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

There’s something simply irresistible about the warm, cheesy goodness of these bite-sized treats. The Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe I’m sharing is that perfect mix of spicy sausage and creamy cheese that melts beautifully with every bite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to snack for parties or cozy nights in.

The image shows a close-up of several meatballs covered with melted orange cheese and small green herb bits on top. The meatballs have a light brown, slightly crispy texture with gooey cheese melting in spots, creating a shiny look. Some meatballs have small pieces of crispy bacon peeking from underneath the cheese. The meatballs are piled close together on a white marbled surface. 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

This recipe blends comfort and convenience in a way that always brings a smile to my face. I love how it’s simple but feels special — perfect for casual gatherings or when you want a cozy snack without much fuss. Plus, the cream cheese keeps these sausage balls incredibly tender and flavorful.

Rich Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds a luscious moisture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Easy and Quick Prep: You’ll have all your ingredients combined in just a few minutes, great for last-minute snacks.
Customizable Spice Level: Using hot pork sausage means you get that pleasant kick, but you can switch to mild or even turkey sausage.
Perfect Party Pleaser: These bite-sized sausages disappear fast — your guests will keep coming back for more.

The image shows several round meatballs stacked close together on a white marbled surface. Each meatball has a light brown outer layer with patches of melted orange cheddar cheese melted on top and slightly baked to a glossy orange-golden color. Small pieces of bright green parsley are sprinkled on top of the meatballs, adding a touch of color contrast. The texture of the meatballs looks tender and moist with the melted cheese pieces irregularly spread out. The focus is on the top meatball, making it appear larger with a soft blurred background of other meatballs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe truly lies in the stellar combo of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one brings a texture or flavor that turns this simple mix into a crowd-pleaser, and I’ll share my best tips to pick quality ingredients.

Flat lay of fresh raw hot pork sausage links arranged neatly beside a small block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with pale beige Bisquick baking mix, and a small white ceramic dish holding a generous pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all ingredients looking fresh and natural, 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: It’s the flavor star here, providing savory heat and juiciness. Go for fresh, good-quality sausage from your butcher or trusted brand.
Cream Cheese: Softened to blend in smoothly, cream cheese adds that irresistible creamy richness and keeps everything moist.
Bisquick Baking Mix: Acts as a light binder here — just be careful not to pack it when measuring, or your balls will get dry. Spoon it loosely for best texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and a melty pull that makes these extra cheesy — I always add a little more than called for!

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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

One of my favorite things about the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you're into a little extra spice or want to sneak in some herbs, it’s a wonderfully forgiving recipe—a great canvas for your creativity.

Variation: I once swapped the hot pork for Italian sausage—mild and herby—and it added a whole new flavor dimension that surprised everyone at game night.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to try pepper jack for a little extra heat or mozzarella if you want a gooey texture without overwhelming sharpness.
Herb Addition: Fresh chopped parsley or chives stirred into the mix add an unexpected but delightful brightness.
Health Twist: For a leaner version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese—you still get tasty sausage balls without the extra fat.

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

Step 1: Mix the sausage and cream cheese until creamy

I start by softening the cream cheese so it’s easy to blend. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is my go-to for this step—it blends the hot sausage and cream cheese into a velvety base. No mixer? No problem! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a little elbow grease.

Step 2: Gently fold in Bisquick and cheddar

Next, I measure the Bisquick carefully—remember, no packing! I use a spoon to fill the cup loosely and stir it in just until combined. Then, I add the cheddar cheese and stir again. Don’t overmix here; you want just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.

Step 3: Shape and chill before baking

I like using a spring-loaded cookie scoop to keep the balls uniform—about 1-inch size is perfect for popping in your mouth. Sometimes they come out a little uneven, so I roll them gently between my hands to make perfect spheres. Then, pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes. This chill time is key—it helps the sausage balls hold their shape while baking instead of spreading out.

Step 4: Bake until golden and delicious

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake the chilled sausage balls for about 25 minutes, until they’re golden and the sausage is cooked through. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can dry them out, but underbaking means chewy centers.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, a few tips consistently improve my results. These little tricks help me get the perfect texture and flavor every single time.

Measure Bisquick Properly: Avoid packing the Bisquick. Just spoon it in lightly—this keeps your sausage balls tender and not crumbly.
Chill Before Baking: A quick 10-minute chill prevents spreading and gives you the classic round shape we all love.
Use Fresh Sausage: The quality of your sausage really shows here. Fresh, good sausage makes a tastier, juicier bite.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the cheese and Bisquick, mix just enough to combine—overworking the dough makes the texture dense.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or snipped chives adds a nice pop of color and subtle fresh flavor. Occasionally, I set out small bowls of spicy mustard or honey mustard on the side for dipping, which adds a wonderful tang without overpowering the sausage balls.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls are great alongside crisp celery sticks or crunchy pickles to balance their richness. For a heartier spread, I like pairing them with deviled eggs or a fresh, crunchy salad. They also fit right in on a brunch buffet with fruit and scrambled eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve brought these to parties, I’ve arranged them on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Another fun idea is serving them warm in a cast iron skillet lined with fresh herbs underneath for that rustic, inviting look. Tucking them into small, festive cupcake liners also makes them look extra special for holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage balls keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually let them cool fully before storing to keep the texture just right. When I make a big batch, I pop extras in the fridge for easy snacks the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver with this recipe! I arrange the unbaked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. That way, I can bake just what I need straight from frozen—no thawing needed, just add a few extra minutes in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven or toaster oven best to keep the outside crisp and the inside soft—about 10 minutes at 350°F does the trick. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy, so I reserve that for quick bites.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?

Absolutely! Mild sausage works perfectly if you prefer less heat. You might want to add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want to keep a bit of spice.

What if I don’t have Bisquick?

You can substitute with 2 cups of all-purpose flour plus 3 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic Bisquick’s leavening effect. Just mix those dry ingredients before adding to your sausage mixture.

Can I make these ahead and freeze?

Yes! Form them into balls and freeze before baking, then bake from frozen by adding a few minutes to the baking time. This makes for an easy party prep or quick snack anytime.

How do I keep the sausage balls from spreading out?

Chilling the formed balls in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before baking really helps keep their shape. Don’t skip this step—it makes all the difference in texture and appearance!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. I always get excited when I pull that warm tray out of the oven and watch everyone dive right in. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s as easy as it is delicious, and soon enough, you’ll have your own favorite variations to share with friends and family.