If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly irresistible appetizer that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, look no further than this Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe. These little bites pack a punch of hearty breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and the golden embrace of crescent roll dough, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a busy holiday party or just craving a snack that feels like a warm hug, these savory sausage and cream cheese bites will quickly become your go-to dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create delightful flavors and satisfying textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of the cheese to the savory depth of the sausage, all wrapped up in buttery crescent rolls that bake to a golden delight.
- Crescent Rolls: Two packages provide the perfect flaky, buttery dough that crisps up beautifully around the filling.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture and balances the robust sausage flavors.
- Breakfast Sausage (16 ounces): The star of the show with its savory, spiced richness—Jimmy Dean is a popular choice for consistency and flavor.
- Medium Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture, bringing a fresh depth to the filling.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the mixture with a gentle hint of garlic that enhances the overall savoriness without overpowering.
How to Make Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage Mixture
Start by heating a skillet and cooking the breakfast sausage along with the diced onions and garlic powder. As the sausage cooks, be sure to crumble it into small pieces so it evenly mingles with the onions. You want the onions to become translucent and tender, which adds sweetness and complements the meat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and let the mixture cool just a bit. This quick step is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
Step 2: Combine with Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese thoroughly with the cooled sausage and onion mixture. This creamy base softens the savory sausage and helps bind everything together so the filling stays moist and flavorful inside each bite. The cream cheese also ensures a luscious mouthfeel that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent roll packages onto a clean, flat surface. Each package contains 8 large triangles, so cut every triangle in half to create smaller manageable pieces—this doubles your dough count to 32 pieces. These perfectly sized triangles will cradle the sausage and cream cheese filling like little edible bowls.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Donkey Balls
Take a teaspoon of the sausage cream cheese filling and place it in the center of each dough triangle. Gently bring the edges of the dough up and pinch them together securely, forming a small ball shape—hence the name Donkey Balls. This ensures the filling stays inside during baking and delivers a neat, bite-sized treat that’s easy to enjoy at any gathering.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the shaped balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased, spacing them about an inch apart so they bake evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes or until the crescent rolls have puffed up and are beautifully golden brown. Because the sausage filling is pre-cooked, these bites are safe to enjoy right from the oven and offer a toasty, creamy, savory burst in every mouthful.
How to Serve Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These bites are delicious on their own, but if you want to add a fresh twist, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right after baking. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of honey mustard sauce can also elevate the presentation and add contrasting flavors that surprise and delight.
Side Dishes
Pair your Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe with crisp, refreshing side dishes like a crunchy garden salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies. These help balance the richness of the sausage and cheese filling for a well-rounded snack or appetizer experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on a festive platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, ranch dressing, or a smoky barbecue sauce. For gatherings, consider skewering a few on cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go finger food. You can also try placing them into mini muffin tins before baking to help keep their shape and make serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is always a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They retain their flavor well and are just as tasty when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze these sausage and cream cheese bites before baking by placing the prepared balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your Donkey Balls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the dough lose its delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage like Jimmy Dean is recommended for its flavor, you can experiment with spicy sausage, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for a different taste profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute crescent roll dough with a gluten-free alternative or use puff pastry made from gluten-free ingredients, just keep in mind baking times might vary slightly.
Can I add cheese inside the filling?
Yes, mixing in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese provides extra gooeyness and flavor. Just fold it into the cream cheese and sausage mixture before filling the dough.
How long can I prepare Donkey Balls in advance?
You can assemble the balls up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake fresh right before serving for the best taste and texture.
What dipping sauces go best with these bites?
Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s both flavorful and fun to make, the Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s effortless, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Trust me, once you try these golden, cheesy, sausage-packed bites, they’ll become your new favorite party snack that you simply can’t live without.
Print
Donkey Balls Recipe: Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Donkey Balls are savory crescent roll appetizers filled with a flavorful mixture of cooked breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and diced onions. Baked until golden brown, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or any party where you want a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 16 ounces Breakfast Sausage (Jimmy Dean or any standard package)
- 1 Medium Onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
For the Dough
- 2 Packages Crescent Rolls
Instructions
- Cook the sausage mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage along with the diced onion and garlic powder. Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
- Drain and cool: Drain excess grease from the sausage mixture and allow it to cool for a few minutes to prevent melting the cream cheese when mixing.
- Combine with cream cheese: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese thoroughly with the cooled sausage and onion mixture until evenly combined.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll both packages of crescent rolls and flatten them out. Cut each crescent roll triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles each. Since there are 8 triangles per package, you should end up with 32 smaller triangles total.
- Fill and shape: Place about one teaspoon of the sausage and cream cheese filling onto each dough triangle. Fold the dough sides around the filling and pinch the edges to form a small, sealed ball.
- Bake: Arrange the balls on a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Space them about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 14 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm as a delicious appetizer. These can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- This recipe yields 32 appetizer-sized bites, perfect for large gatherings or parties.
- Ensure the sausage mixture is cooled slightly before combining with cream cheese to prevent melting and a runny filling.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- These appetizer balls can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwaved briefly before serving.
- For added flavor, try mixing in chopped green onions or shredded cheese into the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
