As the holiday season comes near, I can almost smell the savory aroma of sausage balls. These bites remind me of cozy gatherings and sharing treats with loved ones. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress your guests, you’re in the right place. I’m about to share a sausage balls with cream cheese recipe that will become a family favorite.
These sausage balls with cream cheese are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday party, game-day, or just a craving for something cheesy, they’re the answer. With only 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, they’re easy to make. Your guests will be amazed by how delicious they are.
What Makes These Sausage Balls with Cream Cheesethe Perfect dishes
Sausage balls are a Southern favorite. They’re a tasty snack that’s simple to make and loved by all. The mix of spicy sausage, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese makes them irresistible.
1. The Classic Southern Comfort Food
Sausage balls come from the Southern United States. They’re a staple in many homes. These small treats are perfect for parties, game days, and holidays.
2. Why Cream Cheese Makes All the Difference
Cream cheese makes these sausage balls special. It adds a creamy texture that goes well with the savory sausage. This creaminess keeps the balls moist and tender, even after baking.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
These sausage balls with cream cheese are great for any event. They’re perfect for barbecues, holiday parties, or game days. Their delicious taste and soft texture make them a hit at any gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
To make the perfect bisquick sausage balls, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need a few simple yet essential components:
- 1 pound of bulk italian sausage
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups of Bisquick baking mix
For extra flavor, add optional ingredients like finely chopped scallions or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you don’t have Bisquick, use homemade biscuit mix or breadcrumbs instead.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the cream cheese mix well with the other ingredients. It makes the dough smooth and cohesive for your bisquick sausage balls.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| italian Sausage | 1 pound |
| Cream Cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 8 ounces |
| Bisquick Baking Mix | 1 1/4 cups |
| Scallions (optional) | Finely chopped |
| Garlic Powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
With these essential ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll create the ultimate sharp cheddar cheese sausage balls. They’re sure to impress your guests at any occasion.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make the perfect sausage balls with cream cheese, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, a large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a food processor for easy mixing. But, a hand mixer or even mixing by hand works too.
1. Must-Have Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or food processor (optional)
- Hand mixer or spoon for manual mixing
- Cookie scoop (for consistent sizing)
2. Optional but Helpful Items
While not necessary, some extra items can make things easier:
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat for lining the baking sheet
- Rimmed baking stone or sheet pan for even heat distribution
- Aluminum foil for easy cleanup
3. Baking Surface Options
For baking the sausage balls, you have choices. A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is a good option. Or, you can use a rimmed baking stone or sheet pan for even heat and best results.
Choose any baking surface you like, but make sure to space the sausage balls evenly. This helps them cook well without crowding.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making these make-ahead appetizer easy sausage ball with Cream Cheese is easy! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (or 350°F, depending on your recipe). In a big bowl or stand mixer, mix the ground breakfast sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute, then speed up to medium and mix for another 1-2 minutes. This will make the mixture smooth and well-combined.
If you like mixing by hand, just knead everything together in the bowl until it’s even. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the sausage balls come together smoothly.
Now that the dough is ready, you’re almost there! Next, learn how to roll and shape your sausage balls perfectly.
Tips for Rolling and Shaping Perfect Balls
Making uniform sausage cheese balls is crucial for a great look and taste. Here are some easy tips to get the perfect shape and size:
1. Size and Consistency Guidelines
Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or melon baller for even sizes. Roll each portion in your palms to smooth out edges and get a round shape.
2. Troubleshooting Common Shaping Issues
- If the mixture is too crumbly, add a bit of milk or extra cream cheese to hold it together.
- For a dry mix, cut down on Bisquick or add more moist ingredients like sour cream or cheese.
When placing the balls on the baking sheet, leave about 1/2 to 1 inch between them. This allows for even cooking. This recipe makes about 24 perfectly sized homemade sausage balls.
Baking Time and Temperature Guide
To bake the perfect baked sausage balls, you need to get the time and temperature right. The best oven temperature is 400°F (200°C). This will make the sausage balls with cream cheese golden and delicious in 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to flip the baking sheet halfway through.
For a slightly different taste, try baking at 375°F (190°C). This will take longer, about 35 to 40 minutes. The sausage balls should be golden and cooked inside to 160°F (70°C).
Remember, baking times can change based on your sausage balls size and oven type. Watch them closely in the last few minutes to avoid dryness.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes | 160°F (70°C) |
| 375°F (190°C) | 35-40 minutes | 160°F (70°C) |
By using these temperature and time tips, you’ll make cooked sausage balls that everyone will love. Just adjust the baking time to get them just right.
