If you are searching for that one appetizer that always vanishes first at a party, you have officially found it. These are not just any sausage balls. These are the ultimate Cheese Sausage Balls, packed with creamy, savory, and slightly spicy goodness in every single bite. They are ridiculously easy to make, and they are the perfect finger food for game days, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
We are taking the classic recipe and giving it a major flavor upgrade with cream cheese and a little kick from diced tomatoes with green chiles. The result is a tender, moist, and absolutely addictive snack. Trust me, once you make this version, you will never go back. Get ready to share the recipe, because everyone is going to ask for it.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and rich shredded cheese creates a taste that is pure comfort. It is a savory explosion that hits all the right notes.
Then there is the texture. Thanks to the cream cheese and the baking mix, these sausage balls are wonderfully moist and tender on the inside, with a perfect golden brown exterior. No dry, crumbly appetizers here. Each bite is satisfyingly soft and cheesy.
Simplicity is another big win. You only need a handful of common ingredients and one large bowl. There are no complicated steps. You just mix, roll, and bake. It is a fantastic recipe for beginner cooks or when you need something quick and impressive.
These Cheese Sausage Balls are also super versatile. They are amazing on their own, but they are even better with a dipping sauce. Ranch, spicy mayo, or a simple tomato dip all work beautifully. You can serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature, and they are always a hit.
Finally, they are perfect for making ahead. You can prep a big batch and keep them in the freezer. When you need a quick snack or appetizer, just pop them in the oven. It is a lifesaver for holiday entertaining or unexpected guests. This is truly one of the Best Sausage Balls Ever.
Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating these unforgettable bites. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey sausage (seasoned with black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme or sage for flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained well
- 1½ cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese (or a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack)
A little more on the ingredients. For the sausage, feel free to use your favorite. Classic pork sausage works great, as does turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just make sure it is a raw ground sausage, not precooked links.
Softened cream cheese is a must. Let it sit out on the counter for about an hour before you start. This makes it so much easier to mix everything together smoothly. If you forget, you can microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
Draining the diced tomatoes and chiles is a very important step. You want all the flavor without the extra liquid, which can make the mixture too wet. Just pour the can into a fine mesh strainer and press down gently to get the liquid out.
When it comes to the cheese, a Mexican blend is great because it offers a nice mix of flavors and melts beautifully. However, you could easily use all sharp cheddar for a bolder taste or pepper jack to add some extra heat.
And if you do not have Bisquick on hand, do not worry. You can easily make your own baking mix at home. Just mix 2 cups of all purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or melted butter until it looks like small crumbs. This homemade version works perfectly for these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Bisquick style.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Following these simple steps will give you perfect Cheese Sausage Balls every time. Let us get started.
Step 1: Preheat And Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 200 degrees Celsius. Getting your oven nice and hot is key to getting that beautiful golden brown finish. While it heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add all of your ingredients. That is the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained tomatoes with chiles, baking mix, and shredded cheese. Now it is time to get everything combined. You have a couple of options here.
You can use your hands, which honestly, is sometimes the easiest way to make sure everything is evenly incorporated. Just be ready to get a little messy. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. This takes all the effort out of mixing. Just let it run on low speed until the mixture comes together.
Step 3: Scoop And Shape
Once the mixture is fully combined, it is time to form the balls. I recommend using a small cookie scoop, about 1 tablespoon in size, to portion out the mixture. This ensures all your Cheese Sausage Balls are a uniform size, so they will bake evenly.
Scoop the mixture and then roll it between your palms to form a smooth, 1 inch ball. Place each ball on your prepared parchment lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they are not crowded.
Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You are looking for them to be beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The exact time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. If you are baking frozen uncooked sausage balls, you will want to add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the sausage balls cool for just a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm. Arrange them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, garlic mayonnaise, or a spicy tomato dip are all fantastic choices.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the Cheese Sausage Balls cool completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to eat them, you can enjoy them cold or reheat them. For reheating, the oven or an air fryer works best to bring back that slight crispness. A few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick.
These sausage balls also freeze incredibly well, both cooked and uncooked. This makes them a perfect make ahead appetizer for parties. To freeze uncooked balls, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
To freeze cooked sausage balls, let them cool completely and then follow the same freezing process. This is great for having a quick snack on hand. You can bake the uncooked ones directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For cooked ones, you can reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
Tips
Want to make the Best Sausage Balls Ever? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your appetizer is a home run every single time.
Do not overmix the mixture. Just like with muffins or biscuits, overworking the dough can make the final product tough. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined and you no longer see streaks of any one ingredient.
For the best, most cheesy results, I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre shredded cheese is often coated with anti caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. It is a small step that makes a big difference.
Feel free to customize the spice level. If you love heat, use a hot sausage and a can of hot Rotel. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you prefer things milder, use a mild sausage and drain the chiles very well, or use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead.
If you find your mixture is a bit too sticky to roll easily, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help it firm up a little bit, making it much easier to handle. You can also lightly wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
Make this recipe your own by adding other ingredients. Some chopped green onions, a little bit of finely diced jalapeno, or even some different herbs could add another layer of flavor to your Cheese Sausage Balls. Experiment and have fun with it.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple and incredibly delicious recipe for Cheese Sausage Balls. They are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and creamy, all wrapped up in a convenient little bite. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, requested for every single get together.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these sausage balls are a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat. So go ahead, give them a try. I am confident you will agree that these are the Best Sausage Balls Ever. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ
Can I Make These Cheese Sausage Balls Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the mixture, roll the balls, and then store them uncooked in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. You can also freeze them uncooked for longer storage.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?
Yes, you definitely can. While a Mexican blend is fantastic, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar would add a nice bold flavor. Pepper jack would give them an extra spicy kick. Even a mix of mozzarella and parmesan could be delicious. It is a very forgiving recipe.
My Mixture Is Too Sticky, What Should I Do?
If the mixture feels too sticky to roll into balls, the easiest fix is to chill it. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will help firm everything up. You can also try lightly flouring your hands with a bit of the baking mix before rolling each ball.
How Do I Make These Gluten Free?
Making these Cheese Sausage Balls gluten free is very simple. All you need to do is substitute the regular baking mix with a gluten free all purpose baking mix. Many brands make excellent versions that you can swap in a one to one ratio. Just be sure to check that your sausage is also certified gluten free.
What Are The Best Dipping Sauces For These Sausage Balls?
The options for dipping sauces are nearly endless. A classic creamy ranch dressing is always a crowd pleaser. For something with a bit of a kick, try a spicy mayonnaise or a sriracha aioli. A good quality marinara or tomato sauce is also a wonderful choice, as is a tangy honey mustard dip.
Easy Cheese Sausage Balls
These easy Cheese Sausage Balls are packed with creamy, savory, and slightly spicy goodness in every bite. A simple, flavorful appetizer perfect for game days, holidays, or any party.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained tomatoes with chiles, baking mix, and shredded cheese. Mix until just combined.
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tbsp), portion and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overmixing the ingredients once they come together.
Shredding your own cheese from a block results in a smoother, creamier melt.
If the mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
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