Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Cream cheese sausage balls are a savory, flavorful, and incredibly easy appetizer that will disappear in minutes at any gathering. Taking the classic sausage ball recipe to the next level, this version incorporates cream cheese for an extra creamy texture and richer flavor that will have everyone asking for more. If you’re a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, especially those with a touch of Southern charm reminiscent of the Pioneer Woman’s style, then you’ve come to the right place.

closeup photo of stacked cream cheese sausage balls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Why is chilling the sausage balls before baking recommended?

Chilling the sausage balls before they go into the oven is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture. When I first tested this recipe, I skipped the chilling step, and the sausage balls spread out quite a bit during baking and became overly browned on the bottom. Chilling firms up the fat in the sausage and cream cheese, which helps the balls hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading. Additionally, baking them on parchment-lined baking sheets ensures they don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Chilling results in perfectly cooked, tender sausage balls every time.

What kind of sausage works best for sausage balls?

The beauty of sausage balls is their versatility when it comes to sausage flavor. For this recipe, I personally prefer using hot pork sausage. It adds a subtle kick without being overpowering, balancing nicely with the creaminess of the cheese. However, you can absolutely tailor the sausage to your taste. Breakfast sausage provides a milder, classic flavor, sage sausage offers an earthy note, and even Italian ground sausage can bring a unique twist. Experiment to find your favorite!

Can cream cheese sausage balls be frozen?

Yes, freezing sausage balls is incredibly convenient, making them perfect for make-ahead appetizers. To freeze them uncooked, arrange the formed sausage balls on a baking tray lined with wax paper, ensuring they are not touching. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together in the freezer bag. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since you’ll be baking them from frozen.

Can I use Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix instead of Bisquick?

Absolutely! For a fun flavor variation, you can use Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix in place of Bisquick. This adds a delicious buttery, cheesy flavor to the sausage balls. Use the entire box of biscuit mix, and don’t forget to include the seasoning packet for that signature Cheddar Bay flavor. It’s a fantastic way to change things up and add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Are cream cheese sausage balls suitable for air frying?

Yes! Air frying is a great way to cook sausage balls quickly and achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior. For detailed instructions on air frying, you can check out my specific Air Fryer Sausage Balls recipe. Air frying offers a faster cooking time and a slightly different texture compared to oven baking.

a stack of fully cooked sausage balls on a silver serving platter.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: (See Recipe Card Below for Full Details)

Ground pork sausage: Hot pork sausage is my go-to for a bit of flavor, but feel free to use your preferred type. If you really want to amp up the heat, add ½-1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating that signature creamy texture. If you need to soften it quickly, check out resources on How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly.
Bisquick baking mix: Bisquick is the classic choice for sausage balls, providing the perfect structure. For a homemade touch, you can even use Bisquick Mix from scratch.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic pairing, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are all delicious alternatives to create different flavor profiles.

Bisquick, ground sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese.

How to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the ground pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Note: An electric mixer makes this step much easier. If you don’t have one, you can use your hands. Ensure the sausage and cream cheese are thoroughly mixed together.

collage of three photos: cream cheese and sausage in the bottom of a stand mixer; Bisquick mix added to sausage mix; shredded cheese added to sausage mix.
Add Bisquick and Cheddar: Add the Bisquick baking mix to the sausage and cream cheese mixture and stir until just combined. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a bit more than the recipe calls for! Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Form the Sausage Balls: Scoop the meat mixture using a 1-inch cookie scoop or a spoon, and form into balls. A cookie scoop helps to ensure uniform size, but you can also eyeball it.

collage of two photos: spring loaded scoop with cream cheese sausage mixture; rolling cream cheese sausage ball mixture in a hand.
Chill: Place the formed sausage balls on the prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to chill. This chilling step is important as it helps the sausage balls maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
Bake: After chilling, bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.

college of two photos: cream cheese sausage balls lined up on a baking sheet; fully cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet.
Serve: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce like Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing for an extra touch.

fully cooked cream cheese sausage balls sucked on top of each other.

Craving More Easy Appetizer Recipes?

This cream cheese sausage ball recipe is just the beginning! Explore other easy and delicious appetizer ideas perfect for parties, holidays, or game day gatherings.

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe Card

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These cream cheese sausage balls are a step up from the classic, offering a creamy texture and richer flavor that makes them irresistible. Easy to make and always a hit!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

1 pound hot pork sausage
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine hot pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
Add Bisquick baking mix and stir until just combined.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Scoop mixture into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Video

YouTube video

Recipe Notes

Refer to the FAQ section above for substitutions and common questions.
An electric mixer is recommended for ease of mixing, but hands can be used.
Sausage balls are done when golden brown and firm to the touch.
This recipe yields approximately 64 sausage balls.
For freezing: Flash freeze uncooked sausage balls and then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding extra cook time.
Try using Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix or different cheeses for variations.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate.

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