How to Make Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: Easy Recipe & Tips

Introduction

Sausage balls have been a timeless favorite at family gatherings, parties, and holiday celebrations. These savory, bite-sized treats are loved for their rich flavor and irresistible texture. Traditionally made with sausage, cheese, and baking mix, the addition of cream cheese takes this classic recipe to a whole new level. It brings a creamy richness that keeps the sausage balls moist, soft, and more flavorful than ever.

This guide will walk you through how to make sausage balls with cream cheese from start to finish. From the ingredients you’ll need to the baking process and serving ideas, you’ll have everything you need to create a batch of sausage balls that will be the talk of the table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find tips, tricks, and variations to ensure your sausage balls turn out just right.

Introduction to Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Why Sausage Balls Are a Crowd Favorite

There’s just something special about the combination of savory sausage, melty cheese, and soft, doughy texture in every bite. Sausage balls are loved because they’re simple, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious. They make the perfect appetizer, party snack, or breakfast side dish. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day.

But wait — why add cream cheese to the mix? The answer is simple. Cream cheese makes the sausage balls softer, more flavorful, and much easier to roll. Without it, sausage balls can sometimes turn out dry or crumbly. With it, you’re guaranteed a moist, tender inside with a crispy golden-brown crust.

The Secret Ingredient: Cream Cheese

If you’ve ever had traditional sausage balls, you might wonder what makes this version so special. The answer lies in one magical ingredient — cream cheese. Unlike regular sausage balls that rely on moisture from the cheese and sausage alone, cream cheese adds richness, tang, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Here’s what happens when you add cream cheese:

• Moisture Boost: Cream cheese ensures the sausage balls don’t dry out while baking.
• Enhanced Flavor: It adds a subtle tang that balances the saltiness of the sausage.
• Perfect Texture: It makes the mixture easier to roll and creates a smooth, consistent texture in every bite.

This small change creates a big difference, turning ordinary sausage balls into something unforgettable.

Who Will Love These Sausage Balls?

Honestly, everyone will love these. Kids, adults, picky eaters — no one can resist them. If you’re hosting a party, these will fly off the platter before you know it. They’re also a hit for brunches, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with family.

What makes them even better is how easy they are to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of freshly baked sausage balls ready to serve. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a total beginner, this is one recipe you’ll have no trouble mastering.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The exact ingredients you’ll need to make sausage balls with cream cheese.
• Step-by-step instructions to ensure your sausage balls come out perfect every time.
• Tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat them for later.
• Creative serving ideas and variations to suit any occasion.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

If you’re ready to learn how to make sausage balls with cream cheese, the first step is gathering all your ingredients and kitchen tools. Having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother and stress-free. Below, you’ll find a complete list of ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make these savory bites come to life.

Essential Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Here’s the game-changer! Unlike traditional sausage balls, this recipe includes softened cream cheese, which makes the mixture easier to handle and produces a tender, moist texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend properly with the sausage.

Each ingredient plays a specific role in ensuring your sausage balls are flavorful, moist, and perfectly textured. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Ground Sausage

The heart and soul of any sausage ball recipe is, of course, the sausage. You can choose between mild, regular, or spicy sausage, depending on your taste preference. Spicy sausage adds a flavorful kick, while mild sausage is perfect for those who prefer less heat.

Pro Tip: If you like extra spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.

2. Cream Cheese (Softened)

How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly: If you forget to take it out ahead of time, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be sure it doesn’t melt!

3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar is the best option here. It gives each bite a bold, cheesy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sausage. Pre-shredded cheddar works just fine, but shredding fresh cheese from a block often provides a stronger flavor.

Cheddar Substitutes: Don’t have cheddar? No problem. You can swap it for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby cheese.

4. Baking Mix (Like Bisquick)

The baking mix serves as the “glue” that holds everything together. Bisquick is a classic choice because it contains the right mix of flour, baking powder, and fat. It makes the dough come together quickly and easily, producing a light, bready texture.

DIY Baking Mix: Out of Bisquick? No worries. You can make your own by combining 1 cup of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cold butter or shortening.

5. Seasonings (Optional but Recommended)

A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor of your sausage balls. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle savory depth.
• Onion Powder – Provides a mild sweetness and flavor boost.
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds just the right amount of bite.

Flavor Variations: You can also experiment with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to customize your sausage balls.

Recommended Equipment for Preparation

While you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make sausage balls with cream cheese, having the right tools makes the process much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium-Sized)

You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, baking mix, and seasonings. A medium-sized bowl might be useful if you want to pre-mix any dry ingredients, but it’s optional.

Why It Matters: A large mixing bowl prevents ingredients from spilling over as you mix everything together.

2. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

A hand mixer or stand mixer makes mixing a breeze. The cream cheese and sausage can be difficult to combine by hand, so using a mixer saves time and effort. If you don’t have one, you can still mix it by hand, but be prepared to use a little elbow grease!

Pro Tip: Use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer to prevent overmixing, which can make the sausage balls too dense.

3. Baking Sheet (with Parchment Paper)

A baking sheet is where the magic happens. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the sausage balls from sticking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can also use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the pan.

Why It Matters: Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.

4. Cookie Scoop (or Tablespoon)

A cookie scoop helps you achieve uniform ball sizes, ensuring they all cook at the same rate. If you don’t have one, a tablespoon or your hands will work just fine. The key is to keep them all the same size.

Size Tip: For standard-sized sausage balls, aim for about 1-inch diameter balls. This size bakes evenly in 20-25 minutes.

5. Cooling Rack

Once the sausage balls come out of the oven, you’ll want to place them on a cooling rack. This allows the air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess and ensuring a crispy outer layer.

