Sausage balls with cream cheese are easy to make and always a hit! These tasty little bites combine savory sausage with creamy cheese, all rolled into a perfect snack.
They’re great for parties or just as a fun treat at home. I love to enjoy them warm, straight from the oven—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is the heart of the recipe. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. For a healthier option, consider turkey sausage or chicken sausage, which are leaner but still flavorful.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but maintains a similar taste.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the flavor of sharp cheddar, but feel free to mix it up! Mild cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses work well in this recipe.
Self-Rising Flour: This ingredient helps bind the balls and provide a nice texture. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder (1 cup flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder).
How Do You Make Sure Your Sausage Balls Are the Right Texture?
The texture of your sausage balls is key for a great result. Mixing the ingredients just right helps achieve a perfect balance. Here are my tips:
- Use softened cream cheese so it mixes evenly without clumps. It adds creaminess to each bite!
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the sausage balls tender.
- If your dough feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it holds together without being too sticky.
Form the balls gently, ensuring they’re not too compact. This ensures they bake to a lovely golden brown without being dense. Happy cooking!
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., ranch or spicy mayo)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of around 40 minutes to have these warm and delicious sausage balls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and breakfast sausage. Use a spatula or your hands to mix them together until they are well combined and the mixture is nice and uniform.
3. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
Next, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir it into the sausage mixture until everything is evenly blended. This gives your sausage balls that cheesy goodness!
4. Incorporate the Self-Rising Flour:
Now, gradually add in the self-rising flour. Mix it until a dough forms. It should feel moist but still hold together; if it’s sticky, just add a little more flour until it feels right.
5. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands or a scoop, take portions of the dough and roll them into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball to allow for spreading while baking.
6. Bake Your Sausage Balls:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn a beautiful golden brown and be cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Add a Finishing Touch:
Once done, you can garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color and taste if you like. It’s optional but looks nice!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s tangy ranch or spicy mayo. These little bites are perfect for snacking during a game, a party, or any casual get-together!
Enjoy your delicious sausage balls with creamy cheese packed inside—everyone will love them!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, you can use other types of cheese like mild cheddar, pepper jack for a kick, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy mixing!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent. Just ensure that any additional ingredients (like sausage and cheese) are also gluten-free.
Can I Freeze These Sausage Balls?
Yes! These sausage balls freeze well. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.