- Olive oil or cooking spray (SEO keyword: cooking spray)
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor
Note: This list is optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results.
Steps
### Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: A Delightful Snack or Appetizer
#### Introduction to Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful snack that's perfect for parties, game days, or even as an appetizer. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and incredibly versatile, making them a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese makes each bite irresistible.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage (remove casing if desired)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Additional seasonings like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for flavor
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Preparation of Ingredients**
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Thaw the sausage if it's frozen. Soften the cream cheese in the microwave or at room temperature.
- Chop the parsley finely and set aside.
2. **Mixing the Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the Italian sausage into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl and mix well until it’s evenly combined with the sausage.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to ensure everything is incorporated without overworking the mixture.
3. **Forming the Balls**
- Use your hands or a small spoon to form the mixture into uniform balls. The size can vary from pea-sized for mini snacks to larger balls for appetizers.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some space between each ball.
4. **Baking**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the sausage balls for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can brush them with a little olive oil before baking.
5. **Serving Suggestions**
- Serve these savory cream cheese sausage balls as a snack, appetizer, or part of a charcuterie board.
- They pair well with dips such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
#### Tips and Variations
- **Adding Flavors**: Feel free to add other herbs like basil or thyme for an extra burst of flavor. You can also use different types of sausage, like chorizo or kielbasa.
- **Storage**: Store leftover sausage balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.
#### SEO Optimization
Use keywords naturally throughout the text, such as "cream cheese sausage balls," "snacks," and "appetizers." Include relevant meta tags like `<title>` and `<description>` to optimize your recipe page for search engines. Use headings (H1, H2) to structure your content clearly.
By following these detailed steps, you can easily create a batch of creamy and delicious sausage balls that are sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering. Enjoy!