CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

Ingredients & Quantity**
**Main Ingredients:**
– 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
– 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups (240g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 ½ cups (180g) self-rising flour
– ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
– ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Optional Additions:**
– ½ cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish or added flavor)
– ½ tsp smoked paprika for a smoky depth
– ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon for extra richness
– A dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for additional umami
– Ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
Tips for Success**
1. **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature before mixing. This helps it incorporate easily with the sausage and cheese, resulting in a smooth dough.
2. **Use Shredded Cheese:** Freshly shredded cheese provides better texture and flavor than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that can affect the dough’s consistency.
3. **Do Not Overwork the Dough:** Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overworking the dough will result in dense, tough sausage balls.
4. **Chill the Dough:** If the dough is too sticky to roll, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before rolling it into balls.
5. **Bake on a Rack:** For crispier sausage balls, bake them on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the sausage balls, ensuring they bake evenly on all sides.
6. **Customize the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet.
2. **Mix the Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and any optional ingredients you’re using. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until well combined.
3. **Shape the Balls:** Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by cutting one open to ensure there’s no pink remaining inside.
5. **Serve:** Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded
Description**
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The sausage provides a savory base, while the cream cheese adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture. The sharp cheddar cheese contributes both flavor and a slight melt, creating a wonderful contrast with the tender sausage. The result is a perfectly balanced bite-sized treat that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it irresistible for anyone who loves a good savory snack.