Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about the combination of sausage and cream cheese! These sausage balls with cream cheese are not just easy to whip up, but they’re also bursting with flavor and comfort. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the aroma wafting through the house had everyone eagerly awaiting the first bite. They’re always a hit—whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in. Plus, you can never go wrong with a dish that combines savory sausage and creamy goodness! Trust me, once you take a bite of these little gems, you’ll understand why they disappear so quickly. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
- 1 pound of ground sausage (I love using a spicy variety for an extra kick!)
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing—trust me, it makes a difference!)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar works wonders for flavor!)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (This helps bind everything together beautifully.)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (Because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder (A little depth of flavor goes a long way.)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper (Adjust to your taste if you like things spicier!)
How to Prepare Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Preparing these sausage balls with cream cheese is a breeze, and I promise you, they come together in no time! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these delightful bites. Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sausage balls cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until it’s well blended. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated with no lumps.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated—it should be a nice, cohesive mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little variation in size just adds character!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible during this time!
- Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, they’re best enjoyed warm!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into these delicious sausage balls with cream cheese, it’s good to know what you’re munching on! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guideline. For a typical serving size of 4 sausage balls, you’re looking at around 300 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 15 grams of protein. They’re hearty and satisfying, perfect for a snack or appetizer! Just remember, everything in moderation, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these sausage balls with cream cheese! Here are just a few reasons why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll have these savory bites ready in no time!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day celebration, holiday gathering, or a cozy movie night, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Serve: They’re bite-sized and portable, making them an ideal appetizer or snack that everyone can enjoy.
- Make Ahead: You can prep them in advance, and they freeze beautifully for future cravings!
Once you try them, you’ll see why they vanish so quickly at parties!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect sausage balls with cream cheese is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my go-to tips to ensure yours come out delicious every time:
- Mixing: Don’t overmix the ingredients! Just blend until everything is combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Baking: Keep an eye on them as they bake—every oven is a little different! Look for that lovely golden brown color for the best texture.
- Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a plate. This helps them firm up a bit more and makes them easier to handle.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering with these tasty bites!
Variations on Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
If you’re looking to mix things up with your sausage balls with cream cheese, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fun variations I love:
- Cheese Choices: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist, or go with mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor!
- Herbs and Spices: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Or, sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a smoky depth that’s simply divine.
- Meat Mix: Try using a combination of sausage and crumbled bacon for an extra savory kick. The smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch!
- Veggie Boost: For a little health kick, mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños. They add a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness!
These variations not only change up the flavor but also keep things exciting each time you make them. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover sausage balls with cream cheese is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the sausage balls in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps them nice and crispy!
FAQ About Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Got questions about these delicious sausage balls with cream cheese? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option. Each will bring a different flavor profile!
What can I serve with them? These savory bites pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They’ll accommodate any palate!
Are they gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free flour! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go.
Can I make them ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for parties or game day!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions—I’m here to help you make the best sausage balls ever!
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: 5 Savory Delights Await
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sausage balls with cream cheese are a savory and easy-to-make snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sausage
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the sausage and cream cheese until well combined.
- Add the cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage balls, cream cheese, appetizer, snack
