If you’re on the hunt for a snack or appetizer that bursts with comforting flavors and a delightful combination of textures, you’ve just found your new favorite with this Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups Recipe. Imagine flaky biscuit cups hugging a rich, savory blend of spicy breakfast sausage and melty cheese—each bite bringing warm, cheesy goodness with a subtle kick of garlic and paprika. These little cups are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a party platter, and they come together quickly, making them a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From flaky biscuit dough forming the crispy cup to the creamy cheeses and seasoned sausage filling, every component shines through to make this dish crave-worthy.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 oz): Flaky style is best here to create tender, golden cups that hold all the goodness inside.
- Breakfast sausage (1/2 lb): Adds rich, savory, and spicy notes that form the hearty base of the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharpness and melty texture that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): Adds creaminess that binds the filling and makes it irresistibly smooth.
- Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): A subtle savory punch that enhances overall flavor.
- Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Paprika (1/4 tsp, optional): Provides a hint of warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): For a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness as garnish.
How to Make Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure the biscuit cups bake up golden and slip out easily after baking. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly cooked cups with a golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbled. This step is crucial for that hearty, meaty flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and allow the sausage to cool slightly so it blends well with the cheeses later.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mixing while the sausage is slightly warm helps the cream cheese soften further into a creamy, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Shape the Biscuit Cups
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Using your hands, flatten each biscuit into a round disc that’s large enough to cover the bottom and sides of each muffin cup. This will create the perfect little “bowl” for the sausage mixture, ensuring every bite has a tender biscuit crust edge.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Press each biscuit disc firmly into the muffin tin cups. Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into each biscuit cup, pressing it gently to pack the filling inside without tearing the biscuit walls. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through, and the filling is bubbling and lightly browned on top.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
When baking is complete, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups to cool slightly. This resting time helps the filling set so each cup holds together beautifully when served. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a fresh pop of herby green color and brightness.
How to Serve Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for garnishing these biscuit cups, adding just the right amount of herbal freshness and visual appeal. You could also try chives or a tiny dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. Whatever you pick, garnishes enhance presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups shine as a hearty appetizer or brunch dish, so pairing them with crisp, light sides works well. Consider a fresh green salad, sliced fresh fruit, or a zesty coleslaw. For breakfast, pair with scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes to complete the meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these hot from the oven on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter for a crowd-pleasing display. You can also pop them in individual cupcake liners for easy handling at parties. For a brunch buffet, arrange them alongside mini bowls of dipping sauces such as spicy mustard or a tangy ranch dip to elevate the flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moisture and prevents the biscuit from drying out, so they taste just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
These biscuit cups freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container to store for up to two months. This is a handy way to enjoy them on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated biscuit cups into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the biscuit edges crisp back up. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the biscuit cup from becoming soggy — you want to preserve that buttery crispness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and flavorful, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack for some heat, or even a sharp gouda. Choose a cheese that melts well to get that gooey filling texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the breakfast sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers for a savory veggie filling. This keeps the dish tasty and suitable for vegetarians.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble the biscuit cups ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This way, you just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive, ensuring warm, fresh bites without fuss.
What’s the best biscuit dough to use?
Flaky-style biscuit dough is recommended because it creates a tender, flaky pastry that crisps up nicely in the oven. Avoid thicker or buttery drop biscuit doughs as they might be too dense or heavy for this recipe.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, if you have access to gluten-free biscuit dough from the store, you can use that as a direct substitute. Just be sure to check if your other ingredients like sausage and seasoning are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups Recipe is a delightful treat that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box. With its easy preparation, comforting flavors, and versatility, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try these—you’ll quickly see why they’re such a beloved favorite at my gatherings. Grab your muffin tin and get ready to create some magic with these irresistible biscuit cups!
Print
Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage-Cheese Ball Biscuit Cups are a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for brunch or parties. Flaky biscuit dough cups are filled with a flavorful blend of browned breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and aromatic spices, then baked until golden and bubbly. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they combine comfort food flavors with convenient, bite-sized presentation.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (flaky style works best)
Filling
- 1/2 lb (8 oz) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and thoroughly crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly to avoid melting the cheese too soon.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Shape the Biscuit Cups: Open the biscuit dough can and separate the individual biscuits. Using your hands, flatten each biscuit into a round disc large enough to line and cover the bottom and sides of each muffin cup in the prepared tin, forming a small cup shape.
- Fill the Cups: Place each biscuit disc into the muffin tin wells, gently pressing to form a cup. Spoon the sausage and cheese filling into each biscuit cup, pressing down lightly to ensure the filling is packed in evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, and the filling inside is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the sausage-cheese biscuit cups from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Use flaky biscuit dough for the best texture and easy shaping of the cups.
- Drain excess sausage grease well to prevent soggy biscuit cups.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for variation.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- These cups are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven before serving.
- Consider making this ahead and refrigerating the filled biscuit cups before baking; just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
