Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines savory sausage, rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and baking mix into perfectly tender bites. The cream cheese helps create a moist texture, while a brief chilling period before baking helps the sausage balls hold their shape and bake up beautifully golden on the outside.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hot pork sausage | 1 lb |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Bisquick baking mix | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Sausage and Cream Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, blend the sausage and softened cream cheese until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Tip: Softened cream cheese mixes more evenly with the sausage, creating a uniform texture throughout the finished sausage balls.
Step 2: Add the Baking Mix and Cheese
Gradually add the Bisquick baking mix and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Tip: Mixing the baking mix into the meat mixture before adding the cheese helps ensure the ingredients combine evenly and produce a consistent texture.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
Tip: A spring-loaded cookie scoop makes it easy to create evenly sized portions for uniform baking.
Step 4: Chill Before Baking
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Tip: Chilling the sausage balls helps them maintain their round shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through and lightly browned.
Doneness Check: The sausage balls are ready when the exterior is golden brown and the cheese around the edges has become lightly crisp and bubbly.
Serve warm as an appetizer, party snack, or make-ahead breakfast option.
