Have you ever been on the hunt for that one appetizer that pleases everyone? You know, the one that vanishes from the plate in minutes at a holiday party or family get together. It’s a familiar quest for many of us home cooks.
Well, I’m here to tell you the search is over. These Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Bisquick are the solution. They are unbelievably simple, packed with savory flavor, and have a wonderfully tender texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Let’s make some!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. You do not need to be a seasoned chef to nail this recipe. With just a handful of common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something truly delicious. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly a breeze to prepare.
The flavor is just fantastic. We are talking about the rich, savory taste of seasoned sausage combined with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese. The cheddar adds a nice sharpness, and the chives bring a hint of fresh, mild onion flavor. It’s a classic combination that just works so well.
These sausage balls are also incredibly versatile. They are a star player in many Appetizer Recipes for parties, game days, or potlucks. But honestly, they are also great for a quick breakfast on the go or even a savory snack any time of day. There is no wrong time to enjoy them.
Another great thing is how make ahead friendly they are. You can prep a big batch, freeze them, and then just pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick and tasty bite. This is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons or when unexpected guests stop by.
They are also very customizable. You can switch up the type of sausage, play with different cheeses, or add in your favorite spices to make them your own. It’s a forgiving recipe that invites creativity. It’s very similar to the classic Bisquick Sausage Balls Original recipe but with the added creaminess we all love.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its short and simple ingredient list. You likely have some of these items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- 1 pound ground seasoned sausage
- 1/2 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
A quick note on the ingredients. For the sausage, a pound of seasoned pork sausage works wonderfully. Brands often used for Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls are a great choice here. However, feel free to use turkey or even chicken sausage if you prefer.
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature. This is really important for getting a smooth mixture without any lumps. Just leave it on the counter for about an hour before you start.
And for the biscuit mix, the classic Bisquick is what makes this recipe so easy. It provides the structure and leavening all in one box. The cheddar cheese adds that sharp, salty kick that pairs so well with the sausage.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Making these Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Bisquick is a fun and simple process. Just follow along with these steps.
Step 1: Get Your Pans Ready
First thing’s first, let’s prep our baking station. Grab two large baking sheets with rims. The rims are important to catch any grease that might cook out.
Line both of these trays with parchment paper. This step is a game changer for easy cleanup. The sausage balls will not stick, and you will not have to scrub the pans later. Once they are lined, just set them aside for now.
Step 2: Mix The Sausage And Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground sausage and the softened cream cheese. This is where you might want to roll up your sleeves. Using your hands is honestly the best way to get these two ingredients fully incorporated.
You want to work the cream cheese into the sausage until you cannot see any white chunks. The mixture should look uniform and smooth. A rubber spatula can work too, but clean hands are the most effective tool here.
Step 3: Add The Remaining Ingredients
Now, add the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped chives to the same bowl. Mix everything together until it is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture at this stage.
Overmixing can make the final sausage balls tough. You just want to mix until all the dry biscuit mix is moistened and everything is evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and a little sticky.
Step 4: Roll The Sausage Balls
Time to form the balls! Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture. You are aiming for balls that are about one inch in diameter, or roughly two tablespoons of the mixture.
Roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, round ball. Place the formed sausage balls onto your prepared baking sheets. You can place them fairly close together as they will not spread much.
Step 5: Chill The Dough
This is a crucial step for the best texture! Place both baking sheets into the refrigerator and let the sausage balls chill for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave them in there for a few hours if you are prepping ahead.
Chilling the mixture helps the fat in the sausage solidify. This prevents the balls from spreading out and becoming flat while they bake. It ensures they hold that nice, round shape you worked to create.
Step 6: Bake To Golden Brown
While the sausage balls are chilling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven is hot and the balls are chilled, place the baking sheets directly into the oven.
Bake for about 25 minutes. You will know they are done when they are beautifully browned on the bottoms and around the edges. They should also feel firm to the touch. The wonderful smell filling your kitchen is another good indicator!
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done baking, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the sausage balls cool for just a minute or two on the pan before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best enjoyed warm!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, make sure the sausage balls have cooled completely to room temperature. Storing them while warm can create condensation and make them soggy.
For short term storage, place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or, for a crispier result, warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees for a few minutes.
These also freeze beautifully. To freeze, arrange the cooled sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are solid. This is called flash freezing and it prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the sausage balls to a zip top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add about 10 to 15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips
Want to make your Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Bisquick even better? Here are a few little tricks I have learned along the way.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. If it is too cold, it will not mix smoothly with the sausage, and you will end up with little pockets of plain cream cheese in your final product. Patience is key here!
Shred your own cheese if you have the time. Pre shredded cheese is often coated in starches to prevent clumping, which can affect how it melts. Freshly shredded cheddar will give you a creamier, more melty result.
Feel free to add a little spice! If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the dough can add a wonderful kick. You could also use a hot variety of sausage.
Do not skip the chilling step. I know it is tempting to go straight from rolling to baking, but chilling the sausage balls really does make a difference. It helps them bake up perfectly round instead of spreading into flat discs.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Using a small scoop ensures that all your sausage balls are the same size. This not only looks nicer, but it also means they will all cook evenly in the same amount of time.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, crowd pleasing recipe that is perfect for any occasion. These Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Bisquick are a testament to the fact that you do not need complicated steps or a long list of ingredients to make something truly tasty.
They are the kind of food that brings people together, whether it is around a holiday table or in front of the TV for the big game. They are comforting, savory, and just so easy to love. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes a new favorite in your home.
FAQ
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best Appetizer Recipes for making ahead. You can prepare the mixture, roll the balls, and keep them in the fridge on a covered baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked sausage balls for up to three months.
Why Are My Sausage Balls Greasy?
Sausage naturally contains a good amount of fat, so some grease is normal. The biscuit mix and cheese should absorb a lot of it. If they seem overly greasy, it could be due to the specific type of sausage used. Using a leaner sausage can help. Also, letting them rest on a paper towel after baking can absorb any excess grease.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Cheese?
For sure! While classic cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment. A Monterey Jack or a pepper jack would add a nice creamy texture and a little bit of spice. A sharp provolone or even a smoked gouda could also be delicious options. Just make sure it is a good melting cheese.
What’s The Best Sausage To Use?
A classic seasoned pork sausage is the standard and provides great flavor, which is why many people love making Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls. However, you can use hot sausage for a spicy kick, maple sausage for a sweet and savory twist, or even turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Just be sure to use ground sausage, not links.
Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Bisquick
A classic, savory appetizer made with sausage, cream cheese, and Bisquick. These tender, flavorful bites are simple to make and perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to thoroughly combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese until no white streaks remain.
- Add the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives to the bowl. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture. Roll into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill the formed sausage balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom and cooked through. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
For a creamier texture, shred your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded varieties can contain anti-caking agents.
Do not skip the chilling step! It’s important for preventing the sausage balls from spreading too much during baking.
Use a small cookie scoop to create uniformly sized balls, which helps them cook evenly.
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