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

Nothing beats that warm, cheesy, savory bite of a freshly baked Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. These little pillows of comfort are perfect for snacking, parties, or just whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up—trust me, once you make them, they’ll be a staple!

The image shows a close-up of round meatballs covered with melted orange cheddar cheese, each meatball having a slightly rough brown texture mixed with the gooey cheese on top. Underneath the cheese, small bits of reddish cooked bacon peek out, adding a crispy layer at the base of some meatballs. Small flecks of green herbs are sprinkled on top for color contrast. The meatballs are stacked closely together, filling the frame, all set on a background with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls 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 Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

This recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s one of those effortless crowd-pleasers you can whip up in under an hour. Every bite melds the creamy tang of cream cheese with spicy sausage and ooey-gooey cheddar—seriously addictive!

Super creamy texture: The cream cheese adds a luscious, soft bite that makes these sausage balls uniquely delightful.
Simple ingredients: Using just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is quick but never skimps on flavor.
Perfect party snack: These sausage balls vanish fast at gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests.
Customizable and forgiving: You can easily adjust spice or cheese levels to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows a close-up view of a stack of round baked cheese balls with a rough and textured surface. Each ball is golden brown with orange melted cheese spots melted across the top and sides, giving a glossy shine. Small green herb pieces are scattered on top, adding color contrast. The cheese balls appear soft and slightly puffy, layered closely together against a blurred white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe lies in how simple, friendly ingredients come together to create an irresistible combo. Each plays a role—from bringing moisture to adding spice and binding everything into perfect little bites. Here’s a quick rundown:

Flat lay of a raw pound of hot pork sausage in its natural casing, an uncut block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light beige Bisquick baking mix, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: I love using hot sausage for that kick, but you can swap mild if you prefer less heat.
Cream cheese: The secret weapon for creaminess and helping everything stick together without drying out.
Bisquick baking mix: It acts as the base binder—just be sure not to pack it when measuring to keep the texture tender.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the perfect cheesy punch; I sometimes toss in a little extra for the love of cheese.

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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 tweaking this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth. You can go milder or even swap in your favorite cheese—it’s very forgiving!

Variation: Once, I swapped out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese and added chopped jalapeños for a spicy, melty twist—such a hit at game day.
Make it milder: Use mild sausage and a moderate amount of cheese if feeding kids or spice-sensitive friends.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix and enjoy the same great taste without compromise.

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

Step 1: Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese Until Smooth

First, make sure your cream cheese is softened—room temperature works best. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine the hot pork sausage and cream cheese. I usually let mine sit out for about 30 minutes or zap in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften. Mix until fully combined and smooth; this helps the sausage balls stay moist and creamy inside.

Step 2: Stir in Bisquick and Cheddar Cheese

Next, add the Bisquick baking mix. A quick tip: don’t pack down the Bisquick—just spoon it gently into your measuring cup to avoid dryness. Stir it in until the mixture comes together but don’t overmix. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. I like to be generous here because cheese = happiness.

Step 3: Form Balls and Chill

Scoop out the mixture with a spring-loaded cookie scoop or tablespoon, forming 1-inch balls. If they don’t look perfectly round, just roll them gently in your palms. Pop the baking sheets with the balls into the fridge for about 10 minutes. This chill time is key—it stops them from spreading too much while baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once chilled, bake the sausage balls on parchment-lined baking sheets for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them—you want them bubbly, but not dried out. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Top Tip

After making countless batches, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe turns out perfect every time. These small adjustments make a big difference!

Measure Bisquick Carefully: Always spoon it in lightly—packing it down makes the balls dry and crumbly. Treat it like you’re measuring flour.
Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip the fridge rest! It helps the balls hold their shape and bake evenly.
Use a Cookie Scoop: This saves tons of time and helps keep the balls uniform in size.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid tough sausage balls—gentle mixing keeps them tender.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like a light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and that mild oniony freshness. Sometimes a dash of hot sauce on the side adds a fun zing if you’re serving people who love heat!

Side Dishes

These sausage balls are pretty filling on their own but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crisp pickles to cut through the richness. At holiday parties, I often serve them alongside deviled eggs and a cheese platter for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging sausage balls on a wooden board shaped like a wreath, surrounded by small bowls of mustard and creamy dips. It adds a festive feel and makes it easy for guests to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating in the oven keeps them crisp on the outside and warm and melty inside—so much better than microwaving.

Freezing

These sausage balls freeze like a dream! I flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen at 350°F for a few extra minutes. Perfect for last-minute snack emergencies.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy on the outside. This approach revives that freshly baked texture much better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve used turkey sausage with great results for a leaner option. Just watch the fat content and adjust baking time if needed since leaner meats can dry out faster.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

My go-to is to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're short on time, microwave it in 10-second bursts, turning it in between, until it’s spreadable but not melted.

Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep so much easier!

What’s the difference between this recipe and traditional sausage balls?

Traditional sausage balls usually don’t include cream cheese, which means they can be drier. The cream cheese in this recipe adds creaminess and moisture that really sets them apart in flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made a ton of sausage ball recipes over the years, but adding cream cheese always wins me over. This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is my personal go-to for potlucks, busy weeknights, or anytime you want a simple, scrumptious snack that feels a little fancy. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself smiling at the oven timer, looking forward to that comforting first bite just like I do.