Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for sausage balls with cream cheese! These little bites of heaven are always a hit at any gathering, be it a holiday party or just a cozy Sunday afternoon with friends. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! I love how the creamy cheese and savory sausage blend together to create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which makes them perfect for last-minute entertaining. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Ingredients for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
To create these delightful sausage balls with cream cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground sausage (I love using a savory pork sausage for the best flavor)
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds a nice bite)
- 1 cup of biscuit mix (this helps bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (for that extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder (because who doesn’t love onion flavor?)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (or more, if you like it spicy!)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to make some deliciously cheesy sausage balls!
How to Prepare Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Alright, let’s get cooking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want those sausage balls to cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden brown color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix them together until they’re well blended—trust me, the cream cheese makes everything so creamy and smooth!
Next, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is incorporated. You want to make sure there are no dry spots or clumps!
Now, it’s time to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. I like to roll them between my palms to get that perfect shape. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe.
Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. When they’re done, let them cool for just a few minutes before serving. Wow, the smell will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Savory flavor combination of sausage and cream cheese that everyone loves.
- Perfectly bite-sized, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Versatile and customizable with different cheeses and seasonings.
- They bake up golden brown and smell absolutely divine!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your sausage balls with cream cheese turn out perfectly every time! First off, make sure your sausage is at room temperature before mixing—it helps everything blend together smoothly. Fresh ingredients are key, so grab the best quality sausage and cheese you can find. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to match your taste; if you love a bit more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper! Also, if you find the mixture too dry, a splash of milk can help bring it all together. Happy cooking!
Variations of Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
One of the best things about sausage balls with cream cheese is how easily you can mix it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick—wow, it’s so good! You can also incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten up the flavor. For a twist, add some crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños for an extra layer of deliciousness. And don’t forget, you can use different types of sausage, like Italian or turkey, to cater to your taste buds. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover sausage balls with cream cheese (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing them up. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy. Enjoy those delicious bites again without losing any flavor!
Nutritional Information
Each sausage ball with cream cheese is about 120 calories, making them a satisfying yet manageable treat. They contain 10g of fat, with 4g being saturated fat, and offer 6g of protein per ball. You’ll also find 2g of carbohydrates and just 1g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but they’re generally a deliciously indulgent snack!
FAQ About Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Can I make sausage balls in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just shape the balls when you’re ready to cook!
What can I use instead of sausage? If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great! You can also try using a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
How do I serve these sausage balls? They’re perfect as is, but you can serve them with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties!
How do I store leftovers? Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat as needed.
Can I adjust the spices? Definitely! Feel free to play around with the seasonings based on your preference. Add more garlic powder or even some crushed red pepper for extra heat!
For more delicious recipes, check out Healthy Pasta Primavera or Italian Cookies. You can also learn about the Secrets of Soft Apple Cake for a delightful dessert option!
Print
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sausage balls with cream cheese are a savory appetizer made with sausage, cheese, and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sausage
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of biscuit mix
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the sausage and cream cheese until well combined.
- Add the cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until blended.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These can be made ahead and stored in the freezer.
- You can use different types of cheese for variation.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sausage balls, cream cheese, appetizer, easy recipe
