These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are loaded with breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and Bisquick—baked to golden perfection for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack!
You know those recipes that start off as a “let’s just throw some things together and see what happens” experiment? Well, that’s exactly how these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls were born.
One Saturday morning, I was staring into my fridge, debating between making biscuits or frying up some sausage. Then I spotted a lonely block of cream cheese shoved in the back of the dairy drawer. That’s when it hit me—what if I combined sausage, cheddar, cream cheese, and some Bisquick into one glorious bite-sized snack?
Let me tell you—when I pulled them out of the oven, golden brown and bursting with melty cheese, I knew I’d just stumbled onto something dangerously good. I took one bite, then another, then another… and before I knew it, half the tray was gone.
Since that day, these sausage balls have been a staple for breakfast, snacks, parties—you name it. If there’s a gathering at my house, you better believe there’s a plate of these sitting front and center.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe?
- They’re ridiculously easy to make. No fancy kitchen skills required. Just mix, roll, and bake!
- The texture is next-level. Crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside—basically magic in a bite.
- Ranch + bacon = unbeatable flavor. This isn’t your average sausage ball recipe.
- Perfect for any occasion. Breakfast? Yes. Game day? Absolutely. Late-night snack? Always.
- Make ahead & freezer-friendly. Prep now, bake later—it’s a win-win!
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient plays a role in making these bite-sized flavor bombs:
- Breakfast Sausage – The flavor powerhouse! Use mild or spicy, totally your call.
- Ranch Dressing Mix – Adds a savory, herby kick that sets these apart from regular sausage balls.
- Bacon – Because life is better with crispy bacon, period.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar = maximum flavor and meltiness.
- Bisquick – Keeps them light, tender, and perfectly baked. No Bisquick? Use self-rising flour!
- Cream Cheese – The secret weapon that makes them extra creamy and completely irresistible.
How To Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Crank your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a big mixing bowl, toss in the sausage, Ranch mix, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, Bisquick, and softened cream cheese.
Now, brace yourself—this part gets messy. You can use a stand mixer (if you don’t want sausage hands) or just dive in with your fingers and mix everything until well combined. If your cream cheese is still cold, it might fight back a little, but it’s worth the effort.
Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up
Scoop out 1-inch portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. Try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
Arrange them about an inch apart on your baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown
Want To Save This Recipe?
Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes—or until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
At this point, your kitchen is going to smell absolutely unreal, and it’ll take all your self-control not to grab one straight from the tray. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in (unless you enjoy burning your mouth on molten cheese—I won’t judge).
Storage Options:
Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Want to prep these ahead of time? You can freeze them raw or baked! Just lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 30 seconds per serving.
- Oven: Bake at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Air Fryer: 5 minutes at 375ºF and they’re as good as new!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here’s how:
- Make it spicy – Use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Switch the cheese – Try pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
- No Bisquick? – Use 1 cup of flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt as a substitute.
- Gluten-free version – Swap in gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour.
- Keto-friendly – Use almond flour instead of Bisquick and skip the Ranch mix (or use a keto-friendly version).
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
These sausage balls are great on their own, but if you want to level up your snack game, here are some ideas:
- Dipping sauces – Honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Breakfast sides – Scrambled eggs, toast, or fresh fruit for a full meal.
- Brunch board – Pair with bagels, cream cheese, fresh fruit, and mimosas.
- Appetizer tray – Serve alongside cheese cubes, crackers, and pickles for a party-ready platter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze them raw?
Absolutely. Just flash freeze them first so they don’t stick together, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen!
Can I make them without Bisquick?
Of course! Just swap it for a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, and salt.
Why are my sausage balls dry?
Overbaking! Check them at 15 minutes and take them out when they’re just golden brown.
If you’ve never had Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’re seriously missing out. They’re easy, packed with flavor, and dangerously addictive. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a party, or just because you need a cheesy snack—these will not disappoint.
So, tell me—are you making these today, or right now? Drop a comment below!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 1-ounce package Ranch dressing mix
- 1 pound bacon cooked and chopped
- 1½ c shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ c Bisquick
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF.
- In a bowl mix together the sausage, Ranch dressing mix, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, Bisquick and softened cream cheese until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Take the mixture. Shape it into 1-inch balls. Arrange these balls evenly on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet with the balls in the oven. Bake for around 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
