Can I use breakfast sausage instead of hot sausage?

Absolutely! Breakfast sausage creates a milder flavor profile that's perfect for brunch gatherings. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you still want a hint of heat.

Why did my sausage balls flatten during baking?

This usually happens when the mixture is too warm or the fat content is very high. Make sure to chill the balls before baking, and if your sausage seems particularly fatty, you might need to add a bit more Bisquick to compensate.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix or gluten-free Bisquick. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious.

How do I know when they're done baking?

They should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If you're unsure, break one open—the sausage inside should be fully cooked with no pink remaining, or use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Name: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 pound hot pork sausage; 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened; 2 cups Bisquick baking mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice that makes them completely irresistible. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a delicious appetizer for family movie night, these sausage balls come together in under an hour and will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Fuss Preparation: Mix everything in one bowl, roll into balls, and bake—it’s that simple!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture in advance, or freeze the balls for later when unexpected guests arrive.
Crowd-Pleaser: These savory bites disappear fast at parties and gatherings—I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love them.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or even paired with a salad for a light meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hot Pork Sausage: Provides the main flavor base and a gentle kick of heat. The fat content helps keep these balls moist and flavorful.
Cream Cheese: Creates incredible tenderness and adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sausage perfectly. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Bisquick Baking Mix: Works as the binding agent that holds everything together and creates that perfect exterior texture. No need to worry about adding additional leavening agents.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds that irresistible gooey, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch, but mild works beautifully too.

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.

Variations

Want to customize these tasty bites? Here are some fantastic ways to make them your own:

Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for extra heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a mixture of your favorites.
Bisquick Alternative: As mentioned in the notes, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix makes an incredible substitution with built-in garlic and herb flavors.
Meat Options: Turkey or chicken sausage works for a lighter version, though they might be slightly less moist.
Flavor Boosters: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer), combine the hot pork sausage and softened cream cheese until well integrated. The softened cream cheese is crucial here—it blends much more easily than cold cream cheese.

Step 3: Add the Bisquick

Add the Bisquick baking mix to your sausage and cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully combined, ensuring there are no dry pockets of Bisquick hiding in the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is where the magic happens—don’t be afraid to add an extra handful if you’re a cheese lover!

Step 5: Form the Balls

Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop (or a spoon), portion the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets. If needed, roll them between your palms to perfect their shape.

Step 6: Chill

Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This brief chilling helps the sausage balls maintain their shape during baking rather than spreading out.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. The interior should be cooked through but still moist.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow your cream cheese to fully soften before mixing. This creates a smoother mixture and prevents unincorporated chunks.
Don’t Overmix: Once everything is combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can make the balls dense.
Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which ensures even cooking.
Check Internal Temperature: If you’re concerned about doneness, the internal temperature should reach 160°F for pork sausage.
Line Your Pans: Parchment paper isn’t just for easy cleanup—it prevents these cheesy bites from sticking to the pan.

How to Serve

These versatile sausage balls shine in numerous settings:

Dipping Sauces

Serve with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a simple marinara for delicious dipping options.

Party Presentation

Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Complete the Spread

For an appetizer spread, pair with fresh veggies and dip, a cheese board, or other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange unbaked sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For frozen uncooked balls, bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.

FAQs

Can I use breakfast sausage instead of hot sausage?

Absolutely! Breakfast sausage creates a milder flavor profile that’s perfect for brunch gatherings. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you still want a hint of heat.
Why did my sausage balls flatten during baking?

This usually happens when the mixture is too warm or the fat content is very high. Make sure to chill the balls before baking, and if your sausage seems particularly fatty, you might need to add a bit more Bisquick to compensate.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix or gluten-free Bisquick. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when they’re done baking?

They should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, break one open—the sausage inside should be fully cooked with no pink remaining, or use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F.

Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls have been my go-to appetizer for years because they’re ridiculously simple to make yet impressive enough for any gathering. The cream cheese adds a wonderful richness that sets them apart from traditional sausage balls, creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give them a try at your next get-together—I promise they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!