder, optional
Understanding the Ingredients
Ground Sausage
Ground sausage provides the main savory flavor. You can use mild sausage for a gentler flavor or hot sausage if you prefer a little extra heat.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is what gives these sausage balls their soft, rich, and creamy texture. Make sure it is softened before mixing so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar adds a delicious cheesy flavor and melts beautifully during baking. Sharp cheddar will give the sausage balls a stronger cheese flavor, while mild cheddar creates a more subtle taste.
Baking Mix
A baking mix such as Bisquick helps hold everything together while giving the sausage balls their tender, slightly bread-like texture.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is optional, but it adds another layer of flavor that works especially well with sausage and cheddar cheese.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Note: The original instructions mention both 375°F and 400°F. For this version, use 400°F (200°C) consistently.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Place the following ingredients into a large mixing bowl:
- 1 lb. ground sausage
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder, if using
Mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
At first, the cream cheese may seem difficult to incorporate. This is normal. If necessary, use clean hands to work the ingredients together until you have a thick, evenly mixed mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
They do not have to look perfectly round. The most important thing is to keep them relatively similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and the sausage is fully cooked through.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact size of the sausage balls.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
They are delicious on their own, but they are even more enjoyable with a dipping sauce.
Try serving them with:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Cheese sauce
- A spicy dipping sauce
Helpful Kitchen Tips
Soften the Cream Cheese First
Softened cream cheese is much easier to mix with the sausage and baking mix. Take it out of the refrigerator ahead of time and allow it to soften.
Keep the Sausage Balls the Same Size
Try to make each ball approximately the same size. This helps ensure that all of them finish cooking at about the same time.
Don’t Worry About Perfect Shapes
These are homemade sausage balls, so they do not need to look perfectly round. Quick and evenly sized portions are all you need.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar can provide a particularly nice texture and flavor. However, pre-shredded cheddar can also be used for convenience.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Leave a little room between each sausage ball so they can cook and brown evenly.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change.
Spicy Sausage Balls
Use hot ground sausage instead of mild sausage for extra flavor and heat.
Extra Cheesy Sausage Balls
Try replacing some of the cheddar with another melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
Garlic Herb Sausage Balls
Keep the garlic powder and add your favorite dried herbs for an extra savory flavor.
Breakfast Sausage Balls
Use mild breakfast sausage and serve the sausage balls alongside scrambled eggs, fruit, or breakfast potatoes.
Party-Size Sausage Balls
Make the balls slightly smaller for parties and buffets. Smaller portions are easy for guests to pick up and eat.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are excellent for preparing ahead.
You can shape the sausage balls in advance and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake them. This makes them especially convenient when preparing food for a party or holiday gathering.
If preparing them ahead, keep them properly refrigerated until they are ready to go into the oven.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow cooked sausage balls to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator and reheat only the amount you plan to serve.
For the best texture, reheat them gently in the oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating them, as this can make the sausage balls dry.
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Yes, they can be frozen.
You can freeze the sausage balls either before baking or after they have been cooked and completely cooled.
Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag and protect them well from freezer air. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hot sausage?
Absolutely. Hot sausage is a great choice if you enjoy spicy appetizers. It gives the sausage balls a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
Can I use mild sausage?
Yes. Mild sausage is perfect if you prefer a more subtle flavor or are serving these to guests who do not enjoy spicy food.
Why is my mixture difficult to combine?
Cold cream cheese is usually the main reason. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Using your hands can also make it easier to combine the ingredients.
Why are my sausage balls falling apart?
Make sure all of the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The baking mix helps bind everything together, so measuring the ingredients accurately is important.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar works particularly well, but you can experiment with other cheeses that melt nicely.
Can I make smaller sausage balls?
Yes. Smaller sausage balls are particularly convenient for parties and appetizer trays. Keep in mind that smaller balls may require less baking time, so check them earlier.
Can I serve them at room temperature?
Yes. They can be served warm, slightly cooled, or at room temperature. However, many people prefer them warm because the cheese and sausage are especially flavorful fresh from the oven.
What is the best dipping sauce?
Ranch and honey mustard are excellent choices. Barbecue sauce and spicy sauces are also delicious options.
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are versatile enough to serve at almost any time of day.
For breakfast or brunch, serve them with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit
- Breakfast potatoes
- Toast
- Fresh vegetables
For parties and appetizers, arrange them on a platter alongside several dipping sauces.
They also make a great addition to holiday breakfasts, potlucks, game-day spreads, and family gatherings.
Recipe Summary
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a simple, hearty, and delicious recipe that requires very little effort. With 1 lb. of ground sausage, 8 oz. of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, 1 cup of baking mix, and ½ tsp of optional garlic powder, you can create a tray of warm, cheesy, savory bites that are perfect for sharing.
The preparation is straightforward: mix the ingredients, shape them into approximately 1-inch balls, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.