Description
A simple, no-cook keto appetizer made with ground sausage and cream cheese. These savory balls are perfect for game day, require only 15 minutes of prep, and are naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, pre-cooked)
- 8 ounces full-fat block-style cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice
- Optional coating: Crispy bacon bits or Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- If using raw sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked with no pink spots. Drain excess grease and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, crumbled sausage and softened cream cheese.
- Add dried onion flakes, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a uniform texture is achieved. Adjust consistency with more cream cheese if too dry, or more onion/parmesan if too sticky.
- Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about a tablespoon each) and place them on the parchment paper without touching.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 1 hour to firm up the cream cheese and hold their shape.
- Optional: Once firm, roll the balls in crushed bacon bits or Everything Bagel Seasoning for coating.
- Serve cold or at room temperature on a platter.
Notes
Ensure the sausage is completely cool before mixing to prevent the cream cheese from melting. Use block-style cream cheese, not spreadable tub cream cheese, to ensure the balls hold their shape. These are best eaten fresh from the fridge and do not freeze well as the texture may become grainy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 0.5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: keto, low carb, game day, appetizer, sausage balls, cream cheese, no bake, gluten free, party snack