Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe – Easy, Moist & Delicious

Cream cheese sausage balls are a popular appetizer and snack, loved for their savory flavor and versatile use in various gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or preparing for the holidays, cream cheese sausage balls make an excellent choice.

But what exactly are cream cheese sausage balls? They are bite-sized treats made from a simple mixture of sausage, cream cheese, and biscuit mix. These balls are baked to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a soft, flavorful center. Their appeal lies in their rich taste, tender texture, and the option to customize them with various add-ins and flavors.

One of the best things about cream cheese sausage balls is their versatility. You can enjoy them as appetizers at social gatherings, snacks for game day, or even as a part of a brunch spread. Their ability to satisfy cravings and delight taste buds makes them a crowd-pleaser.

The rich texture is a significant factor behind the popularity of this recipe. While classic sausage balls can sometimes turn out dry, the addition of cream cheese ensures a tender and moist result every time. This extra ingredient not only improves the texture but also adds a subtle, creamy flavor that elevates the entire recipe.

These sausage balls are also beginner-friendly, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal kitchen tools. Plus, they are quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for last-minute party planning or spontaneous cravings.

Introduction to Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at why cream cheese sausage balls have become a favorite among food enthusiasts:

1. Simple Ingredients, Great Flavor: The recipe relies on pantry-friendly items like sausage, cream cheese, biscuit mix, and optional add-ins like spices, cheese, or herbs. This simplicity makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
2. Rich Taste and Texture: Unlike traditional sausage balls that can be dry, the addition of cream cheese keeps them moist and soft.
3. Versatile Uses: Whether served as party appetizers, game-day snacks, or breakfast bites, cream cheese sausage balls fit a variety of occasions.
4. Easy to Customize: From spicy variations to cheesy upgrades, you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.

The unique combination of flavors in cream cheese sausage balls makes them a delightful snack for all ages. They offer a balance between savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the slightly crispy texture from baking.

Ingredients Needed for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

To make cream cheese sausage balls, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. Each ingredient contributes to the flavor and texture of the final dish:

1. Sausage: Choose your preferred sausage type, such as mild, spicy, or flavored sausage. For a leaner option, you can also use turkey or chicken sausage.
2. Cream Cheese: This is the key ingredient that ensures the sausage balls stay moist and tender. Softened cream cheese blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
3. Biscuit Mix: Biscuit mix, such as Bisquick, acts as the binding agent for the sausage and cream cheese. It helps hold everything together while adding structure to the balls.
4. Optional Add-Ins: Customize your recipe with add-ins like shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack), spices (paprika, garlic powder), or herbs (parsley, rosemary).

Preparing the Ingredients

Proper preparation is essential for achieving the best results:

• Softening the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Softened cream cheese blends better with the sausage and biscuit mix, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Choosing the Sausage: Select a sausage that complements your taste preferences. If you enjoy a spicy kick, opt for hot sausage. For a milder flavor, use classic breakfast sausage.
• Measuring and Mixing: Use precise measurements for all the ingredients. Mix the dry and wet ingredients thoroughly to avoid dry or unevenly baked sausage balls.

Mixing the Dough

Achieving the perfect consistency for the dough is critical to making cream cheese sausage balls that are tender and flavorful. Follow these steps for a smooth, workable dough:

1. Combine the Ingredients: Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, sausage, and biscuit mix in a large bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Adjust Consistency if Needed: If the mixture feels too sticky, add a small amount of biscuit mix until it becomes pliable. On the other hand, if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water to loosen it up.
3. Avoid Overmixing: While it’s important to combine the ingredients thoroughly, avoid overworking the dough as this can lead to tough sausage balls.

Preventing Dryness: One common issue with sausage balls is that they can turn out too dry. The cream cheese should help combat this, but if you’re still concerned, ensure you:

• Use fresh sausage with sufficient fat content. Lean sausages can make the dough crumbly.
• Measure ingredients accurately to maintain the right balance of moisture.

Shaping and Baking the Sausage Balls

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the sausage balls. Follow these tips to achieve evenly cooked and golden-brown results:

1. Forming the Balls: Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out the dough and roll it into uniform balls. Consistency in size ensures even baking.
2. Baking Tips: Place the sausage balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave about an inch of space between each ball to allow even heat circulation.
3. Adjusting Bake Time: Bake the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check for golden edges and a fully cooked center.

Tips for Preventing Burning: To prevent the sausage balls from burning on the bottom:

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the tray. This prevents direct contact with the metal surface.
• Avoid baking at too high a temperature, as this can cause the outsides to cook faster than the insides.

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to preparing cream cheese sausage balls:

1. Gather Ingredients: Assemble sausage, cream cheese, biscuit mix, and any optional add-ins like cheese or spices.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the sausage, softened cream cheese, and biscuit mix until the dough comes together. Adjust consistency if needed.
3. Shape the Balls: Portion out the dough into small, evenly sized balls using a scoop or your hands.
4. Bake the Sausage Balls: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the sausage balls on a parchment-lined tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Equipment and Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe quick and easy, ensure you have the following tools ready:

1. Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl is ideal for combining all the ingredients.
2. Spatula or Hands: Use a sturdy spatula to mix the dough, or combine the ingredients with your hands for better control.
3. Baking Tray and Parchment Paper: Line your tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
4. Scoop or Spoon: A small scoop or spoon helps you form evenly sized sausage balls.

