Unlock the secret to effortless entertaining with these incredible 4-ingredient Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls! This recipe takes a beloved classic and infuses it with the irresistible flavor of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, creating an appetizer that is unbelievably quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for any gathering, these cheesy, savory bites are destined to become your go-to finger food.
The Ultimate Easy Appetizer: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
If you’re searching for an easy appetizer that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, look no further than these spectacular Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. We’ve taken the beloved concept of traditional Bisquick sausage balls and elevated it by incorporating the iconic Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. This simple yet brilliant twist introduces a depth of savory, garlicky, and cheesy goodness that transforms an already delicious snack into something truly extraordinary.
These cheesy sausage balls are an absolute dream for party hosts. I adore throwing appetizer parties – they’re such a relaxed way to entertain, offering an array of small bites, delectable finger foods, and refreshing drinks for guests to enjoy at their leisure. The best part? Most of the preparation can be completed well before anyone even knocks on the door. This means less time confined to the kitchen and more precious moments spent mingling and creating memories with friends and family. Imagine serving a warm platter of these irresistible bites, watching them disappear as smiles light up around the room – that’s the kind of effortless entertaining these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls enable.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the many charms of this Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls recipe lies in its incredibly simple ingredient list. With just four core components, you’re well on your way to creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best:
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This is the star ingredient that sets these sausage balls apart. It infuses every bite with that distinctive, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy flavor profile that everyone loves from the famous restaurant biscuits. Be sure to use the entire packet, including any seasoning packets it may contain, as this is crucial for the signature taste.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds incredible moisture and a creamy texture, helping to bind the sausage balls together while contributing a rich, tangy note. For the best results, use full-fat block cream cheese and ensure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it much easier to incorporate smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring an even distribution of flavor. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but may slightly alter the texture. Avoid flavored cream cheeses unless you want to experiment with their specific profiles.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is highly recommended for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can dry them out and prevent them from melting as smoothly or binding as effectively. Grating your own cheddar ensures maximum moisture and superior meltability, leading to perfectly cohesive and deliciously gooey sausage balls. While regular sharp cheddar cheese offers a robust flavor, extra-sharp cheddar can provide an even more intense cheesy kick. For those who enjoy a little heat, pepper jack cheese makes a fantastic substitution, adding a spicy dimension.
- Ground Sausage: The foundation of any good sausage ball! We typically opt for Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage due to its balanced flavor, but this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences:
- Turkey Sausage: A lighter alternative, perfect if you’re looking to reduce fat content.
- Italian Sausage: Adds a savory, herb-infused flavor, making them ideal for an Italian-themed appetizer spread.
- Hot Sausage: For those who love a bit of a kick, hot sausage will deliver a pleasant spicy warmth.
- Sweet Sausage: Offers a milder, slightly sweeter profile that can be a delightful contrast to the savory cheese.
Ensure the sausage is uncooked when you start; it will bake beautifully within the balls.
- Optional: Your Favorite Dipping Sauce: While these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are utterly delicious on their own, setting up a dipping station can take your appetizer game to the next level. Offer a variety of complementary sauces to cater to different tastes. Some fantastic options include creamy ranch dressing, sweet and tangy honey mustard, spicy remoulade sauce, warm queso, smoky barbecue sauce, classic marinara sauce, or even a rich gravy. Experiment and find your perfect pairing!
Essential Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Having the right tools can make preparing these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls even quicker and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need, along with some helpful notes:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This recipe involves mixing several ingredients into a cohesive dough, and a mixer makes this process incredibly easy. A sturdy stand mixer (like a KitchenAid with a dough hook attachment) will handle the dense mixture effortlessly, ensuring everything is well combined without much elbow grease. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a powerful hand mixer will also do the trick. You can even mix by hand in a pinch, but be prepared for a good arm workout!
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a bowl spacious enough to comfortably combine all four ingredients. A large bowl prevents spills and gives you ample room to work the mixture, whether by hand or with a mixer.
- Small Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch in diameter) is a game-changer. It helps ensure that each sausage ball is roughly the same size, which promotes even baking and consistent results. Plus, it makes the shaping process much faster and less messy.
- Parchment Paper: A true kitchen hero! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the sausage balls from sticking, ensuring easy removal once baked. It also makes cleanup an absolute breeze – simply discard the parchment paper, and your baking sheet remains spotless. If you don’t have parchment paper, aluminum foil can be used, or generously spray your baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Baking Sheets with Sides: We highly recommend using baking sheets that have a raised edge or sides. This simple feature provides peace of mind, preventing any of your delicious sausage balls from rolling off the sheet when you transfer them to and from the oven.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first! Investing in good quality, heat-resistant potholders is crucial when working with a hot oven. I learned this lesson the hard way after a minor fire scare involving a cloth potholder years ago. Silicone or heavy-duty fabric potholders designed for high temperatures are a must for safely handling hot baking sheets.
