If you’re a fan of comforting bites packed with cheesy, savory goodness, this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine combining the irresistible flavors of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory sausage to create little golden orbs of pure indulgence. They bake up beautifully golden with a tender, flavorful center and just the right amount of garlic and buttery taste that makes everyone ask for more. Whether you’re prepping for a party, game day, or just a cozy snack, these sausage balls will steal the show and soon be a staple you turn to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe plays a crucial role—some contribute moisture and tenderness, others bring sharp, melty cheesiness, and the biscuit mix adds that famous garlic butter punch, making these sausage balls uniquely delicious. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The essential base for that signature garlicky, buttery flavor and fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese, softened: Adds richness and helps bind everything together while keeping the sausage balls moist.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gives a sharp, melty cheesiness that complements the biscuit mix perfectly.
- Uncooked Sausage (1 pound): Your choice of pork sausage adds savory depth and guarantees a hearty bite every time.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this keeps the sausage balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having the oven ready ensures your sausage balls bake evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Biscuit Base
Pour the entire Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix into a mixing bowl, making sure to include the seasoning packet. This seasoning is absolutely key since it imparts that buttery, garlicky zing everyone loves. Give it a gentle stir to fluff it up slightly before combining with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Smooth Cream Cheese
Next, take your softened cream cheese and mix it until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step prevents any lumps and ensures your sausage balls will have a consistent texture that’s easy to handle and full of luscious creaminess.
Step 4: Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese
Add the uncooked sausage into the creamy base and mix until fully blended. This creates a hearty, moist foundation that will complement the biscuit mix and cheese perfectly. Be sure to mix well so every bite has that rich sausage flavor.
Step 5: Add Biscuit Mix and Cheddar
Now fold in the biscuit mix and shredded cheddar cheese into your sausage and cream cheese mixture. Work the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. This is the moment where the magic happens, as the melty cheddar and the biscuit mix bring texture and bold flavor to the bite-sized balls.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into one-inch diameter balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of garlic, cheddar, and sausage filling your kitchen will have you eager to dive right in.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These sausage balls are fantastic on their own, but a light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that elevates their presentation. A little dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right after baking also gives a subtle kick. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these sausage balls alongside crisp, crunchy vegetables or a refreshing salad to balance their rich, cheesy nature. They also make a perfect companion to fresh fruit platters or simple roasted veggies, turning any meal into a well-rounded feast. For breakfast or brunch, they shine next to scrambled eggs or a tangy tomato salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Shake things up by serving the sausage balls on a stylish wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces—think honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a tangy marinara. Alternatively, skewer them with colorful toothpicks for easy party appetizers or nestle them into mini muffin tins and top with a dab of extra cheddar for a cute baked presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sausage balls reheat well, retaining their flavor and texture, so you can savor that Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe any time you want a quick snack.
Freezing
These sausage balls freeze beautifully. Arrange the uncooked balls on a tray and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to bake just what you need later on. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, ready to pull out for an effortless appetizer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cooked sausage balls in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven maintains their crispy outer texture better than a microwave, making sure every bite is just as delicious as the first time you made them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a classic pork sausage works wonderfully, you can also use turkey, chicken, or even a spicy sausage to customize the heat and flavor to your liking.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, you’ll need to substitute it with a gluten-free biscuit mix or a similar blend designed for savory baking.
How do I prevent the sausage balls from drying out?
Using cream cheese in the mixture helps keep them moist, but also avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown and are cooked through for the best texture.
Can I prepare these sausage balls ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can shape the sausage balls, store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and bake them fresh when you’re ready. This makes entertaining a breeze.
What dipping sauces pair best with this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe?
Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, and even marinara sauce all complement the flavors beautifully. Try a few to find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe a whirl because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together instantly. It’s simple, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for so many occasions—from casual snacking to party showstoppers. Whip up a batch and watch these cheesy, garlicky bites disappear faster than you can say “pass the plate!”
Print
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a savory appetizer combining the buttery garlic flavor of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with creamy cheese and seasoned sausage. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or game day, baked to golden perfection with a melty, cheesy center.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (11.36 oz) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with seasoning packet
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound uncooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Biscuit Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix including the seasoning packet for that signature buttery garlic flavor.
- Smooth Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese by mixing it until smooth and creamy to ensure easy incorporation.
- Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese: Add the uncooked sausage to the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly until well combined for an even distribution of flavors.
- Add Biscuit Mix and Cheddar: Incorporate the biscuit mix and shredded cheddar cheese into the sausage and cream cheese mixture, mixing until everything is evenly combined into a consistent dough.
- Form Sausage Balls: Portion the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale or measuring spoons for consistent sausage ball size to promote even cooking.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Check sausage balls for doneness by cutting one open or using a meat thermometer.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
