If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with cheesy, savory flavors, this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the irresistible tang of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with zesty sausage and creamy cheddar, these bite-sized delights come out golden, tender, and utterly delicious every time. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want a comforting snack, this recipe delivers simple ingredients and straightforward steps that result in a crave-worthy treat everyone will be asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these sausage balls a fantastic success. Each one plays a special role, from the biscuit mix giving that signature Cheddar Bay flavor, to the cream cheese adding smooth richness, and the sausage bringing a savory punch.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (11.36 oz): This is the secret ingredient that gives the sausage balls their iconic cheesy and herb-filled base.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Adds a creamy texture and binds the mixture together beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1¼ cups): Provides sharp, melty cheesiness that complements the biscuit mix perfectly.
- Uncooked sausage (1 lb): Brings hearty, savory flavor and juicy texture to every bite.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Preheating ensures your sausage balls bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Combine the biscuit mix and seasoning
Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook makes mixing easy and mess-free. Add the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix along with its seasoning first; this sets the flavorful foundation for your sausage balls.
Step 3: Add the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar
Now, toss in the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix everything on low speed just until the ingredients are well combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough, so keep it gentle and just until uniform.
Step 4: Shape the sausage balls
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 5: Bake until golden brown
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the sausage balls for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they have a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through, juicy, and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While these sausage balls are perfect on their own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan can elevate their presentation and add a burst of fresh or nutty flavor to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a crisp green salad or a tangy dipping sauce like a spicy marinara or creamy ranch to complement the rich, savory flavors and create a well-rounded snack or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe skewered with colorful toothpicks or arrange them around a bowl of warm cheese dip. They’re also fantastic tucked into small slider buns for a playful party pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps maintain their freshness and keeps them nice and moist for snacking later.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked sausage balls for up to three months. Just arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This trick prevents them from sticking together when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausage works best for flavor and texture, you can experiment with spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian substitute to suit your preferences.
What if I don’t have Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?
If you can’t find the biscuit mix, you can try a generic cheddar biscuit mix, but the authentic flavor of this recipe shines most with Red Lobster’s version, so it’s worth seeking out.
Can these sausage balls be made gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this particular recipe relies on the biscuit mix, which contains gluten. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free biscuit mix and seeing how the texture turns out, though results may vary.
Is it better to use cream cheese or sour cream?
Cream cheese is key to this recipe’s rich and creamy texture, so it’s best not to substitute with sour cream. It helps bind the mixture and adds the perfect tanginess.
How long do these sausage balls stay fresh at room temperature?
Because they contain sausage, it’s safest to keep the sausage balls refrigerated and consume them within two hours if left out at room temperature to avoid any food safety issues.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe really is a total winner whether you’re making snacks for an upcoming party, family gathering, or just a delicious everyday bite. It lets you enjoy all the zesty, cheesy goodness that Cheddar Bay biscuits offer, combined with hearty sausage in an easy, handheld form that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to wow your friends and family with this irresistible recipe.
Print
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls featuring a blend of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and savory uncooked sausage. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, baked to golden perfection in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- 1 package (11.36 oz) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb uncooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the sausage balls.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the entire package of the biscuit mix along with its seasoning until well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Sausage. Add the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit mix. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined creating a uniform dough.
- Shape the Sausage Balls. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls by hand, and place each ball evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Bake until Golden. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For easier shaping, lightly wet your hands before rolling the mixture into balls to prevent sticking.
- You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your taste preference.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
- These sausage balls freeze well; cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
