Best Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: A Game-Changing Snack

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s simple, savory, and packed with flavor, look no further than these Best Cheese Sausage Balls. These golden little bites are made with cream cheese, hot sausage, and plenty of queso cheddar, making them a must-have for any gathering or lazy afternoon snack. Whether you’re planning a game day, a potluck, or just want something amazing to munch on, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The Story Behind These Amazing Cheese Sausage Balls

I first stumbled across this recipe when I was looking for a new twist on the classic sausage ball. I love making them for parties and gatherings, but I wanted to add a little something extra to make them stand out. That’s when I had the idea to incorporate cream cheese into the mix. If you’ve ever had anything made with cream cheese sausage balls, you know how incredibly creamy and soft they are, with a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and savory sausage flavor.

The first time I tried them, I was hooked. The combination of the hot sausage with the creamy texture from the cream cheese was a total game-changer. Plus, using queso cheddar added a rich, tangy flavor that took these little bites to a whole new level. It was love at first bite, and now, this recipe is one of my absolute favorites.

If you’re looking for a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds (or even thirds!), these cheese sausage balls will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These cream cheese sausage balls are everything you want in a snack – they’re:

• Creamy: Thanks to the rich texture of cream cheese, these sausage balls have a melt-in-your-mouth softness that’s hard to beat.
• Spicy: The hot sausage adds the perfect amount of heat to balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Cheesy: The queso cheddar ties it all together, giving these sausage balls a cheesy bite that everyone loves.
• Easy to make: If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like cooking something complicated, these are the perfect go-to snack. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is a breeze.

Whether you’re hosting a large crowd or just want to make something delicious for yourself, these cheese sausage balls are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Cheese Sausage Balls

Making these cream cheese sausage balls couldn’t be easier. You only need a few ingredients, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound hot sausage (I recommend using a spicy sausage for extra flavor, but feel free to use mild if you prefer less heat)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (this is the key to giving your sausage balls that extra creamy texture)
• 1 cup shredded queso cheddar (you can use other cheeses like sharp cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer, but queso cheddar adds a really nice flavor)
• 1 ½ cups biscuit mix (this is the secret ingredient that holds everything together)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (garlic and sausage are a match made in heaven)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (to add just the right amount of seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (this adds a little smokiness that works wonderfully with the sausage)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (this is optional, but it gives the sausage balls a fresh pop of color)

How to Make These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Making these cream cheese sausage balls is so simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get them perfectly baked every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and will make cleanup a breeze. Plus, the parchment paper helps them crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot sausage, cream cheese, queso cheddar, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated.

I like using my hands because it’s easier to get everything mixed well. However, if you prefer not to get your hands dirty, a spoon works just fine. The mixture should be a little sticky, but don’t worry, that’s totally normal. If it’s too sticky to handle, you can pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 3: Add the Biscuit Mix

Once your sausage mixture is ready, gradually add in the biscuit mix. This will give the sausage balls their structure and help them hold together while baking. Stir the mixture until the biscuit mix is fully combined. If it still seems a little too sticky, you can add a little extra biscuit mix until the dough is easier to handle.

Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls

Now comes the fun part – shaping the sausage balls! Use your hands to scoop out small portions of the sausage mixture (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each ball so they don’t stick together while baking.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The outside should be crispy, and the inside should be soft and cheesy. They’re absolutely irresistible!

Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Balls

• Chill the dough: If your sausage ball dough is too sticky to handle, don’t panic! Just pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This will make rolling the balls much easier and help them hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t overmix: When adding the biscuit mix, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the sausage balls dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Feel free to experiment: Want to add a little extra flavor? Try adding some chopped green onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also swap out the queso cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer.

Can You Make These Cheese Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. If you’re planning a party or a family gathering, you can easily prepare the sausage balls the day before. Just form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer.

When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but other than that, they’re ready to go!

Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese sausage balls are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces to add some extra flavor. Here are a few ideas:

• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sausage balls.
• Honey mustard: The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard adds a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage.
• BBQ sauce: If you like smoky flavors, a little BBQ sauce is the perfect dip for these little bites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and amazing appetizer or snack, these cream cheese sausage balls should be at the top of your list. The combination of hot sausage, cream cheese, and queso cheddar creates a flavor-packed bite that everyone will love. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.

So, the next time you need a snack that’s sure to be a hit, whip up a batch of these cheese sausage balls. You’ll be so glad you did!