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

Nothing beats the cozy, cheesy goodness of these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe – they’re a total game-changer for game days or casual get-togethers. Soft, flavorful, with just the right spicy kick, these little bites always steal the show whenever I make them.

The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown meatball-like bites stacked closely together. Each bite has a textured, slightly rough surface with melted bright orange cheese melting over and dripping down the edges. Small bits of cooked reddish-brown bacon are visible, adding a crispy texture at the bottom edges. Fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a pop of color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love the simplicity and speed of this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that’s foolproof every time, and with cream cheese in the mix, the texture turns out perfectly creamy and moist—not dry like some sausage balls can be.

Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of pantry staples that come together quickly.
Creamy Texture: The cream cheese makes these sausage balls irresistibly soft and rich.
Perfect for Any Occasion: They’re great as appetizers, snacks, or at brunch—a true crowd favorite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep and freeze them ahead, which is perfect when you’re hosting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All four ingredients combine to create that signature flavor and texture that Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe are known for. Here’s why each one counts and a few tips to get the best results when you shop or prep.

Flat lay of fresh raw hot pork sausage in a neat coil, a block of soft cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fluffy Bisquick baking mix, and a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, each ingredient arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, 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: The spicy, savory backbone of these sausage balls—buy fresh and well-seasoned for best flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened to mix easily, it keeps the sausage balls moist and rich without overpowering the spice.
Bisquick baking mix: This is your binder; don’t pack it into the cup when measuring to avoid dryness—treat it like flour, gently scoop and level.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty goodness; I like to be generous here, sometimes even adding a bit extra for cheesier bites.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I like how versatile this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is—whether you want it spicy, mild, or with a twist, you can make it your own without sacrificing that classic comfort food vibe.

Variation: Once, I swapped hot sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter option, and it still turned out fantastic—still creamy but a bit less spicy.
Add herbs: Fresh chopped parsley or chives stirred in adds a fresh pop, giving it a subtle garden touch.
Cheese swap: Feel free to try pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.

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

A metal mixing bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture that is light pinkish-tan in color with bits of darker reddish elements mixed in. On top of the mixture, there is a large pile of shredded bright orange cheese, scattered unevenly across the surface. The bowl rests on a wooden table with a blue cloth napkin placed beside it. The photo is taken from above, showing the textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blend sausage and cream cheese

Start by softening your cream cheese—it really makes mixing way easier. In my stand mixer bowl, I combine the hot pork sausage with the softened cream cheese. If you don’t have a stand mixer, no worries—a hand mixer or even just mixing by hand works fine. Get it smooth and well blended to create a creamy base that's easy to work with.

Step 2: Add Bisquick and cheddar cheese

Next, gently stir in 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix. Remember, don’t pack your measuring cup; just spoon and level it off for soft, tender sausage balls. Then add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese—go ahead and get generous here if you love cheesy bites like I do. Mix everything until just combined so you keep that light, airy texture.

Step 3: Shape, chill, and bake

I use a spring-loaded cookie scoop to grab perfect 1-inch portions and then roll them gently in my hands for a uniform shape. Once shaped, pop the sausage balls into the fridge for 10 minutes. This chill step helps them keep their shape while baking, so no flat patties! Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve warm and watch them disappear.

Top Tip

Having made this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These tips help guarantee you get that perfect soft, cheesy texture without drying out or losing flavor.

Measure Bisquick Properly: Don’t pack the Bisquick; spoon it lightly into your measuring cup to avoid drying out the sausage balls.
Chill Before Baking: The 10-minute chill in the fridge prevents spreading and ensures a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy.
Use Cream Cheese at Room Temp: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the sausage, no lumps—warm cream cheese makes mixing so much easier.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until everything’s combined; overworking the mixture can make them tough.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple—just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color. Sometimes, a little dusting of extra shredded cheese on hot sausage balls right out of the oven adds that oozy finish I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls go wonderfully with a tangy ranch dip or a smoky barbecue sauce for dipping. If it’s brunch, I usually pair them with a fresh fruit salad or some scrambled eggs to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve these on a festive platter lined with leafy greens and surround them with small bowls of colorful dipping sauces—think honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a cranberry chutney for a sweet kick. Presentation always earns extra smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cream cheese sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven—still soft inside and crispy outside if you warm them on a baking sheet.

Freezing

I often freeze sausage balls before baking. Simply shape them, place on a parchment-lined tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy edge while keeping the inside warm and creamy. Microwave works too, but the oven maintains the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes! While hot pork sausage gives the best flavor and spice, you can substitute with mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference.

Why do you recommend chilling the sausage balls before baking?

Chilling the formed sausage balls in the fridge helps them hold their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading out too much, resulting in better texture and presentation.

Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls, shape them, and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake them straight from frozen with a little extra bake time.

What should I serve with these sausage balls?

They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce, and sides like fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe for years, and it’s always a hit—whether I’m bringing it to a party or making a snack for my family. It’s one of those recipes that’s straightforward, dependable, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try it, these cheesy, spicy bites become your go-to comfort food too.