Indulge in these savory Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, a perfect appetizer or party snack that’s bursting with flavor. Combining spicy hot sausage, creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick, these easy-to-make bites are a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to whip up this simple yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups Bisquick
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sausage Balls
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl (or using a KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment), combine the hot sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
Step 2: Rolling and Baking
- Forming Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray.
- Baking: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Serving
- Enjoy: Serve hot, and watch them disappear! These sausage balls are perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to holiday parties.
Optional: Freezing Instructions
- Freezing Uncooked: If you want to freeze the sausage balls before baking, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips :
- Appetizer Perfection: Serve these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls hot from the oven as a delightful appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy mustard to complement their savory flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls remain delicious and fresh, whether serving them immediately or preparing them ahead of time for future enjoyment.
Variations :
- Bacon Cheddar: Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon along with the sausage for an extra savory kick. Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken: Substitute hot sausage with cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Add blue cheese crumbles to the mixture for a tangy twist.
- Jalapeño Popper: Incorporate finely chopped pickled jalapeños and shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the mixture. Serve with a side of cream cheese or ranch dip.
- Italian Style: Use Italian sausage instead of hot sausage and add Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Spinach and Feta: Mix in chopped cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Season with garlic powder and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Mexican Fiesta: Use chorizo sausage instead of hot sausage. Add diced green chilies, shredded pepper jack cheese, and a dash of cumin. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Barbecue Ranch: Mix in barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning into the sausage mixture. Serve with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Mushroom Swiss: Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese to the sausage mixture. Serve with a creamy mushroom sauce.
- Greek Style: Mix in chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce or a lemon-garlic aioli.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil) and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean twist. Serve with a balsamic glaze for dipping.
- Pimento Cheese: Add finely chopped pimentos and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture. Serve with a side of pimento cheese spread.
- Apple and Gouda: Incorporate finely diced apple pieces and shredded smoked Gouda cheese into the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon before baking.
- Cajun Spice: Use Cajun-style sausage and add Cajun seasoning, chopped green onions, and diced bell peppers to the mixture. Serve with remoulade sauce.
- Hawaiian Style: Mix in chopped pineapple tidbits (well-drained) and shredded coconut into the sausage mixture. Brush with a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze after baking.
- Spinach Artichoke: Add chopped artichoke hearts (drained and squeezed dry) and thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry) to the sausage mixture. Serve with a creamy spinach artichoke dip.
These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to transform your Cream Cheese Sausage Balls into unique and delicious appetizers, perfect for any occasion or taste preference. Experiment with these ideas to create new twists on this classic recipe and delight your guests with flavorful bites.
FAQs :
- Can I use regular sausage instead of hot sausage?
- Yes, you can use regular sausage if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking and bake as needed.
- How do I prevent the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet?
- Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these sausage balls?
- Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup are great options for dipping.
- How do I know when the sausage balls are cooked through?
- They should be golden brown and cooked through in the center. You can check by cutting one open to ensure there is no pink color inside.
- Can I bake these sausage balls in an air fryer?
- Yes, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- How long can I leave sausage balls out at room temperature?
- Serve sausage balls immediately after baking. If left at room temperature, they should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
- Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I add vegetables or herbs to the sausage ball mixture?
- Yes, finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or herbs like parsley or thyme can be added for extra flavor and color.
These FAQs provide helpful answers to common questions about making, storing, and customizing Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience for anyone trying out this delicious recipe.
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests or family. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a savory snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and savor the cheesy, spicy goodness of these addictive sausage balls!