Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a go-to when people get together. I first made these on a hectic morning when I needed something quick for a small get together. I didn’t want to be standing over a stove and I didn’t want an extensive list of steps. I just wanted something warm that people would actually eat and not grimace at. So I grabbed sausage, cream cheese, cheddar and baking mix. Nothing too fancy. That is exactly what I had.
I threw everything in a bowl and began to mix. It wasn’t fitting together nicely at first. The cream cheese stuck to the sausage and I had to work it with my hands to get it smooth. But after a minute it all mixed into a thick, savory mixture that smelled good before it went into the oven.
I rolled the dough into small balls and put them on a baking sheet. Don’t overthink it. Nothing is shaped perfect. Just quick, even parts. Then I bake’em. After a few minutes the kitchen began to smell of breakfast and comfort food both. It’s the smell of sausage and melted cheese that draws people in. Someone walked by and asked right away what I was cooking and I hadn’t said a word.
I opened the oven to find the sausage balls golden and a little crisp outside. They were cheesy and soft on the inside, just as they should be. I put them out and they didn’t last long.
People simply removed them from the tray. One became two, and suddenly the plate was empty again. That’s normally the way it goes. Now I make them when I want something simple that disappears fast and keeps everyone happy.
Why This Recipe Is Good
- Not many basic ingredients.
- No complicated steps, fast preparation
- Great for parties and get togethers!
- Make ahead friendly
- Always gone fast
What’s inside
- 1 lb. ground sausage (mild or hot)
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix (e.g. Bisquick)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
How-to
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2: Combine
- Add sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, baking mix and garlic powder to bowl.
- Mix until everything is incorporated. Use your hands if needed.
Step 3: Form
- Form the mixture into small 1-inch balls.
- Place them on the baking sheet with space in between.
Step 4: Bake it
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on the outside and the sausage is cooked through.
Step 5: To Serve
- Serve hot.
- Toss them in ranch or honey mustard or just eat them plain.
Kitchen Notes Little
- Soften the cream cheese first so it will be easier to mix.
- Make sure the balls are the same size so they cook evenly.
- Add spicy sausage if you want a little extra heat.
- Eat them fresh for best texture.
Summary
This recipe is a keeper in my kitchen because it never fails me. It’s simple ingredients, takes no effort and always gets people coming back for more without me having to do anything special.
