Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Cheesy & Savory Snack

Q: How Do You Know When Sausage Balls Are Done?

Sausage balls are fully cooked when: They have a golden brown exterior . The internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) . The outside is slightly crispy, and the inside remains moist.

Q: How Long Will Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Last in the Refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain texture.

Q: Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?

Yes! These freeze well both before and after baking . To freeze unbaked sausage balls: Roll them into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet . Freeze for 1 hour , then transfer them to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months . Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-28 minutes . To freeze cooked sausage balls: Let them cool completely. Place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Q: How to Reheat Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Without Drying Them Out?

To retain moisture while reheating: Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes , covered loosely with foil. Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes . Microwave: 30-45 seconds with a damp paper towel over them.

Nothing brings people together like warm, cheesy, bite-sized treats straight from the oven. Cream cheese sausage balls take the classic party snack to a whole new level by adding richness, creaminess, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you need a quick breakfast option, an easy appetizer for a gathering, or a protein-packed snack, these sausage balls are the perfect solution.

What makes this recipe so special? The combination of sharp cheddar, rich cream cheese, and seasoned sausage creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Unlike traditional sausage balls that can sometimes turn out dry, the cream cheese keeps them soft, tender, and extra delicious.

We’ll cover everything you need to make perfect cream cheese sausage balls every time.

How to Make the Best Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, golden sausage balls ready to serve.

Ingredients List & Substitutions

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes & Substitutions
Ground sausage	1 lb	Use mild, spicy, or breakfast sausage
Cream cheese	8 oz	Softened at room temperature
Cheddar cheese	2 cups	Sharp cheddar adds a bolder flavor
Bisquick (baking mix)	2 cups	Can substitute with homemade mix
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Optional but enhances flavor
Paprika	½ tsp	Adds color and slight heat

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

Want a sharper flavor? Try extra-sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
Need a gluten-free option? Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick.
Looking for extra spice? Swap out mild sausage for spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ground sausage, shredded cheddar, baking mix, and seasonings. Mix everything until fully combined. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes this step much easier.

Pro Tip: If mixing by hand, use a sturdy spoon or your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Shape the Sausage Balls

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly dust them with flour or chill the mixture for 10 minutes.

4. Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The sausage balls should turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure if they’re done, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

5. Let Cool & Serve Warm

After baking, allow the sausage balls to cool for 5 minutes before serving. These taste great on their own, but they also pair well with ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli.

6. Alternative Cooking Methods

Although baking is the most common method, there are alternative ways to cook sausage balls, each offering a unique texture and flavor.

Air Fryer Method

Using an air fryer reduces cooking time while creating an extra crispy exterior.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange sausage balls in a single layer inside the basket.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Check for doneness at 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Slow Cooker Method

A slow cooker is an excellent choice for keeping sausage balls warm during parties or gatherings.

Lightly grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Place fully cooked sausage balls inside and set to warm or low heat.
Add a small amount of broth or sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Keep warm for up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Perfect Pairings & Dipping Sauces

Sausage balls taste amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right dipping sauce can enhance their flavor.

Best Dipping Sauces

Classic Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy option that balances the richness.
Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and slightly spicy, complementing the sausage.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Adds a bold kick for those who love heat.
Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet, perfect for a Southern-style meal.

Side Dishes That Pair Well

Scrambled Eggs & Toast: Turn sausage balls into a hearty breakfast.
Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent meal.
Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the sausage.
Biscuits & Gravy: Create a Southern-inspired brunch by adding buttermilk biscuits.

Why Are My Sausage Balls So Dry? Troubleshooting Tips

No one likes a dry or crumbly sausage ball! If your cream cheese sausage balls aren’t as soft and moist as they should be, here are some possible reasons and how to fix them.

1. Too Much Baking Mix

Overloading with Bisquick can cause the sausage balls to lose moisture.
Stick to the recommended 2 cups, and if the mixture feels dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk.

2. Low-Fat Sausage Selection

Using lean sausage results in a drier texture.
Choose a sausage with at least 25% fat content for the best results.

3. Overbaking

Baking longer than 22 minutes can remove too much moisture.
Check at the 18-minute mark to prevent drying out.

Extra Tip: If you accidentally overbake them, serve with a dipping sauce to restore moisture!

How to Store & Reheat Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These sausage balls store well, making them a perfect make-ahead recipe. Follow these guidelines to keep them fresh.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze:

Arrange the baked sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
They stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating from frozen? Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes—no need to thaw!

Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Microwave: 30-45 seconds (may soften the exterior).

What Makes Sausage Balls Moist & Fluffy?

The key to soft, fluffy sausage balls is moisture balance. Here’s how to keep them from drying out.

Use Cream Cheese: This adds richness and softness, preventing a tough texture.
Increase the Cheese-to-Bisquick Ratio: More cheese = better texture. Too much Bisquick makes them dry.
Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated so no dry patches remain.

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to customize your cream cheese sausage balls? These variations will allow you to experiment with different flavors while maintaining the recipe’s core structure.

1. Cheesy Variations

Extra Cheesy: Increase the cheddar cheese to 2½ cups for a cheesier bite.
Three-Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for extra depth.
Pepper Jack Twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

2. Meat Variations

Turkey Sausage Option: For a leaner choice, use ground turkey sausage instead of pork.
Bacon-Infused Balls: Mix ½ cup crumbled bacon into the dough for added smokiness.

3. Stuffed Sausage Balls

Flatten the mixture slightly before rolling.
Place a small cube of cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella) inside.
Roll into a ball, making sure the cheese is completely enclosed.
Bake as usual for a gooey cheese center.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Swap Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour.
Ensure all seasonings and sausage are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

Why Do You Put Baking Soda in Sausage?

Baking soda is sometimes added to sausage recipes because it helps retain moisture and keeps the texture tender. It also enhances browning, giving sausage balls a more appealing color. However, this recipe does not require it, as the cream cheese naturally prevents dryness.

Why Do Sausage Balls Go Flat?

Flattened sausage balls often occur when the dough is too warm before baking. To prevent this:
Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Avoid over-mixing, as this can break down the structure.
Use sharp cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect consistency.

How Do You Know When Sausage Balls Are Done?

Sausage balls are fully cooked when:
They have a golden brown exterior.
The internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
The outside is slightly crispy, and the inside remains moist.

How Long Will Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Last in the Refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain texture.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?

Yes! These freeze well both before and after baking.
To freeze unbaked sausage balls:
Roll them into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Store for up to 3 months.
Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-28 minutes.
To freeze cooked sausage balls:
Let them cool completely.
Place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

How to Reheat Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Without Drying Them Out?

To retain moisture while reheating:
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Microwave: 30-45 seconds with a damp paper towel over them.

Conclusion

Cream cheese sausage balls are a game-changer when it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing snacks. By using cream cheese, they stay moist, flavorful, and tender, setting them apart from traditional sausage balls.

Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast, a holiday party, or a quick snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Try them today and let us know your favorite variations!