The smell of sausage cooking always reminds me of slow, cozy mornings in my kitchen. That’s how these sausage cheese balls became a weekend favorite simple, warm, and perfect for sharing. They bake up golden and soft inside, with just the right cheesy pull.

I love serving them with other easy finger foods like my baked brie bites with cranberry. This sausage balls recipe takes only a few minutes to mix, yet it feels like comfort made from scratch.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (Main ingredients + Optional add-ins)
Here’s what I keep on hand when making my favorite sausage cheese balls:
Main Ingredients

- Ground sausage – I usually choose mild breakfast sausage, but spicy works great too.
- Cheddar cheese – freshly shredded for the best melt.
- Cream cheese – it gives these cream cheese sausage balls that soft, creamy texture inside.
- Bisquick or baking mix – this brings everything together without needing extra flour.
Optional Add-Ins
- A pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Chopped jalapeños if you love a bit of heat.
- Parsley or chives for a fresh finish.

Best Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
These sausage cheese balls are soft inside, golden outside, and full of cheesy comfort. Made with sausage, Bisquick, cheddar, and cream cheese, they’re the perfect easy finger food for parties, breakfasts, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar in a large bowl until combined.
- Add Bisquick, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape into small balls (about 1 inch each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better texture.
For extra flavor, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
To freeze, place raw balls on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheat baked balls in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American

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If you enjoy recipes that use cream cheese, you might also love my cranberry cream cheese dip it pairs beautifully on any appetizer table.
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls
Step 1 – Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar. I like using my hands for this part it helps the mixture come together smoothly. Add the Bisquick a little at a time until it forms a soft dough.
Step 2 – Shape the balls


Scoop small portions and roll them between your palms. Each one should be about the size of a walnut. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between.
Step 3 – Bake until golden



Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tops look golden and the edges feel slightly crisp. The smell that fills the kitchen at this stage always reminds me of my puff pastry appetizers buttery, savory, and hard to resist.
When you take them out, let them rest for a couple of minutes so the cheese can set. Then serve them warm, straight from the pan.
Variations & Customization Ideas
These sausage cheese balls are easy to make your own. Here are a few ways I love to change them up:
- Spicy kick – Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
- Cheese swap – Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty twist.
- Holiday platter – Pair them with my cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for a festive mix of sweet and savory.
- Mini party size – Make them smaller and serve alongside mini caprese skewers to balance rich and fresh flavors.
- Gluten-free version – Use your favorite gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick; the texture stays soft and tender.

Whenever I serve a tray of these little bites, they disappear before I even set out the dips. They’re the kind of comfort food that fits every season easy, familiar, and endlessly customizable.
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers, these sausage cheese balls keep beautifully.
To Store:
Place cooled balls in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for about a month. I like to line the container with parchment to keep them from sticking together.
To Reheat:
Warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through. This keeps the outside crisp and the inside soft. Avoid the microwave if you can it can make them a little chewy.
I use the same gentle reheating trick I rely on for my baked brie bites with cranberry. A low oven always brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste without drying them out.
Bringing It All Together
Every time I make these sausage cheese balls, the smell alone brings everyone into the kitchen before they’re even out of the oven. They’re soft, cheesy, and just the kind of comfort food that makes people linger and chat a little longer.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your version. Share it with me on Facebook or tag me on Pinterest so I can see how they turned out in your kitchen.
Pin it for later, bake a batch soon, and fill your home with that same cozy warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great time-saver for busy mornings or party prep.
Can I freeze sausage balls with cream cheese?
Absolutely. Freeze them raw on a tray until firm, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I keep them from drying out?
A little extra cream cheese or freshly shredded cheddar helps lock in moisture. Avoid overbaking; once the edges are golden, they’re ready.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can. Chicken or turkey sausage makes a lighter version, while spicy Italian adds more depth. The recipe works beautifully with any kind you enjoy.
If you like testing different savory bites, try pairing these with my Bisquick sausage balls for a fun mix of textures and flavors.

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