If you’re searching for the ultimate snack that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously easy to make, look no further! This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe combines spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and a touch of fresh chives to create bite-sized morsels that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, need game day snacks, or just crave something comforting, these sausage balls will quickly become your new go-to.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Whip these sausage balls up in under an hour, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistibly Flavorful: The spicy sausage paired with rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar creates a mouthwatering combination.
Versatile Snack or Appetizer: Ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy night in—everyone loves them!
Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the heat level and add herbs to make these your own signature bites.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe revolves around a handful of simple, fridge-friendly ingredients, each bringing its own unique touch to the final creation. From the creamy texture of the softened cream cheese to the bold flavor of spicy sausage and the fluffy binding power of Bisquick, every ingredient plays an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Ground spicy sausage: Provides the robust, savory base with a little kick—feel free to go mild if you prefer less heat.
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess that melts into the sausage for a tender, chewy bite.
- Bisquick baking mix: Acts as the binder that holds everything together with a soft yet firm texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and gooey cheesy flavor that beautifully complements the sausage.
- Chopped fresh chives: Bring a burst of fresh, green brightness and a subtle oniony aroma to brighten the dish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese
Start by combining your ground spicy sausage and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to really work the cream cheese into the sausage until you see no lumps. This step is crucial because a smooth, cohesive mixture guarantees that every bite is creamy and perfectly textured.
Step 2: Add the Bisquick, Cheese, and Chives
Once your sausage and cream cheese are well blended, sprinkle in the Bisquick baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Stir everything together thoroughly. The Bisquick will bind the mixture while the cheddar cheese adds that irresistible cheesy punch, and the chives contribute a lovely fresh note.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Using your hands, scoop out the mixture into balls about two tablespoons each—roughly an inch in diameter. Roll them slightly between your palms to ensure they’re compact and uniform. Place each ball onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them just right so they bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 4: Chill Before Baking
Pop those trays into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the sausage balls firm up, so they hold their shape in the oven and don’t spread out too much, keeping them perfectly bite-sized and crisp on the edges.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the chilled sausage balls for approximately 25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully browned around the edges and firm to the touch. The smell filling your kitchen during this time will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These sausage balls are delightful on their own, but adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or more chives on top just before serving amps up the color and freshness. For a bit of extra flair, a light drizzle of spicy honey or a dollop of your favorite mustard on the side makes a fantastic dipping option!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe with crisp veggie sticks or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. They also go wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier spread at brunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, present the sausage balls stacked like mini pyramids on a rustic wooden board or arrange them on decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go indulgence. Placing them in vibrant cupcake liners or inside hollowed-out bell peppers adds eye-catching charm that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy quick snacks or warm up tasty additions to your meals throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, the uncooked sausage balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can bake them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked or baked sausage balls, pop them in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but the oven will give you that perfect texture every time.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that works well in this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. Just make sure it’s seasoned well or spicy enough to keep the bold flavor you’re after.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have Bisquick baking mix?
You can substitute Bisquick with an equal amount of all-purpose flour mixed with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt for similar results. This will give the sausage balls their light and tender texture.
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Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them uncooked for longer storage. This makes them perfect for planning parties or busy weeks.
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How spicy are the sausage balls, and can I adjust the heat?
The spice level depends on the type of sausage you use. If you prefer less heat, choose a mild sausage or reduce the sausage’s spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the heat.
Final Thoughts
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are one of those classic comfort snacks that feel like a warm hug with every bite. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion where flavor matters. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Cream Cheese Sausage Balls made with spicy ground sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, Bisquick baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped chives. These flavorful bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, brunches, or game day and are baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and tender, cheesy inside.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound ground spicy sausage
- 1/2 pound cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients and Herbs
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets. Line two rimmed baking sheet trays with parchment paper and set them aside to use later.
- Mix sausage and cream cheese. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground spicy sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to thoroughly blend them together until no chunks of cream cheese remain and the mixture is smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients. To the sausage and cream cheese mixture, add the Bisquick baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form meatballs. Use your hands to scoop out the mixture into two-tablespoon sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball until smooth and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill the meatballs. Place the baking sheets with the formed meatballs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the sausage balls from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat oven. While the meatballs chill, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Bake sausage balls. Bake the chilled sausage balls on the lined baking sheets in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are browned around the edges and bottoms and feel firm to the touch.
- Serve and enjoy. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For milder flavor, substitute spicy sausage with mild or sweet sausage.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Chilling the meatballs before baking helps them maintain their shape and texture.
- Bisquick mix can be substituted with homemade baking mix if preferred.
- Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or green onion for additional flavor.
- These sausage balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
