Name: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound hot pork sausage; 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened; 2 cups Bisquick baking mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

There's something irresistibly cozy about these little bites of savory goodness. The creamy texture combined with spicy sausage in the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe always makes me reach for seconds. They’re perfect for any gathering or just as a snack that feels a little special.

The image shows a close-up view of several round, golden-brown meatballs with a slightly rough texture. Each meatball has melted and bubbly orange cheese on top, giving a shiny and sticky look. Small bits of bright green herbs are sprinkled over the meatballs, adding color contrast. The meatballs are stacked closely together on a white marbled surface, with some showing a slightly crispy edge with dark reddish spots where cheese has browned. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled these sausage balls out when guests pop over unexpectedly. They’re simple, comforting, and just downright addictive. Plus, having cream cheese in the mix adds a luscious texture that’s unlike any other sausage ball you’ve tasted.

Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to cream cheese, these sausage balls aren’t dry or crumbly—they stay tender and moist.
Quick & Easy: You can whip them up in around 20 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute crowd pleaser.
Customizable Flavor: Whether you love them spicy, cheesy, or mild, this recipe adapts easily to your taste.
Great for All Occasions: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, tailgates, or party appetizers—everyone loves them!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in making these sausage balls flavorful yet tender. Choosing quality components—and measuring carefully—will make all the difference as you bake your batch.

Flat lay of a fresh raw pound of hot pork sausage in its natural casing, an unwrapped block of cream cheese with slightly softened texture, a small mound of loose Bisquick baking mix resembling pale flour, and a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hot pork sausage: Brings savory spice and juicy flavor—feel free to swap for mild if you'd like.
Cream cheese: Softened before mixing to create that creamy, rich texture inside.
Bisquick baking mix: Acts as the binding agent without drying out the mixture—measure by spooning, not packing, for best results.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy sharpness and extra gooeyness; I love to be a little generous here!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with different cheeses or adding a bit of garlic powder to the mix for an extra kick. You should totally customize this recipe to fit your palate—there’s endless room for creativity!

Variation: Once, I swapped half the cheddar for pepper jack—and wow, did it add a nice, spicy twist that my family adored!
Make it milder: Use mild sausage or turkey sausage for a less spicy option perfect for kids.
Herb add-ins: Mix in some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Gluten-free: Substitute Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

The image shows a silver mixing bowl full of a thick, light pinkish mixture with small red flecks spread evenly. On top of this mixture, there is a large heap of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, spread loosely but mostly centered. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a blue cloth folded and placed behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix it Up Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the sausage balls release easily and keeps cleaning quick. Then, grab your stand mixer bowl or a large bowl if you’re mixing by hand. Combine the hot pork sausage and softened cream cheese. I usually break the cream cheese up into chunks first so it blends more smoothly.

Step 2: Add Your Dry Ingredients

Carefully measure out your Bisquick baking mix—remember, don’t pack it down! Just fluff, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off for that perfect light consistency. Stir it into the sausage and cream cheese until just combined.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Now fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. I often sneak in a little extra here because who can resist more cheese? Mixing everything evenly ensures each ball is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Shape & Chill

Use a spring-loaded cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls. If they don’t look perfectly round, just roll them gently between your palms—that’s what I do. Then, pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This chilling step really helps them keep their shape during baking and prevents spreading.

Step 5: Bake & Enjoy

Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them near the end—every oven is different! Once done, let them cool slightly and then dig in.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these insider tips that take your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe from good to unforgettable. Trust me, these tricks will make the process smoother and the results tastier.

Don’t Over-pack Bisquick: Use a light hand measuring the baking mix to avoid dry, crumbly sausage balls—I learned this the hard way once and never went back!
Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature to make mixing easier and the texture creamier.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the shaped balls for 10 minutes to reduce spreading and keep them bite-sized and neat.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A spring-loaded scoop speeds up forming the balls evenly and keeps your hands cleaner.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over warm sausage balls—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes a tiny dollop of spicy mustard or even honey mustard on the side turns them into an unexpected treat.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls shine on their own but pairing them with fresh cut veggies or a crisp salad makes for a well-rounded appetizer spread. For breakfast, I often serve them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—like ranch, spicy aioli, and a tangy BBQ sauce—to keep guests excited. Another fun idea is to serve on mini sandwich rounds for bite-sized sliders; everyone loves those!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days and taste fantastic reheated. Just pop them in a covered dish and warm in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

These sausage balls freeze beautifully! I freeze them before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. When you want them, bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven for that perfect crispy exterior—just warm at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey sausage to lower the fat content and still get great flavor, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey tends to be milder.

What if I don’t have Bisquick – can I make this from scratch?

Yes! You can mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt as a substitute. Just be careful with quantities to keep the right texture—about 2 cups flour with 1 tablespoon baking powder works well.

How spicy are these sausage balls?

This recipe uses hot pork sausage, which has a nice kick but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can always use mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or add cayenne or chili flakes for an extra spicy twist.

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Definitely! Shape the sausage balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time for best results.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe countless times, and every batch reminds me why this simple combination is an all-time favorite in my kitchen. These little golden bites bring people together, spark conversations, and satisfy hungry bellies with ease. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—and don’t forget to share with friends, because goodness like this deserves company!