Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe is a delightful appetizer that combines the richness of cream cheese with savory sausage, all rolled into bite-sized balls and baked to perfection. Ideal for parties, breakfast, or as a snack, these sausage balls are versatile and can be made ahead for convenience. With options for dietary restrictions, everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage mild or hot
- 2 cups baking mix e.g., Bisquick
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the sausage and cream cheese. Add the baking mix and shredded cheese, combining until a cohesive dough forms.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not too close together.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Form the sausage balls and refrigerate overnight if you're planning to bake them the next day.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked sausage balls for up to 3 months. Reheat baked balls in the oven until warm.
- Substitutions: For dietary restrictions, consider using turkey sausage, gluten-free baking mix, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan cheese.
- Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the mix for extra heat.