These creamy cheddar & sausage bites are golden, cheesy, and full of savory flavor—perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack. Inspired by a beloved Southern classic, I make them with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. The mix of sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar creates a tender and flavorful bite-sized treat that disappears fast from any snack table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef sausage or ground chicken sausage
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), I combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. I mix until well blended.
I add the Bisquick baking mix and stir until it’s evenly incorporated with the sausage mixture.
Then I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is mixed together.
Using my hands or a scoop, I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
I chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so they hold their shape better while baking.
Then I bake for about 25 minutes, or until the sausage bites are firm and golden brown.
I remove them from the oven and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings, and each batch takes about 45 minutes from start to finish—20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking. It yields roughly 30–35 bite-sized pieces, depending on how large I make each one.
Variations
I sometimes use spicy sausage for a little extra heat.
For a different twist, I swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.
If I’m avoiding Bisquick, I replace it with a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, and a bit of salt.
I’ve also tried adding chopped jalapeños or green onions into the mix for more flavor.
Ground turkey works well if I want something lighter.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but they lose a bit of their crispness. These also freeze beautifully—I freeze them after baking, then reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep sausage bites from drying out?
I make sure not to overbake them, and the cream cheese helps keep them moist. Chilling before baking also helps retain their shape and moisture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the sausage mixture and roll them into balls a day ahead. I store them in the fridge and bake them fresh the next day.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. I freeze them baked or unbaked. For unbaked, I freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. I bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
I like to serve them with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli. Barbecue sauce and marinara also work well.
Can I make this without Bisquick?
Yes, I replace Bisquick with 2 cups of all-purpose flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Conclusion
These creamy cheddar & sausage bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack. I love how simple they are to make, and how easy it is to adapt the recipe with different flavors. Whether I’m feeding a party or meal-prepping for the week, these savory bites always deliver—warm, cheesy, and totally addictive.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Cheddar & Sausage Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (30–35 bites)
Description
These creamy cheddar & sausage bites are golden, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a simple snack, they combine sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, and cheddar into tender, addictive bites that are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef sausage or ground chicken sausage
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Add the Bisquick baking mix and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully mixed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a scoop and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the sausage bites are firm and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for variety.
Swap Bisquick for 2 cups all-purpose flour + 1 tbsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt if needed.
Add-ins like chopped jalapeños or green onions boost flavor.
Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to sausage.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
