Loaded with hearty sausage and plenty of golden, melted cheese, Southern Sausage Balls make the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food.
I’m not saying sausage balls are an exclusively southern dish. I’m just saying that, while the only ones I ever had while growing up in Oregon were made by southern relatives, they’re a staple at nearly every wedding and baby shower in The South. And because most people are huge fans of anything that combines cheese, pork, and some of form of bread, Southern Sausage Balls are always a hit.
I ate them for years and loved them; I even made them myself. Then one day my mother-in-law made a batch (actually, I’m sure it was at least a double batch) with a new secret ingredient. That secret ingredient was cream cheese and, y’all, it revolutionized the sausage ball eating experience. If you think that’s an exaggeration, you’ve clearly never eaten Southern Sausage Balls with cream cheese.
The addition of the cream cheese ups the moistness of the recipe and leaves all other versions tasting dry and boring. Even if regular sausage balls are already in your repertoire, I implore you to add cream cheese. It’s a total game-changer. If you’ve never made Southern Sausage Balls at all, what are you waiting for? Make them for game-day, for a party, or just for breakfast or a snack at home.
Southern Sausage Balls
Ingredients
1 lb. ground sausage
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups Bisquick
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, making sure to fully incorporate everything (this may take several minutes, and it’s easiest when done using your hands).
Roll pieces of the mixture into ping pong-size balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 16-19 minutes, or until sausage and cheese are golden. Remove from oven and allow sausage balls to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Serve immediately, or store in the fridge in the airtight bag or container for up to three days.
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 40-50 sausage balls.
- For extra flavor, use a spicy breakfast sausage instead.
- If you don’t want to mix them by hand, I recognize using a Danish dough whisk.
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Well these tasty bites would be the hit of the party for sure. Perfect as an appetizer, or with a salad and call it dinner.
With a salad for dinner sounds PERFECT. I like the way you think, Gloria.
This is so freaking easy to make! Definitely on my to-do list!!
Yup, SO easy and SO worth it!
I have never even heard of sausage balls before – southern or otherwise! But they sound like savory bites of deliciousness that are right up my alley!And yes, the cream cheese addition sounds fantastic!
Thanks, Amy! I’m not sure why they’re still so strictly southern. It’s time for the world to know their deliciousness!
Cream cheese is a genius addition here!! My mom always talks about how good sausage balls are, but I have yet to try them. Your recipe looks fantastic!
Your mom knows what’s up! You should definitely make them soon.
How fun adding cream cheese to meatballs! I love trying new versions of them and these sausage balls look so tasty and easy!! I’ll be trying these real soon as hubby will love them.
Thanks, Elaine! I think they’ll be a hit in your house.
I have never eaten a single sausage ball (at least, not that I remember.) I must say, that after reading your ingredient list, I’m very angry that I’ve never eaten on. I love a mixture of cream cheese and breakfast sausage, and who doesn’t like cheese? I am adding sausage to my shopping list, so I can whip up a batch of these for my husband. I, of course, will be ensure I get at least half.
Your husband (and you) will love them! And yeah, as the chef, it’s your responsibility to try several as they come out of the oven.
This screams party food! Love how easy these are to make, will definitely try them!
Such a perfect party food! And yup, super easy, too. Thanks, Andrea!
I’m a California native, and spent most of my adult life in there and in New Mexico, so I’m not at all familiar with Southern Sausage Balls! They look like an absolutely perfect finger food, and great for parties and snacking…
You’re right, Tamara, they’re perfect for pretty much any occasion! You should make them ASAP.
There is something about Southern Food that I crave from time to time. The sausage gravy, grits or hush puppies are some of my favorites. This dish looks so tasty when you want to dig into that Southern food style! I make a low-country shrimp and grits too: https://ethnicspoon.com/authentic-southern-shrimp-and-grits/
No one does comfort food better than southerners! As a semi-recent Southern transplant, I’ve never made shrimp and grits. Your recipe looks amazing!
Cream cheese sounds fascinating! I may try that in other meatballs as well. (Though given how much I like sausage, I’ll have to try this one as is, first.)
You should definitely make these, but you’re right: cream cheese would make so many meatball recipes better!
You had me at cheese! I love the idea of using spicy sausage for these.
Thanks, Leslie! I vary the spice level of the sausage depending on who’ll be eating them, but spicy is my favorite, too.
I am from the south and I can attest that these are definately a southern “thang”! But I love them….love love love!! I love you addition of cream cheese…I’m going to try that!!
If you’ve only ever had them without cream cheese, yes, you MUST try it. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’ll change your life!
This looks so good! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
I forgot to add that I use my cookie scoop to portion them. It’s faster and ensures they are all the same size. Oh, and yes, I live in the south (SC to be exact), and southern food is awesome!
I use a cookie scoop for everything… why didn’t I think to use it for these, too? Great idea!