Irresistible Keto Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Appetizer & Snack!

Get ready to fall in love with these incredibly delicious and utterly addictive Keto Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! Whether you’re searching for the perfect party appetizer, a satisfying low-carb snack, or a quick grab-and-go breakfast option, these savory bites hit all the right notes. Featuring a delightful combination of seasoned sausage, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, they boast perfectly crispy bottoms and irresistibly moist, cheesy centers. Best of all, they’re naturally keto, low-carb, and gluten-free, making them a fantastic choice for a variety of dietary needs.

Often considered a Southern classic, traditional sausage balls typically rely on Bisquick for their texture. However, our keto-friendly version achieves that same comforting texture and flavor profile using a smart blend of almond and coconut flours. This not only keeps the carb count low but also adds a wonderful, subtle nutty undertone. Prepare to amaze your taste buds and your guests with a healthier twist on a beloved favorite that doesn’t compromise on flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Sausage Ball Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Perfectly Textured: Enjoy a delightful contrast of crispy, golden-brown exteriors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy interiors.
• Diet-Friendly: Being keto, low-carb, and gluten-free, these sausage balls cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal as an appetizer for parties, a satisfying snack, a hearty breakfast, or even a light lunch.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve perfect results.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance or bake a large batch and freeze for future convenience.

Ingredients for Your Delicious Sausage Balls

Crafting these delectable cream cheese sausage balls requires a simple list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in their irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sausage (Mild or Spicy): The star of the show! Choose your preference to control the heat. A good quality pork sausage (like breakfast sausage) works best, providing essential fat and flavor.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): This is the secret ingredient that makes these sausage balls incredibly moist and adds a rich, tangy creaminess. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded or Grated): Sharp cheddar brings a robust, cheesy flavor that complements the sausage beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties.
• Almond Flour: A fantastic low-carb, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It provides structure and a delicate texture.
• Coconut Flour: Known for its high absorbency, coconut flour helps bind the dough and keeps the balls from being too dense. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way!
• Baking Powder: Essential for a slight lift, making the sausage balls lighter and less heavy. For a gluten-free recipe, always check that your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, helping to hold all the ingredients together and adding moisture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste, especially if your sausage is already well-seasoned.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Follow these easy instructions to create a batch of perfectly baked cream cheese sausage balls. The process is straightforward, yielding fantastic results every time.

1. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage (ensure it’s uncooked) and the softened cream cheese. Using either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or your hands, thoroughly mix these two ingredients until they are completely integrated and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving an even distribution of flavor and moisture.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs to the sausage and cream cheese mixture, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well-combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and consistency.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flours and that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet cheese and sausage mixture. Stir well, either with a spoon or your hands, until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls but still slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. Chilling is a critical step as it helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to handle and roll into uniform balls. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
6. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375º F (190º C). Prepare a large baking sheet or cookie sheet by spraying it generously with cooking spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, or use aluminum foil and spray the foil.
7. Scoop and Roll: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth, uniform ball. Aim for balls roughly 1 inch in diameter.
8. Arrange for Baking: Place the rolled sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about an inch apart to allow for even baking and browning. This recipe typically yields about 35-40 balls, so you might need to use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
10. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease, making them even more delightful. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

Elevate your cream cheese sausage balls with these chef-approved tips and tricks:

• Ensure Gluten-Free Status: While almond and coconut flours are naturally gluten-free, it’s crucial to double-check your baking powder. Some brands may contain wheat starch, which is not gluten-free. Look for baking powder explicitly labeled “gluten-free” to ensure your recipe remains safe for those with sensitivities.
• Enhance Flavor with Garlic: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a couple of cloves of minced garlic to your dough mixture. Garlic pairs exceptionally well with sausage and cheese, creating an even more aromatic and flavorful bite. You can also experiment with other spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Prevent Sticking with Cooking Spray: We’ve found that the best way to prevent the cheese balls from sticking to your baking sheet is to either generously spray your aluminum foil or the baking sheet itself with cooking spray. Parchment paper is another excellent, non-stick alternative that makes cleanup a breeze. Don’t skip this step, especially with cheesy recipes!
• Understanding Serving Size: This recipe is designed to be generously yielding, producing approximately 35-40 delicious sausage balls. A typical serving size is about 4 cheese balls, making it easy to portion for appetizers or snacks. This quantity is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The chilling period allows the fats in the cheese and sausage to firm up, making the dough much less sticky and significantly easier to roll into perfect spheres. It also helps the ingredients bind together better, preventing the balls from spreading too much during baking.
• Achieve Even Baking: To ensure all your sausage balls bake evenly, try to make them as uniform in size as possible. A small cookie scoop can be incredibly helpful for this. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; allow some space between each ball for air circulation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

These cream cheese sausage balls are fantastic for meal prep or for preparing in advance for gatherings:

• Make Ahead (Dough): You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the chilled dough, then proceed with baking as usual.
• Make Ahead (Baked): Bake the sausage balls completely, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing Instructions: These sausage balls freeze beautifully, both cooked and uncooked.
  • To freeze uncooked: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • To freeze cooked: Allow baked sausage balls to cool completely. Store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile cream cheese sausage balls can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like sugar-free ranch, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a creamy avocado dip.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: A fantastic high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional breakfast pastries. Pair them with scrambled eggs or a side of fresh berries.
• As a Snack: Perfect for satisfying hunger between meals, whether at home, at work, or on the go.
• Game Day Treat: An absolute crowd-pleaser for any sporting event or casual get-together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making these delicious cream cheese sausage balls:

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its robust flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
• My dough is too sticky, what should I do? Ensure your cream cheese was properly softened and not melted. If the dough is still too sticky after chilling for an hour, you can try adding a tablespoon or two more of almond flour, one at a time, until it’s more manageable. Also, chilling for a longer period (up to 2 hours) can help.
• Can I make these without coconut flour? Coconut flour plays a unique role in absorbing moisture. While you might be able to increase the almond flour slightly, the texture may change. It’s best to stick to the recipe for the intended results.
• How do I know when they’re fully cooked? The sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside. For absolute certainty, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 160°F (71°C).
• Can I air fry these? Yes! Air frying is a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

More Delicious Appetizers You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these savory bites, you might also like to explore some of our other fantastic appetizer recipes:

• Loaded Baked Potato Dip
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
• Cucumber Salsa
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Best Vegan Queso (Ever)

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We hope you thoroughly enjoy preparing and tasting these incredible Keto Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! They are truly a game-changer for anyone looking for a flavorful, low-carb option that satisfies. If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a review below and letting us know your thoughts. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks!

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