The perfect bite-sized appetizer, these Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites bring together spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and savory sausage in one irresistible dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re incredibly tender and bursting with bold flavors.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make with just four ingredients, but they’re also gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great choice for any party or casual get-together. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these cheesy, spicy bites are guaranteed to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
- 2 lbs pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz buffalo sauce
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Form the mixture into 18-20 small balls and set aside.
- Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage balls and sear on each side for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Transfer the seared sausage balls to a slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce evenly over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until fully cooked.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside celery and carrots.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1-4 hours | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 199 kcal | Servings: 20 sausage balls
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites – The Ultimate Spicy, Cheesy Appetizer
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. They’re an easy-to-make appetizer that’s ideal for game days, parties, holidays, or even a fun weekend snack. Packed with bold buffalo flavor, rich melted cheese, and hearty sausage, these slow-cooked bites are an effortless way to impress guests or satisfy a craving for something spicy and delicious.
Unlike traditional sausage balls that use flour or breadcrumbs as a binder, these are naturally gluten-free and low-carb. This makes them a great option for those following a keto or gluten-free diet. Plus, since they’re made in a slow cooker, they require minimal effort while allowing the flavors to blend perfectly over time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only Four Ingredients: Simple and straightforward, this recipe only requires pork sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce.
- Easy Slow Cooker Preparation: No need to stand over the stove—just sear the sausage balls, place them in the slow cooker, pour in the buffalo sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a game night, Super Bowl party, or casual gathering, these bite-sized snacks are guaranteed to be a hit.
- Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: Since there’s no flour or breadcrumbs, these sausage balls fit into a variety of dietary lifestyles.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, or even freeze them for up to four months.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites
- Choose the Right Sausage: The type of sausage you use will affect the flavor. Mild sausage keeps the spice level balanced, while hot sausage will enhance the heat. You can also use Italian sausage for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the buffalo sauce amount or mix it with ranch dressing. For extra heat, use a spicier buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture.
- Searing for Flavor: Browning the sausage balls before adding them to the slow cooker locks in flavor and gives them a slightly crispy texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s highly recommended.
- Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup: Slow cooker liners make cleaning up a breeze, especially when cooking with sticky sauces like buffalo sauce.
- Keep Warm for Serving: Once cooked, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting so they stay hot and ready to eat throughout your party or event.
Ways to Serve Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites
These sausage bites are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to serve them:
- With Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or sour cream help balance the heat and add extra creaminess.
- As a Slider: Serve them on small slider buns with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch for a buffalo-inspired sandwich.
- In a Wrap: Add them to a tortilla with shredded lettuce and cheese for an easy buffalo sausage wrap.
- Over a Salad: Slice them in half and toss them on top of a fresh salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a protein-packed meal.
- With Veggies: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or bell pepper slices for a refreshing contrast to the spicy sausage bites.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to prepare these in advance, there are a few options:
- Make the Mixture Ahead of Time: Mix the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, then roll them into balls. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze for Later: Fully cooked sausage balls can be frozen for up to 4 months. Reheat them in the slow cooker, microwave, or oven when ready to serve.
- Reheating Instructions: To warm up leftovers, microwave them on high for 1 minute, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or place them back in the slow cooker on low for an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try mozzarella for a milder taste, pepper jack for an extra kick, or a mix of different cheeses for added depth of flavor.
How can I make these even crispier?
After they’re done in the slow cooker, you can place them under the broiler for a few minutes to give them a crispy, slightly charred exterior.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. If you want to add buffalo sauce, toss them in it after baking.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Any buffalo sauce will work, but a high-quality brand like Frank’s RedHot or homemade buffalo sauce will give you the best flavor.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Bites are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors with a cheesy, savory twist. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them for a casual dinner, or preparing them in advance for meal prep, these sausage bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
Since they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and easy to customize, they work well for different dietary needs. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, serve them in creative ways, and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and meaty goodness in every bite. Try them today and take your appetizer game to the next level!