January 27, 2025

cream cheese sausage balls

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cream cheese sausage balls are a fantastic choice for any gathering. These savory bites combine sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese for a delicious appetizer. They’re simple to make and can be tailored to your taste with different meats and cheeses. Plus, they bake to a perfect golden brown. Want to learn how they became a beloved Southern staple and how to prepare them? Let’s explore the history and the recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try making cream cheese sausage balls, you’ll quickly realize how easy and enjoyable the process is. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll use only four main ingredients: sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to mix different types of sausage and cheese, such as hot sausage or Pepper Jack. You can even add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Plus, you can make a large batch, perfect for parties or potlucks. If you want to save some for later, simply freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer-safe bag. Sausage balls can be frozen for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a tasty snack on hand. Enjoy these delicious bites fresh or reheated, and they’re sure to impress your guests!

History

Sausage balls have an interesting history that dates back to the 1960s, primarily rooted in the Southern United States. While the exact origin remains unclear, they likely emerged from Southern kitchens before General Mills popularized them by including a recipe in their Bisquick 60th-anniversary booklet. Over the decades, sausage balls evolved, with variations like adding cream cheese for extra flavor and moisture. Today, they’re a staple at social gatherings and holiday celebrations, reflecting their cultural significance in Southern culinary traditions. Despite some claims of a 19th-century origin, the 1960s timeframe is the most widely accepted. Sausage Balls are often described as essential for social events in Southern culture, contributing to their popularity. Different regions have embraced their own twists, making sausage balls a beloved dish across the South, contributing to its rich culinary heritage.

Recipe

Cream cheese sausage balls are a beloved appetizer that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a touch of baking mix for a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, tailgating, or family gatherings, these sausage balls aren’t only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. The secret ingredient of cream cheese adds moisture and tenderness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, you’ll have a delicious crowd-pleaser in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can customize the flavors by choosing different types of sausage and cheese, or by adding herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Whether you prefer a traditional hot pork sausage or want to experiment with sage or Italian sausage, this dish can easily cater to your preferences. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb hot pork sausage
– 1 (8-oz) package of softened cream cheese
– 1¼ to 2 cups Bisquick
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional: chopped chives, red pepper flakes, or pimento cheese spread for flavor variations

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F for a quicker bake). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer with a dough hook or a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until well combined.
Gradually add in the Bisquick and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until a dough forms. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chopped chives or red pepper flakes, do so at this stage.
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball to allow for even baking.
Chill the formed sausage balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally garnished with parsley or chopped chives.

For best results, make sure to use quality ingredients and consider experimenting with different sausage and cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

You can also freeze the uncooked sausage balls for later use; just flash freeze them on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory sausage balls!

Final Thoughts

While preparing cream cheese sausage balls can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind for the best results.

First, the recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients, making it time-efficient—expect to spend just 25 to 35 minutes in total. You can select pork sausage for the best flavor, as it is a preferred choice for this dish.

You can customize your sausage balls by using different types of sausage or cheese. If you’re hosting a party, these treats are perfect for sharing, and they pair well with dips and drinks.

Remember, you can make large batches and freeze extras for later. While best enjoyed fresh, they also reheat nicely, allowing you to savor them at your convenience.

Enjoy the cooking process!

FAQ

Have you ever wondered about the most common questions people have regarding cream cheese sausage balls? One frequent question is whether you can make them without Bisquick. The answer is yes—substitute it with 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

If you’re wondering how long sausage balls can be stored before baking, they can stay in the fridge for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze them after baking. Sausage balls can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for holiday gatherings.

To keep them warm, use a Crockpot on warming mode, stirring occasionally. For baking, the ideal temperature is between 350-375°F until they’re browned and cooked through.

These tips can enhance your cooking experience and guarantee delicious results!