Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese Recipe

Alright, fellow food adventurers and keto warriors, gather ’round! Are you tired of feeling left out at holiday gatherings, staring longingly at carb-loaded appetizers? Do you crave a savory, cheesy, utterly satisfying bite that won’t kick you out of ketosis? Well, get ready to do a happy dance because we’re about to introduce you to your new best friend: Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. These aren’t just any sausage balls; these are moist, tender, flavor-packed little nuggets of joy that are incredibly simple to make and dangerously delicious. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack attack, or the star of your next party spread, these low-carb marvels are here to save the day (and your diet!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these amazing keto treats. Here are four irresistible reasons why our Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese will become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Perfectly Keto & Low-Carb Approved: With just 1.4g net carbs per serving, these sausage balls are a guilt-free pleasure that fits seamlessly into your ketogenic lifestyle. Enjoy savory goodness without the carb crash!
2. Insanely Delicious & Moist: The secret weapon? Cream cheese! It transforms these from good to absolutely glorious, ensuring every bite is moist, tender, and bursting with cheesy, savory flavor. Forget dry, crumbly sausage balls – these are pure perfection.
3. Effortlessly Easy to Make: Seriously, “easy” is in the name for a reason! With minimal prep and a simple mixing process (hello, hands-on fun!), you’ll have these golden nuggets ready for the oven in about 10 minutes. Even beginner cooks will feel like pros.
4. Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: From a quick grab-and-go breakfast to a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or a satisfying low-carb snack, these sausage balls do it all. They’re a true MVP in your keto recipe arsenal!

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your ingredients, because these Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are calling your name!

• 🍖 1 Pound Ground Breakfast Sausage (hot or mild)
• 🌰 2 Cups Blanched Almond Flour
• 🧀 2.5 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded for best results)
• 🧀 8 Ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
• 🥚 1 Large Egg
• 🥛 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream (optional, but helps with moisture)
• 🥄 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• 🧄 2 Garlic Cloves, minced

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your irresistibly delicious Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese:

1. Prep Your Station: First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with foil, then give it a light grease – this helps prevent any sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Don’t forget to let your cream cheese sit out for a bit to soften; it makes mixing so much easier!
2. Combine the Goodness: In your largest mixing bowl, toss in all the stars of the show: the raw ground breakfast sausage, the almond flour, that glorious shredded cheddar cheese, your perfectly softened cream cheese, the egg, baking powder, and the minced garlic.
3. Get Hands-On (The Fun Part!): Now, roll up those sleeves! This recipe truly shines when you get in there with your hands. Mix and knead everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. You want a consistent, well-integrated dough. If it feels a little stiff or stubborn, gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together smoothly.
4. Roll into Balls of Joy: Pinch off small, uniform portions of your magnificent mixture. Roll them gently between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Aim for a consistent size so they all cook evenly. Place your perfectly formed balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
5. Bake Until Golden: Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and for them to be cooked through. If you’re feeling fancy and want extra browning, you can give them a little flip halfway through the baking time.
6. Serve and Savor: Once they’re out of the oven, let your Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese cool for a few minutes. They’re utterly divine warm, making them perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or an impressive appetizer! Enjoy every delicious, low-carb bite!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

These Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese aren’t just versatile in taste, but also in presentation! Here’s how you can serve them up for any occasion:

• Brunch Buffet Brilliance: Arrange them artfully on a large platter alongside some scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and a vibrant fruit salad (for non-keto guests, or a small keto-friendly berry portion). Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
• Party Appetizer Perfection: Skewer them individually with cute toothpicks for easy grabbing. Create a dipping station with keto-friendly options like sugar-free maple syrup, a creamy ranch dressing, or a spicy brown mustard. A small bowl of fresh parsley for garnish always looks elegant.
• Game Day MVP: Pile them high on a rustic wooden board with a side of sugar-free BBQ sauce for dipping. They’re hearty enough to satisfy hungry fans and easy to eat while cheering on your team.
• Kid-Friendly Snack Attack: For the little ones (and big ones!), serve them in small bowls as an after-school snack. Their compact size makes them perfect for tiny hands, and the cheesy sausage flavor is always a hit.
• Elegant Evening Bites: Arrange them on a minimalist white plate, perhaps with a sprig of fresh rosemary. Pair them with a crisp, dry white wine or a low-carb cocktail for sophisticated entertaining.
• Meal Prep Powerhouse: Simply portion them into individual containers with a side of steamed non-starchy vegetables for quick and easy grab-and-go keto meals throughout the week.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Making a big batch of these delicious Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese is a brilliant idea because they store beautifully! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Once your sausage balls have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They will last wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They make excellent leftovers for quick breakfasts or snacks!
• Freezing: These sausage balls are fantastic for meal prepping and freezing.
  • To Freeze Cooked Sausage Balls: Allow them to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • To Freeze Uncooked Sausage Balls: Form the balls as directed, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen (they might need an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time) or thaw them in the fridge overnight first.
• Reheating:
  • From Refrigerated: Pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or reheat in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. An air fryer also works great for a crispy exterior, at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • From Frozen: Reheat in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If using an air fryer, start with 8-10 minutes at 350°F, checking and adding time as needed.

FAQs Sections

Got questions about these amazing Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese? We’ve got answers!

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

   Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other low-carb cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a kick!), or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just ensure they shred well and melt nicely.

2. Is the heavy cream necessary?

   The heavy cream is optional but highly recommended if your mixture seems dry. It adds a lovely richness and ensures your sausage balls are perfectly moist. If your mixture is already coming together well without it, you might not need the full amount or any at all.

3. Can I make these dairy-free?

   Making them completely dairy-free would be challenging as cheese and cream cheese are core ingredients. However, you could try using dairy-free shredded cheese and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor might vary.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

   For a keto recipe, almond flour is ideal due to its low carb count and texture. Coconut flour is not a direct substitute as it’s much more absorbent; you’d need significantly less and more liquid, which would alter the recipe significantly.

5. How do I know if they’re cooked through?

   The sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. The best way to be sure is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

6. Can I bake them in an air fryer?

   Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll likely need to do this in batches). Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

   Yes, you can! Mix all the ingredients, form the balls, and then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great tip for holiday mornings or party prep!

8. What kind of breakfast sausage is best?

   Any ground breakfast sausage (pork sausage) will work, whether hot, mild, or savory. Choose your favorite! Just make sure it’s raw and ground, not pre-cooked links.

9. Are these suitable for meal prep?

   Absolutely! These Easy Keto Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are fantastic for meal prep. They store well in the fridge for several days and can be easily frozen and reheated, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.

10. Why are my sausage balls dry?

    Dry sausage balls can often be a result of overbaking or not enough moisture. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake only until golden brown. If your mixture felt dry before baking, next time add the heavy cream, or a little extra softened cream cheese, until the consistency feels right.