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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 36 reviews

If you’re a fan of delicious, cheesy snacks that are super easy to make and always impress a crowd, you’ve got to try this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. Seriously, these little bites are everything—creamy, savory, and perfectly spiced, and they come together in no time. I love whipping these up for game days, potlucks, or even as a weeknight treat. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every single time.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Blend: The cream cheese adds moisture and creaminess that keeps the sausage balls tender inside, while the Bisquick provides just enough structure without drying them out.
Simple Yet Flavorful: With just four main ingredients, it’s surprisingly rich and satisfying thanks to the sausage and sharp cheddar cheese combo.
Easy to Prep Ahead: You can make them in advance, freeze, and reheat—making these perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Flexible for Tastes: The recipe adapts easily—spice level, cheese choice, even biscuit mix substitutions let you customize to what you love.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage balls recipe, cheesy sausage bites, savory appetizer ideas, easy party snacks - The image shows many small round cheese balls baked on white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a rough, lumpy texture with golden orange melted cheese oozing on top and slightly browned edges where the cheese has crisped, creating a shiny, rich look. The cheese has spread a bit around the base, making crispy orange patches on the paper. The lighting highlights the shiny and slightly crunchy texture of the melted cheese, with some cheese balls in soft focus in the background, all arranged in rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that balance creaminess, savory flavors, and just the right texture. Each ingredient pulls its weight, and a few little shopping tips can make your life easier when preparing.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage balls recipe, cheesy sausage bites, savory appetizer ideas, easy party snacks - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh hot pork sausage, an uncut block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale Bisquick baking mix, a small white bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, 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 the spicy, meaty punch that’s the star here—always go for fresh from the butcher or high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese tenderizes the mix and keeps the sausage balls from drying out—don’t skip the softening step for easiest mixing.
Bisquick Baking Mix: Acts as the binder, holding everything together without toughening—remember not to pack it when measuring to avoid dry balls.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty, cheesy goodness—feel free to grab your favorite sharp or medium cheddar depending on your spice preference.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how forgiving it is to personalization—you can totally make it your own. I often switch up the cheese or tweak the spice level depending on the occasion or who I’m cooking for.

Variation: Once, I swapped the Bisquick for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix and used pimento cheese spread instead of shredded cheddar—game changer for a Southern twist my family loved.
Make it milder or hotter: If you don’t love spice, use mild sausage or even turkey sausage; if you want a kick, add some cayenne or use extra-hot sausage.
Add herbs or garlic: For extra flavor, minced garlic or fresh chopped parsley can sneak in some brightness—great if you want to dress them up.

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

Step 1: Soften and Mix Your Cream Cheese and Sausage

Start by softening the cream cheese at room temperature—it’ll mix so much more smoothly with the sausage this way. I love using my stand mixer but you can definitely mix by hand or with a handheld mixer. Combine the softened cream cheese and hot pork sausage until they form a well-blended, creamy base. If you don’t soften the cream cheese, you’ll end up with lumps, and trust me, that’s not the vibe we want.

Step 2: Add Bisquick Baking Mix and Cheese

Next, gently fold in two cups of Bisquick baking mix. Here’s a golden rule: don’t pack your measuring cup when you scoop the Bisquick. Just spoon it in lightly until the cup is full to avoid making the sausage balls dense or dry. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Be generous here if you like—it only makes these better in my book!

Step 3: Shape and Chill Before Baking

Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop is my secret weapon for perfectly sized 1-inch balls. If you don’t have one, just scoop with a spoon and roll them gently with your hands—don’t worry about being perfect, they come out delicious either way. After shaping, pop the trays into the fridge for about 10 minutes. I never skip this step because chilling helps keep the sausage balls from spreading out during baking, keeping them nice and plump.

Step 4: Bake and Serve Hot

Bake the chilled sausage balls at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. You’ll notice the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen, and honestly, it’s the hardest part—not digging in right away! Serve these warm—they’re perfect for dipping or on their own.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Don’t Overpack Your Bisquick: Lightly spoon it in to keep the texture tender and moist.
Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the shaped balls ensures they don’t spread too thin and keep their perfect bite-sized shape.
Use a Cookie Scoop: It saves time and guarantees uniform sausage balls that bake evenly—game changer for parties.
Hands-On Mixing: If you don’t have a mixer, get in there with your hands—it’s messy but the best way to ensure everything’s combined nicely.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage balls recipe, cheesy sausage bites, savory appetizer ideas, easy party snacks - A close-up view of a stack of round, baked meatballs covered with melted orange cheese and small green herb bits on top. The meatballs have a light brown, slightly crispy texture with some spots of red sauce peeking through the cheese. They are piled high in a metal tray, with some meatballs resting on others. The background shows a white marbled surface, keeping the focus on the warm, cheesy meatballs. The lighting highlights the gooey cheese and fresh herbs, giving the image a fresh and tasty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with these sausage balls because their flavor shines on its own. But if I’m feeling fancy, I top them lightly with chopped fresh parsley or chives once they come out of the oven—this adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully. Sometimes a dollop of whole-grain mustard on the side is an unexpected but delightful bonus.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls are so rich and filling that I often pair them with light sides—think crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even a simple fruit tray to balance all the savory goodness. For brunch, they’re amazing alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh tomato salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party or special occasion, try skewering a couple sausage balls with toothpicks and alternating with cubes of cheese and olives for a fun appetizer platter. I’ve also arranged them in a wreath shape on a round tray for holiday gatherings—it’s a showstopper and makes it super easy for guests to grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem! I store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last about 3 days. I’ve found that they taste great even cold, but warming them up helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

Freezing

Freezing these sausage balls works wonderfully. I like to freeze them individually on a lined baking sheet so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I bake them right from frozen—adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have homemade, fresh-tasting snacks anytime.

Reheating

I reheat leftover sausage balls in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, which keeps them crispy on the outside and warm all the way through without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose that lovely crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use mild sausage instead of hot in this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! Using mild sausage will give you the same great texture and creaminess, just with a gentler flavor. This is perfect if you’re cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to spice. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika if you want to bump up the heat a little without fully going “hot.”
Do I have to use Bisquick, or can I substitute something else?

You can swap Bisquick with other baking mixes like self-rising flour or even the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix for a fun twist, but be mindful that the texture and flavor might vary slightly. The key is to keep your measurements light and consistent to avoid drying out your sausage balls.
How do I prevent my sausage balls from flattening out while baking?

Chilling the shaped sausage balls in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before baking is essential—it helps firm them up so they hold their shape instead of spreading out on the baking sheet. Also, resist the urge to pack them too tightly when forming; loosely rolled balls bake better.
Can I prepare sausage balls ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can shape the sausage balls, keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to cover them well if refrigerating, and for frozen ones, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for years because it’s quick, tasty, and always brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the game, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and forgiving, with flavors that deliver every time. I hope you love making and sharing these sausage balls as much as I do—they’re the kind of recipe that turns any gathering into a celebration. Now, go grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!