Easy Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese Recipe - Ready in 25 Min

By Maya Gonzalez
Easy Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese Recipe - Ready in 25 Min
The perfect sausage balls with cream cheese recipe combines 1 pound of breakfast sausage, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1 can of crescent roll dough. Simply mix ingredients, form into 1-inch balls, and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. This easy appetizer serves 12 and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for parties, game days, or quick snacks.

Why This Sausage Balls Recipe Works

These sausage balls with cream cheese stand out because they balance savory sausage with creamy richness while maintaining a perfect texture. Unlike traditional sausage ball recipes that rely solely on biscuit mix, this version uses crescent roll dough for a flakier exterior that complements the creamy interior. The cream cheese adds moisture and prevents the sausage from becoming too dense after baking.

Ingredients for Perfect Sausage Balls

Use these exact measurements for consistent results every time. All ingredients should be at room temperature before starting:

Ingredient Amount Notes
Breakfast sausage 1 pound Use mild or spicy based on preference
Cream cheese 8 oz Full-fat, softened
Shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup Sharp cheddar recommended
Crescent roll dough 1 can (8 oz) Do not unroll
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon Freshly minced optional
Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon Or 1 tablespoon fresh minced onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (5 minutes)

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Remove sausage from casing and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned (about 8 minutes)
  3. Drain excess fat and let sausage cool for 5 minutes
  4. While sausage cools, soften cream cheese by microwaving for 20 seconds

Assembly (7 minutes)

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooled sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder
  2. Open crescent roll dough can but do not unroll - pinch seams together to form one dough sheet
  3. Cut dough into 12 equal squares using a pizza cutter or knife
  4. Place one square of dough in each muffin cup, pressing to form a cup shape
  5. Fill each cup with 1.5 tablespoons of sausage mixture
  6. Fold dough over filling, pinching edges to seal completely

Baking (18-22 minutes)

  1. Place prepared sausage balls on baking sheet 1 inch apart
  2. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown
  3. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving
  4. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Don't skip draining the sausage - excess grease will make the dough soggy
  • Seal edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during baking
  • Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and easier portioning
  • Chill before baking for 10 minutes if dough becomes too soft during assembly
  • Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning

Popular Variations

Customize this easy sausage balls with cream cheese recipe to suit your taste preferences:

  • Spicy version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and use hot sausage
  • Bacon lovers: Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked bacon
  • Everything bagel: Roll finished balls in everything bagel seasoning
  • Gluten-free: Substitute crescent dough with gluten-free pie crust
  • Mini appetizers: Make smaller balls using a teaspoon for bite-sized portions

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These sausage balls with cream cheese and cheddar maintain quality when stored properly:

  • Room temperature: Keep in airtight container for up to 2 hours
  • Refrigerator: Store in sealed container for 3-4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 3 months
  • Reheating: Warm in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds

Serving Suggestions

Pair these delicious sausage balls with cream cheese recipe with:

  • Maple syrup for dipping (surprisingly delicious!)
  • Marie's ranch dressing or honey mustard
  • Fresh fruit platter for brunch occasions
  • Scrambled eggs and hash browns for complete breakfast
  • Beer or mimosas for game day gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sausage balls with cream cheese ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them completely, then cover and refrigerate on the baking sheet. When ready to bake, add 3-5 minutes to the baking time since they'll go into the oven cold. For best results with make-ahead sausage balls with cream cheese recipe, don't assemble more than 24 hours ahead to maintain dough freshness.

Why are my sausage balls falling apart?

Sausage balls typically fall apart when the dough isn't properly sealed or when there's too much grease in the sausage mixture. Make sure to drain cooked sausage thoroughly and pinch the crescent dough edges completely when sealing. If using a different dough base for your sausage balls with cream cheese and crescent rolls recipe, ensure it has enough structure to hold the filling during baking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, puff pastry works well as an alternative in sausage balls with cream cheese recipe. Use thawed puff pastry sheets, cut into squares, and follow the same assembly instructions. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier texture compared to crescent rolls. For best results with puff pastry sausage balls, brush with egg wash before baking for extra golden color and crispness.

How do I prevent sausage balls from becoming dry?

To keep sausage balls moist, don't overcook them and ensure proper cream cheese ratio. The 8 oz cream cheese to 1 pound sausage ratio in this recipe maintains perfect moisture. Avoid using low-fat cream cheese as it contains more stabilizers that can make the filling dry. When making sausage balls with cream cheese and cheddar, the cheese also contributes to moisture retention during baking.

Can I freeze cooked sausage balls?

Yes, fully cooked sausage balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to freezer bags. When reheating frozen sausage balls with cream cheese recipe leftovers, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving frozen sausage balls as this can make the dough soggy.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.