- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the sausage and cream cheese are thoroughly combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture and mix again.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the sausage and cheese mixture, stirring until well combined. The mixture should be uniform and stick together easily when shaped.
- Shape the Sausage Balls:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage balls should be firm to the touch and not pink in the middle.
- Serving:
- Serve the cream cheese sausage balls warm, with dipping sauces on the side if desired. Popular choices include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy mustard.
Tips:
- Sausage Choice: You can use any type of ground sausage for this recipe. For a lighter version, turkey sausage is a great alternative.
- Handling the Dough: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, wet your hands slightly before shaping the balls. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Freezing: These sausage balls freeze well. Arrange the cooked or uncooked balls on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked balls can be reheated in the oven, while uncooked balls should be thawed and then baked as directed.
Cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sausage, cheese, and spices into a bite-sized snack. They’re sure to be a hit at any event, offering a tasty and satisfying option that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.