Cheesy Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Adding shredded cheese to your dough can take the flavor to the next level. Some delicious cheese options include:

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a milder taste and a gooey texture.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicy twist, add pepper jack cheese to complement the sausage.

Simply mix a cup of shredded cheese into the dough before shaping the balls for an extra burst of flavor.

Spicy Sausage Balls

For those who love a bit of heat, consider these ways to spice up your sausage balls:

• Add Jalapeños: Finely chop fresh or pickled jalapeños and mix them into the dough.
• Use Spicy Sausage: Replace mild sausage with hot or spicy sausage to kick up the heat.
• Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper: A few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will enhance the spice level without overpowering the dish.

Spicy sausage balls pair beautifully with cooling dips like ranch dressing or sour cream to balance the flavors.

Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic cream cheese sausage balls are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different flavor variations to suit your preferences.

Herb-Infused Options

Adding herbs can bring a fresh and aromatic twist to your sausage balls. Try incorporating herbs like:

• Rosemary: Offers a subtle earthy flavor.
• Thyme: Adds a savory and slightly minty note.
• Parsley: Brightens the dish with a mild, fresh taste.

Tips for Success: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding herbs, as this can affect the texture. Additionally, ensure you finely chop the herbs so they blend evenly.

1. • Unevenly shaped sausage balls can bake at different rates, causing some to burn while others remain undercooked. Use a scoop to create uniformly sized balls and space them evenly on the baking tray.
2. Using Low-Fat Sausage
   • While low-fat sausage may seem like a healthier option, it often results in drier sausage balls. If you prefer a leaner option, balance it by adding a little extra cream cheese or shredded cheese.

How to Serve

Serving cream cheese sausage balls is easy and fun, as they are versatile and pair well with various dips and side dishes.

1. Perfect for Any Occasion
   • These sausage balls are excellent for parties, game-day snacks, brunch, or even as a quick breakfast option. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
2. Dipping Sauce Ideas
   • Enhance the flavor of your sausage balls by pairing them with a variety of dips, such as:
     • Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy dip that balances spicy variations.
     • Marinara Sauce: A tangy option that complements the savory sausage.
     • Mustard or Honey Mustard: Adds a zesty and slightly sweet contrast.
3. Serving Suggestions
   • Arrange the sausage balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Add small bowls of dipping sauces on the side to provide variety.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying leftover sausage balls without losing flavor or texture.

1. How to Store Leftovers
   • Once the sausage balls have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Reheating Methods
   • To reheat sausage balls and keep them tender, follow these methods:
     • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the sausage balls for 5-7 minutes. This method preserves the texture.
     • Microwave: Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 20-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them dry.
3. Freezing Sausage Balls
   • You can freeze uncooked or cooked sausage balls for longer storage:
     • Uncooked: Place the shaped sausage balls on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
     • Cooked: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments

While cream cheese sausage balls are indulgent, you can make small adjustments to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

Nutritional Breakdown

On average, one cream cheese sausage ball contains approximately:

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Protein: 6-8 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams

These values can vary depending on the ingredients used, such as the type of sausage or biscuit mix.

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of sausage balls, try these adjustments:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix in place of regular Bisquick.
2. Lean Protein: Replace pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage to lower fat content. Balance the moisture by adding a bit more cream cheese.
3. Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use a reduced-fat cream cheese, but avoid fat-free versions, as they may compromise the texture.
4. Additional Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or shredded carrots to sneak in extra nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my sausage balls so dry?

Sausage balls can become dry if there’s too much biscuit mix or not enough moisture from the sausage and cream cheese. To prevent this, measure ingredients carefully and avoid using overly lean sausage. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or softened cream cheese to improve the texture.

What can I use instead of Bisquick in sausage balls?

If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make a homemade biscuit mix using:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces.

Mix these ingredients together, and you’ll have a quick substitute for Bisquick.

How do you keep sausage balls from burning on the bottom?

To prevent sausage balls from burning:

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the baking tray.
• Avoid baking at high temperatures; stick to 350°F for even cooking.
• Check the sausage balls halfway through baking to ensure they aren’t browning too quickly.

Do you have to refrigerate sausage balls after they are cooked?

Yes, you should refrigerate sausage balls after they are cooked. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze them and reheat when needed.

Conclusion

Cream cheese sausage balls are a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for any occasion. With their moist, tender texture and customizable flavor options, they are a step above traditional sausage balls. Whether you prefer a classic recipe, a spicy twist, or herb-infused variations, this dish is sure to satisfy.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to create perfectly baked cream cheese sausage balls every time. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, store leftovers properly, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new flavors. Try this easy recipe today and elevate your snack game!