These tasty sausage cheese balls are the perfect combination of savory and cheesy goodness.
Easy to make using Italian sausage, cheese, and ranch seasoning, these bite sized morsels are bursting with flavor.
Sausage and cheese balls are ideal for everything from game-day snacks to holiday appetizers.
Savory Sausage Sensation
- The flavorful combination of ingredients like Italian sausage, ranch dressing mix, and cream cheese provide a savory taste with a tangy kick.
- This recipe for sausage cheese balls uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Simple preparation and easy cleanup tips make this recipe super quick to make.
- Serve with optional ranch yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor and an even more indulgent treat.
Recipe Requirements
Sausage: While many recipes call for plain pork sausage, this recipe kicks it up a notch with a zesty Italian sausage which has great flavor.
Cheese: Cream cheese provides a smooth and rich texture, and the shredded marble or cheddar cheese adds that cheesy goodness we all love.
Binders: Flour and baking soda help bind these tasty little bites together.
For Flavor: The green onion provides a fresh kick, and the ranch seasoning provides a zesty taste.
Optional Dip: The ranch yogurt dip is both flavorful and zesty, and along with the sausage cheese balls creates an irresistible duo. In a pinch, use store bought dip or dressing, or create your own with this homemade ranch dressing recipe.
Recipe Remixes
Swap Italian sausage for a pork breakfast sausage or try ground turkey for a lighter option.
A bit of parmesan would be delicious, or use pepper jack for a spicier kick. Smoked gouda would provide a unique twist. Get creative and use what you love.
For a gluten free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use at a 1:1 ratio for great results.
Experiment adding a pinch of garlic powder or some chopped parsley for extra flavor. For flavor variation, use Italian Seasoning or try some hot sauce added to the meat mixture. Drizzle hot sauce on top of the dip for an extra spicy kick.
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls
- Preheat oven; line a baking sheet. Meanwhile mix flour, baking powder, and ranch mix.
- Combine softened cream cheese, sausage, shredded cheese, and onion.
- Add dry mix, combine gently then roll into balls. Bake (as directed below).
- Prepare ranch dip with yogurt, mayo, and remaining seasoning.
Cooking Clues
- Line baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy clean up.
- Mix only until the ingredients come together to keep the balls tender.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized sausage balls, which will bake uniformly.
- Place mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and rolling to firm everything up a bit and help roll easier.
- Food safe gloves are a great option when mixing and rolling the sausage balls. Easy and less messy.
- Prep these sausage and cheese balls ahead of time and freeze before baking. Simply pop them out of the freezer and bake from frozen. Adjust with an extra 5 minutes cook time.
Sausage Bite Storage Bits
Leftover sausage cheese balls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven, or even in an air fryer, for a few minutes to restore their crispy outer coating. Freeze cooled sausage balls for up to 2 months, then simply reheat from frozen for an easy snack or appetizer on demand.
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Sausage Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
- 1 package ranch dressing mix (ranch seasoning) divided
- 1 cup marble cheese or cheddar
- 1 green onion diced very fine
Dip
- ¾ cup greek yogurt
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set oven to 375˚F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt (if using) and 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, soften cream cheese in the microwave for 2-15 second intervals. Whisk with a fork.
- Mix the cream cheese with shredded cheese and green onion. Then add the ground sausage and mix gently.
- Sprinkle the flour mixture over. Using your hands*, work the mixture until just incorporated. Don't over mix.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop out portions and roll. Place each on prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature is 165˚F.
Dip for Sausage Balls
- While sausage balls are cooking, make the dip for sausage balls (optional). In a small bowl, combine the remainder of the Ranch dressing mix, greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Nutrition calculated without dip.
- *Food safe gloves are perfect used when mixing and rolling the sausage balls.
- Optional: Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes before scooping and rolling help roll easier.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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