Oh, let me tell you, sausage balls with cream cheese are a total crowd-pleaser! I mean, who can resist those savory bites of goodness? I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering; the aroma wafting through the house was enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen. They disappeared faster than I could put them out! These little gems are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a game day snack, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home with friends. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again. They’re easy, delicious, and always a hit!
Ingredients for Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Getting the right ingredients is super important for making the most delicious sausage balls with cream cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground sausage (I love using a spicy variety for a kick!)
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for flavor!)
- 1 cup of biscuit mix (this is what helps everything hold together)
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder (for that lovely aromatic touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder (adds depth to the flavor)
That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
How to Prepare Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these scrumptious sausage balls with cream cheese! Follow these straightforward steps and you’ll have a batch whipped up in no time. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those sausage balls to bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. I usually use my hands for this part—it’s messy but effective! Mix until they’re well combined and smooth.
- Next, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated. You want to make sure there are no dry patches of biscuit mix hiding in there!
- Now comes the fun part: shaping! Grab a small amount of the mixture—about 1 inch in diameter—and roll it into a ball. You’ll want to repeat this until you’ve used up all the mixture. A little tip: wet your hands slightly to help prevent sticking.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit to allow for even cooking.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and smelling heavenly!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This waiting time is the hardest part, but it’s totally worth it for that first warm bite!
And there you have it—easy peasy sausage balls with cream cheese that are ready to impress! Enjoy each delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Each sausage ball with cream cheese is around 120 calories, making them a hearty yet delightful snack. They contain about 10 grams of fat, which adds to their rich flavor, along with 6 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, they’re totally worth it for the yum factor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip up a batch in just 40 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with the perfect combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese.
- Perfect for gatherings, game days, or as a tasty snack anytime.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile—serve them warm, or let guests enjoy them at room temperature!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sausage balls with cream cheese turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature—this makes mixing a breeze and helps achieve that creamy texture. When shaping the balls, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them some space to breathe and brown nicely. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider keeping them warm in a slow cooker on low heat—they’ll stay deliciously gooey and ready to enjoy!
Variations of Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
One of the best things about sausage balls with cream cheese is how easily they can be customized! Want to spice things up? Try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick! If you’re a cheese lover, mix in some crumbled feta or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a unique flavor twist. You could even throw in some chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh touch. And don’t forget about the option of using different types of sausage—Italian sausage or breakfast sausage can really change the game. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover sausage balls with cream cheese can be stored easily! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sausage balls on a baking sheet. Warm them up for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is nice and melty again. If you’re in a rush, you can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they may not be as crispy. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making sausage balls with cream cheese? No problem! Here are some of the most common ones I get.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. They’re perfect for making ahead for parties!
What’s the best way to serve them? Serve them warm right out of the oven for the best flavor, but they’re also tasty at room temperature! You can pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for an extra kick.
Can I freeze them? Definitely! You can freeze the uncooked sausage balls. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Imprimer
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: 7 Irresistibly Tasty Tips
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Sausage balls with cream cheese are a savory snack made from sausage and cream cheese, baked until golden.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sausage and cream cheese until well combined.
- Add cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 2g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: sausage balls, cream cheese, appetizer, snack
