Crispy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These crispy cream cheese sausage balls are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing party snack with a tender, cheesy center and a golden, crunchy exterior. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they come together in under 30 minutes and are endlessly customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (uncooked, mild or spicy)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, full-fat recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick, or gluten-free baking mix)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds until softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine raw sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Blend with a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy spoon until well combined.
- Add baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley. Pour in 2 tablespoons milk and mix until a sticky dough forms. Add another tablespoon of milk if needed for consistency.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into 1-inch balls. Roll gently between palms for a smooth exterior.
- Optional: Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Arrange balls on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Check at 18 minutes if your oven runs hot.
- Transfer sausage balls to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a GF baking mix. Dairy-free cheese and cream cheese can be substituted. Don’t overmix the dough for tender balls. Chill dough if too sticky before shaping. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. Freeze raw or baked balls for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 5
Keywords: sausage balls, cream cheese, party snack, appetizer, baked, easy, cheddar, Bisquick, crispy, comfort food