cream cheese sausage balls

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: A Southern Favorite with a Creamy Twist

Introduction:

Cream cheese sausage balls are a delicious and savory bite-sized snack, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer at gatherings. With a combination of creamy cheese, flavorful sausage, and tender biscuit mix, these sausage balls are a Southern classic that has a special twist—cream cheese! This addition makes them incredibly soft and rich, perfect for any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them as party appetizers or make them for a family weekend breakfast, these sausage balls will be a hit.

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Recipe Card: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Recipe Name:
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Description:
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these sausage balls are made with just a few ingredients and are the perfect bite-sized comfort food.

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	30-35 sausage balls
Calories	Approx. 100 calories per ball

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups Bisquick or another biscuit mix
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of black pepper

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the sausage and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until they’re well combined.
3. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue to mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate the Bisquick: Gradually add the Bisquick or biscuit mix into the sausage mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined and a dough-like consistency is formed.
5. Form the sausage balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

1. Bake the sausage balls: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F if using pork sausage.
2. Serve and enjoy: Allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

Notes:

• You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Feel free to use a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
• These sausage balls freeze well—just bake and freeze, then reheat in the oven when needed.

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Nutrition Information (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 sausage ball
Calories	100
Sugar	1g
Sodium	180mg
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fiber	0g
Protein	5g
Cholesterol	25mg

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Super Easy: With just a few ingredients, these sausage balls come together quickly and are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: These little bites are loved by kids and adults alike, making them a great option for parties or family gatherings.
3. Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze them, and reheat for a quick snack or breakfast on busy days.

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Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage gives a rich, traditional flavor, but you can also use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese: This is what makes these sausage balls so soft and creamy. You can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re watching calories.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a strong, savory flavor, but you can use mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for variation.
• Bisquick or Biscuit Mix: This gives structure to the sausage balls. You can use a gluten-free biscuit mix if needed.

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How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls (Step-by-Step):

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is soft so it easily mixes with the sausage. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Mix the sausage and cream cheese first to get a smooth base, then add your cheese and seasonings. Finally, mix in the Bisquick gradually to avoid clumps.
3. Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into evenly-sized balls so they cook evenly. You can use a cookie scoop to help with portioning.
4. Bake Until Golden: Watch the sausage balls closely toward the end of baking—they should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.

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Expert Tips for Success:

• Keep Your Hands Wet: When rolling the sausage balls, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the sausage balls in the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from drying out. They should be golden but still moist inside.
• Double the Batch: These freeze beautifully, so feel free to double the recipe and freeze the extra sausage balls for later.

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Variations and Customizations:

• Spicy Sausage Balls: Add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free biscuit mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Cheese Swap: Try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a fun flavor twist.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions:

• Storing: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated sausage balls in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to warm them through. For frozen sausage balls, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Breakfast: Pair these sausage balls with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
• Appetizer: Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce at your next party or gathering.
• Brunch: These are a great addition to a brunch spread with biscuits, gravy, and hash browns.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can mix, roll, and freeze them uncooked. Just bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I substitute for Bisquick?
   If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make your biscuit mix by combining 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt.
3. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
   It’s best to use raw sausage for this recipe, as the pre-cooked sausage will make the mixture too dry.

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Related Recipes:

• Southern Sausage Gravy: Another Southern favorite perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy biscuits that pair perfectly with these sausage balls.
• Mini Quiches: For another great party appetizer, try these bite-sized quiches.

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Conclusion:

Cream cheese sausage balls are a must-try recipe for any occasion. Easy to make, irresistibly cheesy, and incredibly flavorful, these sausage balls will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a party, or a weekend snack, these savory bites are sure to please. Give them a try today, and watch them disappear in no time!

Give it a try, and enjoy the savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique twist on this deliciously cheesy treat!