Why It Matters: Placing them on a cooling rack keeps the bottoms from getting too soft while cooling.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Making sausage balls with cream cheese is simple, and this step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage — from mixing to baking. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a tray of delicious sausage balls ready to serve.

Preparing the Sausage Mixture for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

A perfectly mixed sausage ball mixture is essential for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add:

• Ground sausage (mild, regular, or spicy)
• Softened cream cheese (room temperature for easy mixing)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• Baking mix (like Bisquick)
• Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional spices)

Pro Tip: Fully soften the cream cheese for smooth mixing. If it’s still cold, it won’t blend well.

2. Mix Thoroughly

Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer on low speed.

• Blend the ingredients until well combined — no lumps of cream cheese or dry patches should remain.
• If mixing by hand, be patient, as it takes a little more effort to get a smooth dough.

Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the mixture can make the sausage balls too dense. Stop once it’s combined.

Shaping and Baking Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the sausage balls.

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your baking sheet.

• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with cooking spray.

2. Form Balls

For uniform balls, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon.

• Scoop 1-inch portions and roll them into smooth balls using your hands.
• Uniform sizes ensure even baking and a consistent texture.

Why Use a Scoop? It guarantees each ball is the same size, which ensures even cooking.

3. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.

• Leave about 1 inch of space between each ball.
• Avoid overcrowding to prevent steam from forming, which can make them soggy.

Pro Tip: Use multiple sheets if necessary, rather than cramming everything on one tray.

4. Bake the Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Place the tray on the middle rack of the oven.

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Halfway through, rotate the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark. The balls should be golden brown and fully cooked inside.

How to Check Doneness: Cut one ball open — it should be cooked through, with no pink meat in the center.

Cool and Serve Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Cooling is just as important as baking. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Transfer to Cooling Rack

Use a spatula or tongs to transfer the sausage balls to a cooling rack.

• Arrange them in a single layer and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
• The cooling rack keeps air circulating around each ball, which prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

2. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and fresh, straight from the cooling rack. Pair them with your favorite dips like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

After baking your sausage balls with cream cheese to golden perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve them. While they’re already delicious on their own, pairing them with dips and experimenting with different flavors can make them even more irresistible. Below, you’ll find serving ideas, dipping sauces, and creative variations to suit any taste or occasion.

Ideal Dipping Sauces and Accompaniments

While sausage balls with cream cheese are flavorful on their own, adding a dip takes them to a whole new level. Here are a few crowd-pleasing options that pair perfectly with the savory, cheesy flavor of sausage balls.

1. Honey Mustard

A classic blend of honey and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich, savory taste of sausage balls. The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the saltiness of the sausage.

Why It Works: Sweet and tangy honey mustard adds a zesty pop of flavor with every bite.

2. Barbecue Sauce

Smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy, barbecue sauce enhances the hearty, meaty flavor of sausage balls. Use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for that sweet, smoky flair.

Pro Tip: Try hickory-flavored or smoky barbecue sauce for extra depth of flavor.

3. Ranch Dressing

If you love creamy dips, you can’t go wrong with ranch. This herb-infused dressing pairs beautifully with the spices in the sausage mixture, offering a smooth, cooling effect.

Why It Works: The fresh, herby taste of ranch dressing perfectly complements the cheesy, meaty flavor of sausage balls.

4. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

Want some heat? Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy, spicy dip that adds an extra kick to every bite. It’s smooth, spicy, and just the right amount of bold.

Spice It Up: Add a splash of lemon juice or garlic powder to the sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

5. Cheese Sauce

If you’re a cheese lover, why not double down? Serve the sausage balls with warm, gooey cheese sauce on the side. This option is especially popular with kids (and cheese enthusiasts).

Pro Tip: Use nacho cheese sauce or homemade cheddar sauce for an indulgent, cheesy experience.

Creative Variations to Try

If you want to experiment and make your sausage balls a little more exciting, try one of these tasty variations. These ideas will help you tailor the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.

1. Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Balls

Add finely diced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a spicy twist. This variation adds heat and a hint of tanginess that spice lovers will adore.

Heat It Up: If you want extra heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

2. Herb-Infused Sausage Balls

For a fresher, more aromatic flavor, mix in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme. This twist adds a burst of freshness and makes the sausage balls taste gourmet.

Flavor Boost: Use fresh rosemary for a woodsy, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage.

3. Cheesy Explosion Sausage Balls

Why stop at cheddar? Add a combination of shredded cheeses, like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella. The extra cheese melts inside the balls, giving them a gooey, stretchy texture.

Cheese Lovers Tip: Stuff a small cube of cheese inside each ball for a surprise burst of melted cheese.

4. Gluten-Free Sausage Balls

If you need a gluten-free option, swap the baking mix with a gluten-free baking blend or almond flour. This simple substitution makes the recipe safe for those with gluten intolerance.

Pro Tip: Some gluten-free flours absorb more moisture, so adjust by adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk if the dough feels too dry.

5. Italian-Style Sausage Balls

For an Italian-inspired twist, use Italian sausage instead of regular ground sausage. Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a bold, zesty flavor.

Dipping Idea: Serve with warm marinara sauce for an authentic Italian experience.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about making sausage balls with cream cheese.

Conclusion

Sausage balls with cream cheese are more than just a party snack — they’re a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, game day party, or holiday brunch, these savory bites will disappear in no time. The addition of cream cheese makes them soft, moist, and packed with flavor, while creative dipping sauces and variations keep things fresh and exciting.

Whether you prefer the classic version or want to try jalapeño, Italian-style, or herb-infused sausage balls, this recipe is endlessly versatile. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with one of the best homemade snacks ever.

Happy cooking!