Delicious Dipping Sauce Options
Make your sausage balls even better with tasty dipping sauces. You can choose from classic flavors or try making your own. These sauces will make your appetizer unforgettable.
1. Classic Sauce Combinations
For a classic taste, try creamy ranch or tangy barbecue sauce. Honey mustard dip is also a hit, made from equal parts honey and mustard.
2. Homemade Sauce Recipes
- Sweet Chili Mayo: Mix 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for a sweet and spicy dip.
- Baja Chipotle Sauce: Blend chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, and a bit of honey for a smoky, zesty sauce.
- Hot Honey Sauce: Mix honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy glaze.
There are countless dipping sauce options for your homemade sausage balls. Try different flavors to find your favorite.
| Dipping Sauce | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Chili Mayo | Sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise | Sweet and spicy |
| Baja Chipotle Sauce | Chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, honey | Smoky and zesty |
| Hot Honey Sauce | Honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper | Sweet and spicy |
Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions
Hosting a party or gathering can be stressful, especially when it comes to last-minute prep. The good news is that these freezer-friendly appetizer sausage balls with cream cheese can be made ahead. This lets you focus on enjoying your guests.
You can prepare the sausage ball mixture up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge until baking time. To make it even easier, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months. Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet before putting them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to bake, place the frozen sausage balls with cream cheese on a baking sheet. Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach 160°F.
- Leftover cooked sausage balls with cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
These leftover storage and make-ahead options make enjoying these sausage balls with cream cheese easy. They’re perfect for any celebration, from holiday parties to game day gatherings. Your guests will love them.
| Preparation Time | Baking Time | Serving Size | Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 20 minutes | 1 ball | 165 calories, 6g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 12g fat, 5g saturated fat, 344mg sodium, 144mg calcium |
Creative Recipe Variations and Flavor Combinations
Explore a world of creative variations and flavor combinations for your sausage balls. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to try something new, there are endless options. You can customize this beloved appetizer to please everyone.
1. Cheese Alternatives
Don’t stick to just cheddar cheese. Try other cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, white cheddar, or spicy pepper jack. Each cheese adds a unique flavor that complements the savory sausage.
2. Seasoning Suggestions
Enhance your sausage balls with different seasonings. Use herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme for a fresh taste. For a bolder flavor, add Cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
Be adventurous with flavor combinations. Try sage sausage with gruyere and rosemary, or Italian sausage with mozzarella and basil. Even maple-infused sausage with sharp cheddar and thyme is a hit. The goal is to find the perfect balance of flavors.
These sausage ball variations and flavor combinations will impress your guests. So, get creative and find the perfect mix of sausage, cheese, and seasonings. Your guests will love it.
Conclusion
Sausage balls with cream cheese are a hit at any gathering. They’re easy to make and perfect for many occasions. With just four ingredients – cream cheese, beef sausage, cheddar cheese, and a baking mix – you can create endless variations.
These sausage balls with cream cheese are great for dinner dishes , breakfast, or just a snack. They mix rich, creamy flavors with a satisfying texture. This makes them a top choice for party food lovers. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and keep them warm, making them perfect for any event.
So, if you’re looking for a tasty, easy appetizer, try this sausage ball with Cream Cheese. It’s simple, customizable, and loved by all. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients in sausage balls with cream cheese?
The main ingredients are 1 pound of bulk beef sausage, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. You’ll also need 1 1/4 cups of Bisquick baking mix. Optional additions include scallions for color and flavor, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How long does it take to make sausage balls with cream cheese?
It takes 40 minutes to make sausage balls with cream cheese. You’ll spend 15 minutes preparing and 25 minutes cooking.
What is the yield for this sausage ball recipe?
This recipe makes about 24 servings of sausage balls.
What are the nutrition facts for sausage balls with cream cheese?
Each serving has 144 calories, 11g of fat, 4g of carbs, and 6g of protein.
What equipment do I need to make sausage balls with cream cheese?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a 1-inch cookie scoop or melon baller. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a food processor makes mixing easier. But, you can also use a hand mixer or mix manually.
Can I make sausage balls with cream cheese in advance?
Yes, you can make the sausage balls up to 48 hours in advance. Refrigerate them before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then put them in a freezer bag. Bake the frozen balls at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
What are some variations and flavor combinations for sausage balls with cream cheese?
Try using different cheeses like gruyere, mozzarella, white cheddar, or pepper jack. Use different sausages like sage, Italian, maple, or turkey. Add chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or finely diced peppers. Season with rosemary, basil, thyme, Cajun seasoning, or oregano.