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 just something utterly comforting and addictive about these bite-sized delights. This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with spicy sausage for a snack that always disappears fast at my gatherings. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one on your regular rotation.

The image shows a close-up of several meatballs placed closely together, each topped with melted orange cheese that drapes slightly over the edges. The meatballs have a rough texture with golden-brown and light tan colors, indicating they are cooked. Sprinkled bits of green herbs add a fresh contrast on top of the cheese. The background shows a white marbled surface that complements the warm colors of the meatballs and cheese. The 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

I love sharing this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe because it’s so simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced sausage — and that combo? It never disappoints. Plus, it’s just fun and quick to make, especially when you want to impress guests without a lot of fuss.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and just a handful of items, so no complicated shopping required.
Delicious Texture: Cream cheese keeps everything moist while cheddar adds a sharp punch in every bite.
Perfectly Portionable: Bite-sized for easy snacking, party trays, or even a quick breakfast on the go.
Great Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for game day, holidays, or weeknight treats, they always vanish first.

The image shows a close-up of round baked cheese balls grouped closely together. Each ball has a rough, golden-brown textured surface with melted, bubbly orange cheese patches unevenly spread on top and around the sides. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on the top, adding bright green contrast to the warm tones of the cheese and crust. The background is a soft blur of more cheese balls, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe nails flavor and texture because each ingredient plays a vital role. The spicy pork sausage brings hearty flavor and a bit of kick, while the cream cheese adds richness and moisture that stops the bites from drying out. The Bisquick baking mix acts as a light binder and makes the texture just right without weighing it down. Lastly, the shredded cheddar punches up the cheesiness for that perfect savory finish.

Flat lay of fresh raw hot pork sausage in a coil, a smooth block of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with Bisquick baking mix, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all 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: Choose a quality brand; the fat content here is essential for flavor and moisture.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends easily, giving the sausage balls a silky, tender bite.
Bisquick baking mix: Acts as a mild binder—measure carefully without packing to avoid dryness!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, and feel free to get a little generous!

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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 best things about this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’m always playing with the spice level or cheese type depending on what I have on hand, and you should too! Try making it your own and you’ll soon have your signature version.

Variation: I once swapped the hot sausage for a mild Italian version and tossed in some chopped fresh herbs — parsley and thyme — for a fresher note. It was a hit with the kids who aren’t into spicy food.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick to keep these sausage balls safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Add heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture if you like it spicier.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even parmesan for a fun twist.

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

Step 1: Get everything ready and softened

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper — this keeps cleanup easy. Next, soften that cream cheese so it mixes smoothly with the sausage. I usually leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes or zap it in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time until it’s spreadable but not melted.

Step 2: Mix sausage and cream cheese

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer, or even just your hands), blend the hot sausage and softened cream cheese until the mixture is uniform. I love this because it’s hands-on and you can really feel when everything’s well combined. This step is key to creating that creamy texture.

Step 3: Stir in Bisquick and cheddar cheese

Now, add the Bisquick baking mix — be careful not to pack it into your measuring cup. Scoop and level off like you would flour to avoid making them too dry. Stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. I sometimes sneak in a little extra cheese here because it just makes them better.

Step 4: Shape and chill the sausage balls

I use a 1-inch spring-loaded cookie scoop to form the mixture into uniform balls — it speeds things up and makes them neat. No cookie scoop? No problem! Just roll tablespoon-sized amounts between your palms. The trick I’ve found is to place the shaped balls on the parchment-lined trays and refrigerate them for 10 minutes. This helps the fat firm up so they bake nicely without spreading too much.

Step 5: Bake and enjoy!

Bake the sausage balls at 350°F for about 25 minutes. When they’re golden brown and cooked through, take them out and let them cool slightly — I promise the smell alone is worth it. Serve warm for the best experience.

Top Tip

After a few batches, I realized a few little tricks make all the difference when making Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. These tips saved me from dry bites and uneven cooking — so let me share my secrets with you.

Measure Bisquick carefully: Always spoon the mix into the cup instead of packing it down to keep your sausage balls moist and tender.
Chill before baking: Don’t skip the chilling step afterward. It keeps the shape intact and prevents spreading in the oven.
Use a cookie scoop: Helps get evenly sized sausage balls, so they bake uniformly and look beautiful when served.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients combine to avoid dense, tough sausage balls.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on these — it adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness that balances the richness really well. Sometimes I even serve them with a side of spicy mustard or a creamy ranch dip for extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes

For brunch, I like pairing these sausage balls with scrambled eggs and a fresh fruit salad. If it’s a game day spread, complement them with hearty dips, veggie sticks, and maybe some soft pretzels. They’re versatile enough to fit in nearly any meal or snack lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday party, I arranged the sausage balls in a wreath shape on a big platter and placed sprigs of rosemary and cranberries around the edges for festive vibes. They looked gorgeous and went quick! You can get creative with presentation for any occasion — stacked in mini cupcake liners or alongside a cheese board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When stored properly, they retain their flavor and texture pretty well — I love grabbing them cold or reheated for quick snacks or breakfasts during busy mornings.

Freezing

These sausage balls freeze beautifully! To freeze, arrange them on a tray so they don’t touch and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. I’ve frozen them for up to 3 months and popped them straight in the oven from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness on the outside while warming the cheesy inside just right. You can microwave too, but they tend to get a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! I’ve swapped hot for mild sausage many times, especially when serving kids or anyone who prefers less spice. The cream cheese and cheddar will still make these flavorful and delicious.

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

You can replace Bisquick with a simple homemade baking mix or all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Just remember to measure lightly to keep the texture moist rather than dense.

Can I prepare the sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the sausage balls and refrigerate them for 24 hours before baking, or freeze them as mentioned above. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of parties or busy days.

How do I make the sausage balls less greasy?

Choosing sausage with moderate fat content helps, and chilling the shaped balls before baking minimizes grease release. Also, draining excess grease after baking can help. Avoid pressing the Bisquick too firmly which can make them dry and cause excess oil separation.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe feels like such a warm hug for your taste buds. I love that it’s reliable, easy, and can be dressed up or down with small tweaks. Sharing these at family parties or just for an everyday snack brings so much joy — I'm confident you’ll feel the same once you try making them yourself. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and savor every bite!