Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy snack that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your snack cravings. The combination of breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream cheese creates a smooth and flavorful dough that bakes into crispy, tender balls. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, party snack, or comfort food, they’ll be a hit every time.
Ingredients & Quantities
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (240g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups (180g) self-rising flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish or added flavor)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika for a smoky depth
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon for extra richness
- A dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for additional umami
- Ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients, creating a smooth dough.
- Use Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese gives the best texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Do Not Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined to avoid making dense sausage balls.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before rolling.
- Bake on a Rack: For crispier sausage balls, use a wire rack set on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation and even baking.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the seasoning to your taste by increasing or reducing garlic, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet for even baking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and any optional ingredients you’re using. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until well combined, making sure the dough is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. To test for doneness, cut one open to ensure there’s no pink remaining inside.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Description
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy. The sausage provides a rich base, while the cream cheese adds a velvety texture, and the sharp cheddar cheese offers a flavorful, slightly melted bite. The result is a perfectly balanced snack, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to be irresistible!