Imagine walking into a room filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. The warm, cheesy scent dances through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. You can’t help but smile as the anticipation builds—each bite promises a savory explosion of flavor, perfectly complemented by that creamy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I made these delightful bites for a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was like having a party in her mouth! These little gems are perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family while keeping things simple and fun.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings
- They offer a delightful blend of savory flavors and textures that everyone will adore
- Their golden-brown appearance makes them visually appealing on any platter
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or snack, they fit perfectly in any party spread
I still chuckle when I think about that day; my family couldn’t get enough of those Cream Cheese Sausage Balls!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Sausage: Use your favorite breakfast sausage for the best flavor; spicy options add a delightful kick. For more inspiration, check out this breakfast recipes recipe.
-
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a rich and creamy texture; choose full-fat for maximum indulgence.
-
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for an extra burst of flavor; it melts beautifully into the mixture.
-
Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overpowering; use fresh garlic if you prefer a more robust flavor.
-
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
-
Baking Powder: A must for fluffiness; it gives your sausage balls that perfect rise while baking.
-
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall taste; adjust according to your heat preference.
-
Green Onions (optional): For a fresh touch; finely chop them to add brightness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix the Ingredients : In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, baking powder, black pepper, and green onions if using. Mix until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.
Scoop Out the Mixture : Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each ball as they will spread slightly when baking.
Bake Until Golden : Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma will have you wishing you could fast forward through time!
Cool and Serve : Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a serving platter. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are not just food; they are happiness rolled into bite-sized portions! Perfectly crispy on the outside yet deliciously soft on the inside—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a snack
- The creamy cheese and savory sausage create an irresistible combination that everyone loves
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly cooked cream cheese sausage balls, mix ingredients thoroughly, form into balls, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or add spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cream cheese sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cream cheese sausage balls, ensure your cream cheese is softened to mix easily
- Avoid overmixing to keep them tender and fluffy
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors that will wow your guests
Sharing these delicious cream cheese sausage balls with friends at a tailgate party led to endless compliments, and now they request them at every gathering!
FAQ
Can I freeze cream cheese sausage balls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking for up to three months; just bake directly from frozen.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Pork sausage works well, but turkey or chicken sausage are great alternatives too.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be golden brown and heated through; use a meat thermometer to check they reach 165°F.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (36 balls) 1x
Description
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory sausage and creamy cheese into bite-sized delights. Perfect for any gathering, these easy-to-make treats are sure to impress family and friends alike. With a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center, they make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, baking powder, black pepper, and green onions until well combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg