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

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 39 reviews

If you’re looking for a snack that’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, you’ve got to try this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. Seriously, these little bites of cheesy, savory goodness have been my go-to whenever friends come over or when I want something satisfying with minimal fuss. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Stick around because I’m about to share all the tips that helped me perfect this recipe—so you’ll nail it on your first try and every time after.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and savory cheddar creates a party in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—just a handful of pantry staples.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep these in advance, freeze them, and bake whenever hunger strikes.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, holiday parties, or just a casual snack, these sausage balls always fit right in.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage cheese bites, savory appetizer ideas, cheesy sausage snacks, easy party appetizers - The image shows many small round cheese balls baked on white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a rough, lumpy texture with golden orange melted cheese oozing on top and slightly browned edges where the cheese has crisped, creating a shiny, rich look. The cheese has spread a bit around the base, making crispy orange patches on the paper. The lighting highlights the shiny and slightly crunchy texture of the melted cheese, with some cheese balls in soft focus in the background, all arranged in rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how each ingredient plays its part to create that irresistible texture and taste. You’ll want to pick quality sausage and soften your cream cheese properly for smooth mixing — trust me, it makes all the difference.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage cheese bites, savory appetizer ideas, cheesy sausage snacks, easy party appetizers - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh hot pork sausage, an uncut block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale Bisquick baking mix, a small white bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, 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: Adds warmth and spice; choose fresh sausage with good fat content for flavor and moisture.
Cream cheese: Softens the mix and gives a rich, creamy texture—make sure it’s softened to room temp for easy blending.
Bisquick baking mix: Acts as the binder; be careful not to pack when measuring to avoid dry sausage balls.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the mix for cheesy, savory bursts; feel free to use sharp or extra sharp for more bite.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is—you can really make it your own. Sometimes I swap types of cheese or add extra seasonings to suit the occasion or my mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Cheese Swap: I’ve tried mixing in pepper jack for a bit of kick or even pimento cheese spread instead of shredded cheddar, and it’s always a hit.
Milder or Hotter: If you’re serving kids or want something less spicy, go for mild sausage, or if you like it fiery, opt for hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick; the texture changes slightly but the flavor stays amazing.

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

Step 1: Mix sausage and cream cheese until velvety smooth

First off, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, in a stand mixer bowl (or a big mixing bowl if you’re using hand tools), combine your hot pork sausage and softened cream cheese. I love using my stand mixer here—it really makes the blend smooth and saves my hands—but you can definitely mix by hand if you prefer. Just be sure the cream cheese is fully softened so it blends evenly with the sausage. The mixture will be slightly sticky and creamy—exactly how you want it.

Step 2: Add Bisquick carefully and stir in cheese

Now comes the all-important Bisquick baking mix. A super important tip here: don’t pack your measuring cup when scooping the Bisquick. I’ve made this mistake before, and trust me, too much Bisquick dries out your sausage balls. Instead, scoop lightly and fill the cup without pressing down. Stir it into your sausage and cream cheese until just combined.

Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. I’m not shy with cheese, so I usually add a little extra—go ahead and do the same if you’re a cheese lover like me!

Step 3: Shape, chill, and bake

Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop makes shaping these sausage balls super easy, but your hands work just as well. Form about 1-inch balls and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Don’t overcrowd! I like to give them at least a bit of space. Once you’ve got them all ready, pop the trays into the fridge for 10 minutes. This little chill step helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading while baking.

Finally, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The smell while they’re baking—oh man, it’s mouthwatering. Serve warm and watch how fast these disappear!

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Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Combining until ingredients just come together keeps the texture tender, so resist overworking your batter.
Measure Bisquick Properly: Using a spoon to fill your measuring cup ensures you don’t add too much, preventing dryness.
Chill Before Baking: That quick fridge session helps sausage balls maintain their shape and creates a nice crust.
Use Fresh Sausage: For the best flavor and juiciness, grab a well-seasoned fresh hot pork sausage from your butcher or grocery.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage cheese bites, savory appetizer ideas, cheesy sausage snacks, easy party appetizers - A close-up view of a stack of round, baked meatballs covered with melted orange cheese and small green herb bits on top. The meatballs have a light brown, slightly crispy texture with some spots of red sauce peeking through the cheese. They are piled high in a metal tray, with some meatballs resting on others. The background shows a white marbled surface, keeping the focus on the warm, cheesy meatballs. The lighting highlights the gooey cheese and fresh herbs, giving the image a fresh and tasty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually enjoy these sausage balls as-is because they’re packed with flavor, but sometimes I sprinkle a little chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of spicy mustard or even a drizzle of honey mustard makes a delicious dipping sauce that guests rave about.

Side Dishes

When serving at parties, I like pairing these with fresh veggie sticks—carrots, celery, and cucumber—for a crunchy contrast. They’re also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or even some homemade coleslaw if you want a fuller spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays and special occasions, I like arranging these sausage balls in a festive wreath shape on a large platter and adding cherry tomatoes and olives as “decorations.” Wrapping toothpicks in colorful ribbons adds a playful, elegant touch that’s perfect for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I bet you won’t!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I always find they taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to mingle.

Freezing

Freezing this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is a lifesaver. I flash-freeze them on a parchment-lined tray spaced about an inch apart for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe zipped bag. This prevents clumping so you can pull out exactly how many you want. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheating leftovers is easy—pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30–45 seconds if you’re in a rush. They retain their texture best when reheated in the oven, getting that crispy exterior back.

FAQs

Can I make cream cheese sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the sausage balls a day in advance. Simply keep them refrigerated tightly covered and bake just before serving. For longer storage, freezing them as described works wonderfully too.
What if I don’t have Bisquick—can I use flour instead?

Bisquick is preferred because it’s a baking mix that includes leavening agents, which help bind and give lightness to the sausage balls. Plain flour won’t provide the same texture, so if you don’t have Bisquick, consider buying a baking mix or trying gluten-free baking mixes for dietary needs.
Can I use turkey sausage or another meat?

You can definitely substitute turkey sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option, though the flavor will be milder and the texture a little less rich. Make sure to choose a flavorful variety and add a touch of seasoning if needed.
How do I prevent sausage balls from being dry?

Key to moist sausage balls is not overpacking the Bisquick and using the right amount of cream cheese. Also, measuring the baking mix lightly, chilling before baking, and choosing sausage with good fat content helps keep them juicy and tender.
Can I make these in different shapes?

Sure! While classic balls are easiest and most popular, you can also press the mix into mini muffin tins or even shape into little patties for variety. Just adjust baking times accordingly, and make sure they’re cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe has such a special place in my kitchen and heart—it’s one of those recipes that never fails to get compliments and requests for “just one more.” Whether you’re making them for a casual night in or a big gathering, they bring people together with minimal fuss and max flavor. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked just like me!