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

There’s something so satisfying about these little nuggets of cheesy, savory goodness. The Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe blends creamy tangy cheese with spicy sausage for a perfect party bite or snack that always disappears fast. Let me walk you through making these crowd-pleasers that are just as easy as they are delicious.

The image shows several golden-brown baked meatballs piled together, each meatball coated with melted orange cheese that looks shiny and slightly crispy in spots. Small bits of red sauce peek through the cheese on some meatballs, adding a bright contrast. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of freshness and color against the warm tones of the meatballs and cheese. The meatballs have a textured surface with a mix of smooth melted cheese and rougher baked edges, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This 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 Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Plus, it gets you that perfect balance between cheesy softness and meaty bite — all baked into bite-sized balls.

Unbelievably Easy: Just four main ingredients come together quickly with minimal fuss, making it friendly even for kitchen beginners.
Cream Cheese Magic: The cream cheese adds a creamy richness that keeps these sausage balls moist and tender.
Customizable Flavor: You can tailor the spice level or swap cheeses to suit your taste or occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Always the first to vanish at parties, these are perfect as handheld appetizers or hearty snacks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe has its own star role, creating harmony between creamy, cheesy, spicy, and soft textures. When shopping, choose fresh sausage with good quality and a block of cream cheese that’s easy to soften.

Flat lay of a raw pound of hot pork sausage in loose ground form, a block of smooth softened cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fluffy Bisquick baking mix, a small white bowl holding shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement, 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: Provides savory spice and juicy fat; don’t drain it as the fat adds great flavor and moisture.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the meat and dry ingredients while adding creamy richness.
Bisquick baking mix: Acts as the structure-builder; measure carefully (no packing) to avoid dry sausage balls.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds bold cheesy flavor and melty texture; I love being generous here.

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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

One of the joys of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the sausage type or experiment with cheeses, making it my own while keeping the basics intact.

Variation: Some friends like to use spicy Italian sausage for a more robust flavor—I love adding a little smoked paprika for depth.
Dairy-Free Twist: You can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese, though the texture may be a bit different.
Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses work great if you want a milder or spicier cheese profile.
Extra Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely aroma and flavor kick.

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

Step 1: Bring Cream Cheese to Room Temperature and Mix

Start by letting your cream cheese soften at room temperature—it mixes so much easier and creates a smooth, creamy base. In a stand mixer bowl or a large bowl if mixing by hand, combine the sausage with the softened cream cheese. I usually use my paddle attachment or your hands to get it really combined. This makes mixing the dry ingredients easier later.

Step 2: Add Bisquick and Cheddar Cheese

Measure your Bisquick carefully: don’t pack it in the cup, just spoon it in lightly. This little trick is key—it prevents the sausage balls from turning dry. Add the Bisquick to the sausage mixture and give it a good stir. Finally, fold in shredded cheddar cheese—feel free to add more if you want cheesier bites!

Step 3: Form Balls and Chill Before Baking

Use a spring-loaded cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out 1-inch balls and roll them lightly between your palms if needed — they don’t have to be perfect! Lay them on parchment-lined baking sheets, then pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the balls hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake at 350°F for roughly 25 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through. I love the smell that fills the kitchen at this point—it’s pretty irresistible! Let them cool a bit before serving so they’re easier to handle.

Top Tip

From my experience, the difference between good sausage balls and amazing ones is in the details—and a few helpful tricks can make your batch shine. Let me share what I've learned.

Don’t Overpack the Bisquick: Measuring it like flour, not packing down, keeps the texture light and moist.
Chill Before Baking: Letting the sausage balls rest in the fridge stops spreading and creates a great shape and bite.
Use a Cookie Scoop: It speeds up forming uniform balls and saves your hands from stickiness.
Let Cream Cheese Soften: Working with softened cream cheese means easier mixing and a creamier end result.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over these sausage balls for a little color and fresh flavor. A tiny dollop of spicy mustard or honey mustard on the side is a crowd-pleaser too—balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls pair well with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies if you want a fuller meal. For parties, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, place sausage balls on decorative toothpicks and arrange them on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces—think ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli. They also look adorable piled in mini muffin liners for easy grab-and-go fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover sausage balls in foil or an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They stay great for 3–4 days, and honestly, they’re just as tasty when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver—just pop the shaped, unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to ziplock bags. When you want, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time. This way, you always have a quick appetizer ready.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to get them warm and maintain that crispy outside. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps them tasting fresh and close to oven-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these cream cheese sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sausage balls and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking—or freeze them unbaked for longer storage. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Bisquick?

Bisquick is handy because it has leavening agents balanced with flour and fat. You can substitute all-purpose flour mixed with a bit of baking powder and a pinch of salt, but the texture may vary slightly. Adjust quantity to find the right consistency.

Can I use mild sausage instead of hot in this recipe?

Yes! Mild sausage works just as well if you prefer less spice. You can also add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to add your own heat if desired.

How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

Bake until the sausage balls are golden on top and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Usually, about 25 minutes at 350°F does the trick, but ovens vary so use a thermometer if you want to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe feels like a warm hug from the kitchen every time I make it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a tasty snack to enjoy, it’s a reliable recipe that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your home too!