Ever found yourself staring into the fridge, stomach rumbling, dreaming of a snack that’s both incredibly satisfying and ridiculously simple to make? Or perhaps you’re gearing up for a gathering and need an appetizer that will disappear faster than you can say “yum”? Well, get ready to meet your new culinary obsession: Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! These little bites of heaven are here to revolutionize your snack game, breakfast routine, and party platters. They’re savory, cheesy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious – seriously, what more could you ask for?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering what makes these Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! so special. Prepare to be enchanted by their charm and simplicity!
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Effortlessly Simple & Quick: Forget complicated steps and endless ingredient lists. With a mere 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious morsels ready for the oven in a flash. They’re the perfect solution for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
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Keto & Low-Carb Dream: If you’re watching your carb intake, these sausage balls are a game-changer! Packed with healthy fats and protein, and using almond flour instead of traditional flour, they fit perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
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An Explosion of Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Every bite is moist, cheesy, and bursting with deliciousness.
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Incredibly Versatile: Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, a nutritious snack for the kids, or an elegant party bite, these sausage balls deliver! They’re fantastic warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create your batch of Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls!:
- 🥓 1 pound lean ground breakfast or Italian sausage
- 🧀 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 🧈 4 ounces softened block cream cheese
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🌰 ½ cup fine almond flour
- ✨ 2 teaspoons baking powder
Detailed Directions: How to Make Them
Ready to whip up your own batch of these incredible Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls!? Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying them in no time!
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Get Ready to Roll: First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a trusty rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This little trick is a lifesaver for easy cleanup – you’ll thank yourself later!
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The Great Mix-Up: In a large, roomy bowl, gently combine all your wonderful ingredients: the ground sausage, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese (make sure it’s nice and soft for easy blending!), the large egg, almond flour, and baking powder. Now, here’s the secret to tender sausage balls: mix until all the ingredients are just blended together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your sausage balls tough. A gentle hand is key!
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Shape Them Up: Time to get your hands a little dirty (in the best way!). Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each ball. Lightly roll them with your hands into neat little spheres. Don’t press too hard; a gentle touch will result in a more tender texture. Arrange your perfectly formed sausage balls evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
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Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen! Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked all the way through. Once they’re ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before diving in. This allows them to set up perfectly for maximum enjoyment!
Presenting and Serving Your Sausage Balls
These Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! are incredibly versatile and can be presented in countless delightful ways! Their golden-brown perfection makes them naturally appealing, but a little extra flair never hurts.
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Breakfast Bonanza: Serve them warm alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a dollop of sugar-free jam for a hearty and low-carb breakfast. They’re fantastic for meal prep, too, for busy weekday mornings!
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Party Platter Perfection: Arrange them artfully on a serving tray for your next gathering. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and fantastic for game day!
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Dipping Delights: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the experience. Think sugar-free BBQ sauce, a spicy ranch, a tangy Dijon mustard, or even a simple low-carb ketchup. The creamy texture of the sausage balls pairs wonderfully with a zesty dip.
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Kid-Friendly Snack: These are a hit with the little ones! Pack them in lunchboxes for a protein-packed snack, or serve them after school for a satisfying bite that’s much healthier than processed alternatives.
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Elegant Appetizer: For a more refined touch, serve them on skewers with cherry tomatoes and a basil leaf, or arrange them in mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing. They’re substantial enough to satisfy without being too heavy.
How to Store Your Sausage Balls
Good news! These Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! are fantastic for making ahead and storing, ensuring you always have a delicious low-carb snack or meal component ready to go.
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Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, transfer your cooked sausage balls to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re just as tasty cold as they are warm!
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Freezing (Cooked): These are incredibly freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the solid balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
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Freezing (Uncooked): You can also freeze them raw! After shaping, arrange the uncooked balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. An air fryer also works wonders for quick reheating and crisping!
FAQs About Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls!
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a fantastic tang, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
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What kind of sausage works best? Lean ground breakfast sausage is classic, but Italian sausage (mild or hot) offers a wonderful depth of flavor. Ground pork or even ground turkey can be used, though turkey might require a little extra seasoning.
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Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These are perfect for meal prep. You can mix and shape them a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge, or even bake them completely and reheat when ready to serve.
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Are these freezer-friendly? Definitely! Both baked and unbaked sausage balls freeze beautifully. See the “How to Store Your Sausage Balls” section for detailed instructions.
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What if I don’t have almond flour? Can I use regular flour? To keep them low-carb and keto-friendly, almond flour is key. If dietary needs aren’t a concern, you could technically substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but this will significantly change the carb count and texture. Coconut flour is not a 1:1 substitute.
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How do I know if they’re cooked through? The best way is to use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Visually, they’ll be beautifully golden brown on the outside.
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Can I cook these in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
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What are some good dipping sauces? Low-carb ranch, sugar-free BBQ sauce, spicy mayo, or a classic Dijon mustard are all fantastic choices that complement the savory flavor.
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Can I add spices or herbs? Absolutely! A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives can really enhance the flavor profile.
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Why did my sausage balls turn out dry? Overmixing the ingredients or overbaking can lead to dry sausage balls. Remember to mix gently until just combined and bake only until golden brown and cooked through.
Easy & Delicious Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground breakfast or Italian sausage
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces softened block cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup fine almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- 1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For super easy cleanup, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Mix It Up: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, egg, almond flour, and baking powder. Mix until all the ingredients are just blended together – don't overmix!
- 3. Shape Them: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each ball. Roll them lightly with your hands and place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
- 4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before enjoying!