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Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

In this post I am sharing how to make Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.

Sausage balls, sometimes called sausage puffs, are always a favorite appetizer for guests. They’re addictive! I love them! 

Easy cheesy sausage balls freeze well for reheating too, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

We’re now just one week away from Christmas and I plan on serving these before the main meal. I’ve taste tested at least a dozen and I know this batch is delicious. 

“You can’t change the direction of the wind. But you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination.” ~ Jimmy Dean

My sister in law introduced me to adding cream cheese to my sausage ball recipe. I think it helps keep them from being so dry.

We’ve all had dry sausage balls in our life. Nobody wants the embarrassment of  choking on a dried out appetizer at a party.

Moist delicious sausage ball party appetizers

Can I make Sausage Balls the night before?

You betcha! Sausage balls can be baked the day before and refrigerated. Just take them out and allow them to come to room temperature for serving or pop them in the oven to warm a few minutes. 

Sausage balls can also be frozen. I bake them then freeze…just bake for 15 minutes in a 350°F oven to warm them up when needed. 

Are Sausage Balls Better with Cream Cheese?

What? Of course they are! The cream cheese keep the sausage balls from being too dry as I mentioned before but it also adds another delicious element of flavor. You will not have any of these sausage balls left after a gathering. 

Silver tray with sausage ball appetizers

Sausage Balls Bisquick Recipe

The easy go to method for making sausage balls is a combination of Bisquick baking mix, hot breakfast sausage (yes, you want a bit of spicy), freshly grated cheddar cheese and cream cheese. 

Grate your own cheese! I’ve always said to grate your own cheese and that it just takes a minute. Well…I timed myself this time and I can tell you it takes less than 1 minute to grate an 8 ounce block of cheese on a box grater. 

How to make the best sausage ball appetizers

How do you make Sausage Balls with Bisquick and Cheese?

To make sausage balls you’ll want to allow the sausage and cream cheese to be around room temperature. Just take them out of the fridge a half hour to 45 minutes before you want to make them. 

I mix up the sausage balls recipe in my stand mixer. Although a stand mixer is not required, it does help. If you don’t have one, no worries, just wash your hands and get read to dig in! That is the next best way to thoroughly mix everything up. 

You’ll find a full printable recipe card further down in this post.

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).

Step 1: Add the sausage, cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer. On a low setting with the paddle attachment mix to combine. Slowly add in the Bisquick and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then form the sausage balls. I use a small cookie scoop to portion out, to keep the sausage balls relatively the same size, then roll slightly in my hands to finish rounding them off. 

Spicy Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls Recipe - also called Hot Sausage Puffs - ready for the oven

Bake for 25 minutes.

Serve at room temperature. 

Sausage balls are delicious just by themselves or you can serve with a dipping sauce. 

The Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

More appetizer recipes you might enjoy: Holiday Brie en Croute, Jezebel Sauce with Cream Cheese or Jalapeno Bacon Dip.

Yield: 55-60 Appetizers

Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Red & White Christmas Platter Pedestal with Cream Cheesy Cheddar Sausage Balls

Sausage balls are an easy and delicious appetizer that is a favorite at special occasion gatherings

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Hot Breakfast Sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)
  • 2.5 c Bisquick Baking Mix
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 8 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Use a mixer to combine the sausage, cream cheese and grated cheddar.
  3. Slowly incorporate the baking mix into the mixture.
  4. Form into balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake 25 minutes.
  6. Serve room temperature.

Notes

Allow the sausage to come to room temperature, it helps to combine better with the other ingredients.

Sausage balls can be served as is or with a dipping sauce.

Sausage balls can be made ahead, frozen and reheated later.

To reheat, place into a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

60

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 83Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 188mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

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See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck

Meet Julia

Author of Julia's Simply Southern

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RCgee

Saturday 30th of December 2023

This looks good therefore A must try…my question has to do with the Bisquick mix. Can you substitute regular flour or bread crumbs? Imfon’t use Bisquick routinely. Thanks for your response!

Julia Jordan

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Hi! I don't use Bisquick mix myself unless it is specifically called for. They sell very small packages for such cases. I have never tried making them without it, so I am sorry that I don't have recommendations for that. I do hope that you get the chance to try the sausage balls recipe soon. Enjoy!

Andrea

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

These are the best sausage balls recipe ever!

Julia Jordan

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

Andrea, Thank you! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the recipe.

Debby

Friday 12th of April 2019

Hey Julia! These look delicious! I'll try adding cream cheese next time I make sausage balls. Thanks for the tip!

Julia Jordan

Friday 12th of April 2019

Debby, Thank you! I just know you'll love it.

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