cheddar bay sausage balls

These cheddar bay sausage balls are my secret for getting a warm cheesy snack on the table in record time. If you want something that people devour at parties or just an easy flexible recipe for busy days, you will love how the buttery Red Lobster biscuit mix and savory sausage become the ultimate comfort food. You simply mix four straightforward ingredients into delightful bites with a golden crust and creamy gooey center. From last-minute brunches to family movie nights, these sausage balls never last long.

I first whipped these up when I needed a holiday appetizer in a pinch and they disappeared before I put out the rest of the spread. Now my friends ask for them at every get-together.

Ingredients

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: for authentic buttery garlic biscuit flavor and a rich signature taste, seek out the mix that includes the seasoning packet so you get all the flavor payoff
• Cream cheese: left at room temperature until soft for creaminess that melds perfectly with the sausage and keeps the centers moist
• Sharp cheddar cheese: freshly shredded or pre-shredded for bold cheesiness that adds melt and punch, look for good quality cheddar with a deep orange hue
• Uncooked ground sausage: choose regular breakfast sausage for classic mild taste or try spicy Italian or turkey sausage for a personal twist, make sure sausage is raw for the best bake

Instructions

Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Baking Sheet:

Set the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks and you get an even golden bottom

Mix The Biscuit Mix With Seasoning:

Place the dry biscuit mix into a large bowl and add the seasoning packet which delivers buttery garlic flavor throughout each sausage ball

Blend The Cream Cheese:

Using a separate bowl beat the room temperature cream cheese until it is completely smooth and light to guarantee a creamy bite

Combine Sausage And Cream Cheese:

Add the raw sausage to the bowl with cream cheese and mix with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until you do not see streaks of cream cheese

Add Biscuit Mix And Shredded Cheddar:

Fold the biscuit mix and sharp cheddar into the meat mixture stirring just until everything is incorporated so you keep the sausage balls tender

Form Uniform Sausage Balls:

Scoop the mixture into one inch balls rolling them gently between your palms, place each on the prepared sheet leaving space for air flow and even cooking

Bake Until Golden And Cooked Through:

Bake the sausage balls for fifteen to twenty minutes until you see a crispy golden crust and can tell the sausage is cooked inside with no pink remaining

I will never forget when I made these the first time and my brother-in-law ate almost the whole batch before dinner was even served. This recipe has been requested at every family game night since.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer keeping, freeze the uncooked balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen and just add a few extra minutes until golden and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find the specific biscuit mix, grab any quality garlic biscuit mix or use a basic biscuit mix plus a teaspoon of garlic powder and a tablespoon of melted butter for similar flavor. Your favorite sausage will work so get creative with spicy or mild options. Feel free to swap cheddar for Colby jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pile the sausage balls into a basket for parties or casual brunches. Serve them warm alongside dips like ranch dressing, marinara, cheese dip or honey mustard. They are fantastic next to scrambled eggs as a breakfast side or even as a hearty afternoon snack with a crisp salad.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

This recipe is a southern inspired twist on sausage cheese balls which are a classic staple for potlucks, tailgates, and holiday spreads. Using Red Lobster’s biscuit mix puts a new signature spin on a beloved dish. In spring and summer make them with turkey sausage and lighter cheese for a seasonal touch or get cozy in fall with spicier sausage.

Success Stories

When I brought these to a friend’s New Year’s brunch the entire crowd asked for the recipe before I could sit down. They are unbeatable for potlucks or holiday parties where you need a quick win.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Form the mixture into balls and freeze them raw on a lined tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, arrange on a tray and bake from frozen. Taste and texture will be just as good and it is a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Serve these sausage balls fresh and hot for the best cheesy gooey bite. They are sure to disappear fast wherever you take them.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What kind of sausage is best for these?

Choose raw ground sausage such as breakfast, mild Italian, or turkey based on your preferred flavor.

→ Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate a day in advance or freeze the formed balls to bake directly from frozen later.

→ Do you need to pre-cook sausage before mixing?

No, use raw sausage. It cooks fully during baking, locking in flavor and moisture.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Yes, swap sharp cheddar for other cheeses like Colby jack or mild cheddar for a different taste.

→ Are there any ingredient substitutions?

Swap biscuit mix for any garlic biscuit mix, and use seasonings to mimic Red Lobster flavor. Choose sausage and cheese per taste.

→ How should these sausage balls be served?

Serve warm as snacks or appetizers, paired with ranch, marinara, cheese sauce, or alongside eggs and salads.