Have you ever had a snack that just stops you in your tracks? One that makes you ask, where has this been all my life? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these incredible Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. They combine the warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness of those famous biscuits with the savory satisfaction of a classic sausage ball. It’s a match made in heaven.
Honestly, this recipe is a total game changer for appetizers. It’s so simple to whip up, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you need a quick bite for a party, a game day snack, or even a fun breakfast treat, this is the recipe you need. Let’s get into making these amazing little bites of joy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just outstanding. Imagine the savory taste of breakfast sausage mingling with sharp cheddar cheese and that signature garlic herb seasoning from the biscuit mix. Each bite is a warm, cheesy, and savory explosion. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
The simplicity is another huge plus. We use a package of Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, which is a fantastic shortcut. It saves you from measuring out a bunch of different dry ingredients. This makes the whole process faster and pretty much foolproof. It’s a great recipe for beginner cooks.
These sausage balls are the ultimate party food. They are easy to make in a large batch, they hold up well at room temperature, and they are perfect for grabbing and mingling. No forks or plates required. Just pop one in your mouth and enjoy the goodness. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe.
You can also customize them to your heart’s content. Feel free to use spicy sausage for a little kick, or try different kinds of cheese. You could even add some finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat. The base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also a great canvas for your own culinary creativity.
And let’s talk about freezing. This Red Lobster Sausage Balls Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can freeze the unbaked balls and cook them straight from the freezer whenever a craving hits. It is so convenient to have a stash of these ready to go for unexpected guests or a last minute party invitation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sausage Balls. The ingredient list is wonderfully short and simple. You can find everything at your local grocery store.
- 1 (11.36 oz) package Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (like the Red Lobster brand)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey sausage (seasoned well)
A quick note on the ingredients. Using softened cream cheese is really important. It makes mixing everything together so much easier. For the sausage, you can use ground pork sausage too. Just make sure it’s a savory breakfast style sausage for the best flavor.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls ever? It’s super easy. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a tray of cheesy, savory goodness in no time at all. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Make sure to position a rack in the middle of the oven for even baking. While the oven is heating up, go ahead and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the sausage balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all your ingredients. That includes the biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet, the softened cream cheese, the shredded cheddar cheese, and the ground sausage. If you’re using a stand mixer, the dough hook attachment works great for this.
Mix on a low speed until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix it. The mixture should come together to form a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. If mixing by hand, just get in there with clean hands and work everything together until it’s evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape The Balls
Now for the fun part. Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1 inch balls. A small cookie scoop can be really helpful here to make sure all your sausage balls are a uniform size. This helps them cook evenly. Place the rolled balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked all the way through. The exact time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls cool for just a minute or two before serving. They are best served warm. They are delicious on their own, but also fantastic with a side of ranch dressing, garlic mayo, or even a spicy aioli for dipping.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, make sure the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are completely cooled to room temperature. This is key to preventing them from getting soggy when you store them.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but they will be softer.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooked and cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them straight from the freezer in a 350°F oven until hot.
Tips
Want to make your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls even better? Here are a few handy tips. Don’t overmix the mixture. Just mix until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the final texture a bit tough.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. If it’s too cold, it will be lumpy and won’t incorporate smoothly into the other ingredients. You can leave it on the counter for about an hour to soften up perfectly.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar is classic, a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack would be delicious. You could also try a spicy pepper jack for some extra heat. It’s a fun way to change up the flavor profile of this classic Red Lobster Sausage Balls Recipe.
If your mixture seems a little too sticky to roll easily, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit, making it much easier to handle. You can also lightly wet your hands with water before rolling.
Don’t be shy with the dipping sauces. While they are great on their own, a good dip takes them to another level. Think honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a simple marinara. A variety of dips makes for a fun and interactive appetizer experience for your guests.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and crowd pleasing recipe for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. They are the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a true favorite in my house, and I am confident it will be in yours too. There’s nothing better than sharing good food with the people you love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single cheesy bite of these amazing sausage balls.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests chicken or turkey sausage, you can definitely use regular ground pork breakfast sausage. A spicy pork sausage would also be fantastic if you like a little heat. Just make sure you are using raw, ground sausage, not precooked links or patties.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great make ahead recipe. You can prepare the mixture, roll the balls, and then place the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet. You can either cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or you can freeze them. To freeze, place the sheet in the freezer until the balls are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have A Stand Mixer?
No problem at all. You can easily mix the ingredients by hand in a large bowl. It will take a little more elbow grease, but it works just as well. Just make sure to use your hands to really get in there and combine everything thoroughly so there are no dry pockets of biscuit mix.
My Mixture Is Too Sticky. What Should I Do?
If your mixture is too sticky to roll, the easiest solution is to chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will firm up the cream cheese and sausage, making it much easier to handle. You can also try lightly flouring your hands before rolling each ball.
How Do I Know When The Sausage Balls Are Fully Cooked?
The sausage balls are done when they are a deep golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for chicken or turkey sausage. If you’re unsure, you can break one open to check that the inside is no longer pink.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
These incredible Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine the warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness of the famous biscuits with the savory satisfaction of a classic sausage ball. A simple and flavorful appetizer perfect for any party or game day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix (along with its seasoning packet), the softened cream cheese, the shredded cheddar cheese, and the ground sausage.
- Mix everything on a low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the rolled balls onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked all the way through.
- Let the sausage balls cool for a minute or two before serving. They are best served warm, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For easier mixing, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature.
Do not overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until everything is combined.
Feel free to experiment with spicy sausage or different cheeses like Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
Nutrition
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