There are sausage balls that are good, and then there are sausage balls made with cream cheese and cheddar—the kind that are impossibly moist, flavorful, and addictive. These bite-sized, savory morsels are a Southern classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, game day, or any gathering. The addition of cream cheese takes traditional sausage balls to the next level, making them extra tender, rich, and absolutely irresistible.
Traditional sausage balls are made with just sausage, Bisquick, and cheddar cheese. But adding cream cheese transforms them into something extraordinary. The cream cheese adds moisture, tanginess, and a velvety texture that keeps these balls from ever drying out. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory, cheesy, sausage flavor.
These sausage balls are incredibly easy to make—just four main ingredients, one bowl, and your hands. They come together in minutes and bake in under 20. Serve them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping, or enjoy them plain. However you serve them, these cream cheese and cheddar sausage balls will disappear fast.
Why You Will Love These Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese and Cheddar
· Incredibly moist and tender: Cream cheese adds richness and prevents dryness.
· Savory, cheesy, and satisfying: Packed with sausage and cheddar.
· Only 4 main ingredients: Sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar.
· Ready in under 30 minutes: Fast and easy.
· Perfect for parties, game day, breakfast, and brunch.
· Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake when ready.
· Customizable: Add jalapeños, different cheeses, or herbs.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for sausage balls with cream cheese and cheddar:
The Base:
· 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or maple)
· 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
· 1½ cups Bisquick baking mix (or any all-purpose baking mix)
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
· 2 green onions, finely chopped
· 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
For Serving (Optional):
· Ranch dressing
· Honey mustard
· Spicy mayo (mayonnaise + sriracha)
· Maple syrup (for breakfast)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix. If you are short on time, microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional add-ins. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be sticky but should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. You should get approximately 30 to 36 sausage balls.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit). If you want extra-crispy edges, broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully.
Step 6: Serve
Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese will not incorporate evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
· Do not overmix: Overmixing can make the sausage balls dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
· Use your hands: The best way to mix this dough is with clean hands. It ensures even distribution of ingredients.
· Use a cookie scoop: For uniform size and easy rolling, use a 1-inch cookie scoop.
· Do not overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between the balls so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
· Make ahead: Assemble the sausage balls and refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.
· Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
· Spicy sausage balls: Use hot breakfast sausage and add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
· Maple sausage balls: Use maple-flavored breakfast sausage and add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the mixture.
· Bacon cheddar sausage balls: Add ½ cup of crumbled cooked bacon.
· Herb sausage balls: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chives, or rosemary.
· Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baking mix (like gluten-free Bisquick).
· Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar. The texture may be slightly different.
· Add vegetables: Finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms are excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls are delicious served:
· As an appetizer: With ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
· For breakfast: With maple syrup or alongside scrambled eggs and fruit.
· For brunch: On a platter with fresh fruit and pastries.
· For game day: With a variety of dipping sauces.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze uncooked or cooked sausage balls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating (if frozen cooked) or bake from frozen (if uncooked).
Reheating Instructions
· Oven method (best): Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
· Air fryer method: Reheat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes.
· Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 20 to 30 seconds (the texture will be softer).
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 30 sausage balls, 5 balls per serving):
· Calories: 220
· Protein: 9g
· Fat: 17g
· Saturated Fat: 8g
· Carbohydrates: 8g
· Fiber: 0g
· Sugar: 1g
· Sodium: 480mg
· Calcium: 10% DV
· Iron: 4% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. Ground pork sausage is traditional, but you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage.
Can I make these without Bisquick?
Yes. Substitute 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter (cut in).
Why are my sausage balls dry?
Dry sausage balls usually mean too much Bisquick, not enough cream cheese, or overbaking. Make sure to measure accurately and bake just until golden brown.
Can I add cheese to the outside?
Yes. Roll the balls in extra shredded cheddar cheese before baking for an extra-cheesy crust.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Are these gluten-free?
Not as written. Use a gluten-free baking mix to make them gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. This recipe scales easily. Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
What dipping sauce goes best with these?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy mayo, and maple syrup are all excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
Sausage balls with cream cheese and cheddar are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They are moist, tender, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage flavor. The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes them extra special—keeping every bite soft and rich, never dry.
This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, game day gatherings, breakfast buffets, or any time you need a quick, satisfying snack. They are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve them with ranch, honey mustard, or maple syrup, they will disappear fast.
So preheat that oven, soften that cream cheese, and mix up a batch of the best sausage balls you have ever tasted. In less than 30 minutes, you will have a platter of golden, cheesy, savory bites that everyone will love. That is the beauty of simple cooking—big flavor, minimal fuss, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Enjoy.