If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with cheesy, savory goodness, this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy sausage mixed with creamy cheddar and the iconic flavors of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, all baked into irresistible bite-sized balls. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping snacks for game day, or simply craving something flavorful and comforting, these sausage balls deliver that perfect balance of spice, cheese, and buttery richness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each component plays a vital role in crafting the signature flavor and texture. From the tangy cheddar cheese to the tenderizing cream cheese and the flavorful biscuit mix, every bit adds something special to this classic appetizer.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (11.36 oz): This mix brings authentic cheddar bay seasoning that’s both savory and slightly buttery, giving the sausage balls their signature flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the mixture together for tender, moist bites.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1¼ cups): Brings sharp, gooey cheese flavor that complements the biscuit mix and sausage perfectly.
- Sausage (1 lb, uncooked): The star protein for this recipe, providing juicy, savory depth—pork sausage works best for that satisfying mouthfeel.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400ºF so it’s properly heated when you’re ready to bake. This ensuring your sausage balls will cook evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the bowl of your electric stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, throw in the biscuit mix along with the seasoning packet, raw sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a sticky, flavorful dough-like mixture that holds together nicely.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Pinch off 1-inch pieces of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form small, even balls. Place the shaped sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to save some for later, this is a great time to freeze them before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. This ensures the sausage is fully cooked and the cheese inside melts into gooey deliciousness, sealing in all the flavors.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the sausage balls just before serving. The vibrant green not only makes them look stunning but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances out the richness nicely.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesy sausage balls with classic dips like tangy ranch, spicy mustard, or a creamy horseradish sauce. For a fuller spread, crisply roasted veggies or a fresh garden salad bring contrast and freshness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these appetizer bites skewered on decorative toothpicks to make them easy to grab. You could also nestle them in little lettuce cups or arrange them on a platter surrounded by cherry tomatoes and olives for a colorful, irresistible charcuterie-style display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When properly stored, they maintain their flavor and texture wonderfully.
Freezing
This Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze the unbaked balls on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 1 to 2 months, making it easy to prepare ahead for any occasion.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and piping hot. Avoid the microwave to keep that crisp exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausage is traditional and adds great flavor, you can also experiment with turkey sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage if you want a little kick.
Is it necessary to use the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?
Using the Red Lobster mix gives these sausage balls their iconic flavor, but if you can’t find it, a cheddar biscuit mix plus a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika can do the job in a pinch.
How big should I make the sausage balls?
About 1-inch diameter works best for even baking and ideal bite-size portions that are perfect for snacking and parties.
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape and freeze them before baking, so whenever you want a quick snack, just pop them straight into the oven.
What dips go best with Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe?
Ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a smoky BBQ sauce all complement the cheesy sausage balls beautifully. Feel free to mix it up depending on your taste or occasion.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is one of those dishes that’s pure comfort food magic: easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and always a hit wherever you serve it. Once you make these cheesy, sausage-packed bites, you’ll wonder how you ever survived snack time without them. So grab that biscuit mix, get mixing, and bring some serious yum to your next get-together!
Print
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 dozen
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer combining the savory taste of sausage with creamy cheddar cheese and the iconic Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. These bite-sized balls are perfect for parties or snacks, baked to golden brown perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb uncooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the sausage balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet, uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and form a uniform dough-like mixture.
- Shape Sausage Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place these evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, you can freeze the shaped balls at this point for later baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown all over and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can freeze the uncooked shaped sausage balls on the baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag to bake later. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Use a piping bag or spoon to portion out the balls evenly for consistent cooking and presentation.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure an even blend.
- For a spicier version, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or marinara.
