Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious, savory appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering, holiday, or just as a snack! The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the classic sausage ball, making them extra flavorful and tender. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for them:
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork sausage, breakfast sausage, or your favorite variety)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (if needed, depending on the saltiness of your sausage)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the sausage balls from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until fully combined. The cream cheese should be well integrated with the sausage to create a smooth mixture.
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Add the shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt (if needed). Mix until everything is well incorporated, and a dough-like consistency forms. The mixture should be thick but slightly sticky.
3. Form the Sausage Balls:
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half to make sure there’s no pink remaining inside.
5. Serve:
- Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious served warm, and you can dip them in your favorite sauce, like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella, or even add a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make Them Spicy: For a spicier kick, use spicy sausage or add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked sausage balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them from frozen for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleaser that are easy to make and incredibly tasty. Perfect for breakfast, appetizers, or anytime you need a snack!