If you love the irresistible flavors of Red Lobster’s famous cheddar bay biscuits but want a fun, bite-sized twist, you are going to be obsessed with this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe. These golden, cheesy, savory little spheres combine creamy cheddar cheese, rich sausage, and that signature biscuit mix into perfect party snacks or comforting appetizers. Crispy on the outside with a tender, cheesy interior, they’re the kind of dish that disappears fast but has everyone asking for the secret. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these sausage balls will quickly become your go-to for gatherings, game day, or just a delicious treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to make magic with this recipe. Each one plays a special role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness to create those mouthwatering Cheddar Bay sausage balls we all crave.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The essential base that delivers that iconic cheddar and herb flavor with built-in seasoning.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings creamy moisture and helps bind the mixture into soft, pillowy balls.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, melty cheesiness that perfectly complements the biscuit mix.
- Uncooked sausage (1 lb): Provides hearty, savory depth and juicy richness to every bite.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF. This temperature helps to cook the sausage thoroughly and get the sausage balls beautifully golden and crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large bowl or electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet with the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients meld together into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. This step is key to ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and cheese.
Step 3: Shape Perfect Little Balls
Roll the cheesy, sausage mixture into 1-inch balls and place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties and easy snacking. Bonus tip: if you want to save some for later, this is the perfect moment to freeze them before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sausage balls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a stunning golden brown and are cooked through. The smell alone will have you eager to pop one in your mouth right out of the oven!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the sausage balls for a burst of color and fresh flavor that contrasts its richness beautifully. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of spicy aioli can elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls shine as the star snack, but pairing them with a crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness perfectly. They also go wonderfully alongside creamy ranch dip or honey mustard for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sausage balls on a wooden board with small bowls of assorted dips surrounding them. Another lovely idea is to skewer a couple of these cheese-stuffed bites with a pickle or olive for a fun and fancy appetizer “lollipop.” Presentation is all about making these irresistible and easy to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheddar bay sausage balls keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe freezes wonderfully. Freeze the shaped, uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, bake right from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisped up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep some of that original crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for that signature flavor, you can experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Just keep the cheese quantity the same.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds essential moisture and softness, making these sausage balls tender inside. You could try substituting with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but the texture won’t be quite as rich or creamy.
What type of sausage works best?
Any ground pork sausage, whether spicy or mild, works well. Feel free to use turkey sausage if you want a leaner option, but traditional pork sausage gives the best flavor and juiciness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To enjoy these sausage balls gluten-free, look for a gluten-free cheddar bay biscuit mix or make your own blend with almond flour and seasonings. The key is ensuring the biscuit mix is what gives the unique flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the sausage balls from falling apart?
The cream cheese and shredded cheddar act as binding ingredients, so mixing everything thoroughly and shaping the balls tightly helps. Also, baking at the right temperature ensures they cook through and firm up without drying out.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is like inviting a little piece of comfort and fun straight into your kitchen. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you transform day or party snacks into something truly memorable. Once you bake these golden, cheesy bites, sharing them with friends and family will become a joyous tradition you’ll want to repeat again and again.
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Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 dozen sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a savory and cheesy appetizer combining Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they make an irresistible snack or party treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with seasoning packet
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb sausage (uncooked)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the sausage balls are ready to bake.
- Mix ingredients: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet, the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and form a uniform mixture.
- Shape the sausage balls: Take the mixture and roll it into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands. Place the formed balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. At this stage, you can also freeze the shaped balls for future use.
- Bake to golden brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and the sausage is fully cooked through.
Notes
- For best results, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to evenly incorporate the sausage mixture.
- You can freeze the shaped sausage balls prior to baking. Bake them from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use your favorite type of sausage—pork sausage works best, but you can experiment with spicy or turkey sausage as desired.
- These sausage balls are an excellent appetizer for parties, brunches, or a savory snack any time.
