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Southern Sausage Balls

Learn how cream cheese and hand-shredded cheddar make sausage balls tender, moist, and perfectly browned every single time.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb raw bulk pork sausage such as Jimmy Dean regular or hot
  • 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from a block
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix such as Bisquick
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder for savory depth
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder for savory depth

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Box grater
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small cookie scoop
  • Instant-read digital thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb raw pork sausage and 4 oz softened cream cheese.
  3. Mix with a stand mixer on low speed or by hand until smooth and uniformly combined.
  4. Add 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder to the sausage mixture and stir until combined.
  5. Add 2 cups biscuit baking mix in two batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a cohesive dough forms.
  6. Scoop mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands.
  7. Roll each portion between your palms until smooth and arrange 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a digital thermometer.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For easier mixing, let cream cheese and sausage sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before starting.
You can double this recipe on two baking sheets; rotate pans top-to-bottom halfway through baking.
If using pre-ground turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to supply necessary fat.