Easy Keto Sausage Balls
Hola! I’m Emma, and these cheesy Keto Crack Sausage Balls are exactly the kind of snack that brings me back to my family kitchen in Orlando. I remember standing on tiptoe as my abuela taught me how to mix bold flavors into something simple but unforgettable. These sausage balls are creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—with melty cheddar, rich cream cheese, and hearty beef replacing bacon for an extra meaty kick. Whether you’re planning a low-carb appetizer for game day or just need a quick, protein-packed bite, this easy keto sausage balls recipe is going to be a keeper in your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 18 mins | 33 mins | 6 | Easy | American | All Year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple – These bake up in under 40 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings or last-minute party prep.
- Cheesy and creamy – Cheddar and cream cheese melt together for a gooey, irresistible bite every time.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly – With about 5g net carbs per serving, they fit right into a keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-approved snack – Perfect for game nights, brunch spreads, or simply keeping hunger at bay with a protein-packed bite.
- Customizable – Easily swap cheeses, herbs, or meats to suit your tastes while keeping them low-carb.
Cheesy Keto Crack Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese and Beef
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Cheesy, creamy, and low-carb—these Keto Crack Sausage Balls are made with savory breakfast sausage, rich cream cheese, melty cheddar, and tender beef for the ultimate keto-friendly appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb natural ground breakfast sausage
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked beef, chopped
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a bowl, combine sausage, almond flour, green onions, cheddar, cream cheese, and beef. Mix until blended.
3. Roll into 24 even balls and arrange on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt.
Chill the mixture before rolling for easier handling.
Swap beef with chopped smoked turkey for a different twist.
Freeze unbaked sausage balls for quick snacks anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sausage balls
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
- 1 lb natural ground breakfast sausage
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked beef, chopped (instead of bacon)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground sausage | Choose a breakfast sausage with a bit of fat—it keeps the balls juicy and flavorful. |
| Almond flour | Use blanched almond flour for a finer texture and smoother mix. |
| Green onions | Slice fresh right before adding to maintain crunch and color. |
| Cheddar cheese | Freshly shred for better melting and less clumping than pre-packaged cheese. |
| Beef (bacon swap) | Use cooked, seasoned beef such as ground or leftover roast for hearty flavor. |
| Cream cheese | Make sure it’s fully softened at room temp to avoid lumps. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sausage, almond flour, green onions, cheddar, softened cream cheese, and chopped beef. Mix until well blended but not overmixed.
- Roll into 24 evenly sized balls (about 1½ tbsp each) and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Let cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling if it feels sticky.
- Add a splash of heavy cream if using lean sausage to keep them moist.
- Always test doneness by cutting into one ball—it should be hot and fully cooked inside.
Expert Tips
- Fully softened cream cheese makes mixing smooth and easy.
- Freshly grated cheddar melts better than bagged shreds.
- Bake on a room-temp tray for even browning.
- Lightly oil your hands if the mixture sticks while rolling.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or red chili flakes for heat.
- Herby Freshness – Mix in parsley or chives for brightness.
- Cheese Swap – Use gouda or pepper jack for different flavor.
- Crunchy Coating – Roll in crushed pork rinds for extra texture.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Refrigerate the mixture up to 24 hours before baking to save time. To freeze, place unbaked sausage balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cook time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm on a wooden platter with toothpicks and dips like sugar-free ranch or marinara. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a colorful garnish.
Pairing Ideas
Enjoy with crisp sparkling water, unsweetened limeade, or a dry Chardonnay that balances the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth.
FAQs
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour? Yes, but it absorbs more liquid. Start with ¼ cup and adjust as needed.
Can these be frozen? Yes—freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen with extra time.
Can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar. Flavor will differ slightly but still works.
What’s the best sausage? Pork breakfast sausage works best, but spicy or sage versions are great twists.
How do I know they’re done? They’ll be golden brown and firm with no pink inside.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—just bake in batches for best results.
What can replace beef if I don’t want bacon? Smoked turkey or ham works well, adding a different but delicious flavor.
Nutrition (per serving – 4 balls)
| Calories | Protein | Net Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315 kcal | ~14 g | ~5 g | ~26 g | ~2 g | ~1 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary by ingredients. Consult a nutritionist for exact values.
Conclusion
These Easy Keto Sausage Balls with cream cheese and beef are everything you need in a low-carb appetizer—cheesy, savory, and crowd-pleasing. Give them a try, and let a little fiesta of flavor roll right into your kitchen!