- Paper Towels: Once baked, spreading the hot sausage balls on a layer of paper towels can help absorb any excess grease, making them even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sausage Balls
Creating these delightful Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls is incredibly straightforward. While a detailed printable recipe card with specific measurements is provided at the bottom of this post, here’s a quick overview of the simple steps:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your sausage balls are ready. Gather all your ingredients and equipment before you start mixing to make the process smooth and efficient.
- Combine the Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, softened cream cheese, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, and uncooked ground sausage. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a uniform dough. If using a stand mixer, a dough hook attachment works wonderfully for this. Alternatively, a hand mixer or even strong hands can get the job done.
- Shape the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop (or your hands), form the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little space between each one for even baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C). Once done, remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and prepare to enjoy these savory delights!
Preparation and Storage Tips
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are fantastic for planning ahead, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules or upcoming events.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage balls a day in advance! Simply shape the uncooked mixture into balls and store them tightly covered in an airtight container or on a baking sheet wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them into the preheated oven and bake as directed. This drastically cuts down on day-of prep time.
- Storage: Any leftover baked sausage balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: These sausage balls freeze beautifully, allowing you to have a delicious appetizer ready at a moment’s notice.
- To Freeze Uncooked: Prepare the mixture and roll it into balls. Arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the sausage balls are completely frozen solid (this usually takes 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Bake from Frozen: There’s no need to thaw them before baking! Simply place the frozen sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. You will need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, typically 5-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and heated through.
- How to Reheat: Reheat baked sausage balls in a microwave until warm, or for a crispier texture, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Exciting Recipe Variations
While the classic Cheddar Bay Sausage Ball recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your taste.
- Flavorful Additions: Elevate the flavor profile even further by incorporating extra ingredients into the mix. Consider adding finely chopped scallions or chives for a fresh oniony note, minced garlic (fresh or powdered) for an extra savory kick, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also deepen the umami flavor of the sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free alternative, simply swap the ground sausage for a plant-based ground “sausage” substitute. Many excellent veggie ground options are available that will work perfectly in this recipe.
- Vegan Option: To make these sausage balls entirely vegan, use a plant-based ground sausage, dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and a high-quality vegan shredded cheddar cheese. You’ll also need to ensure your biscuit mix is vegan-friendly; look for a plant-based biscuit mix if the Cheddar Bay brand contains dairy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Good news for gluten-free diets! Red Lobster offers a readily available Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. Simply use this gluten-free mix as a direct substitute for the regular mix, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can often find this mix on Amazon or at well-stocked grocery stores.
- Larger Group / More Servings: This recipe can easily be scaled up to feed a larger crowd. However, instead of simply doubling all the ingredients at once, we recommend making two separate batches as listed. The sausage ball mixture tends to be quite dense, and attempting to double it in a single mixer bowl might exceed your mixer’s capacity and make it difficult to achieve an even mix. Preparing two distinct batches ensures optimal consistency and results.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
These versatile Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls shine in a variety of culinary settings, from breakfast to game day gatherings. Their savory, cheesy goodness makes them a welcome addition to many meals and snack spreads.
For Breakfast & Brunch:
Elevate your morning spread with these savory bites. They pair wonderfully with classic breakfast dishes:
- Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
- Crispy Bacon (whether oven-baked, air-fried, or microwaved)
- A decadent French Toast Casserole
- Sweet German Apple Pancakes
- Homestyle Cracker Barrel Pancakes
- Light and airy Bisquick Waffles
- Comforting Hashbrown Casserole
As Finger Food Appetizers:
These sausage balls are born for party platters! Combine them with other fantastic finger foods for an unforgettable spread:
- Spicy Buffalo Pretzels
- Crispy Jalapeno Poppers
- Tangy Ranch Pickles
- Classic Pigs in a Blanket
- Flavorful Alabama Fire Crackers
- Simple and elegant Easy Bruschetta
As a Delicious Side Dish:
Don’t limit these to appetizers! They make an excellent savory side, especially with:
- Roasted Ham (they are truly one of our favorite side dishes for ham!)
- Holiday roasts or briskets
When to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
The beauty of these sausage balls lies in their adaptability for almost any occasion where delicious, easy-to-eat food is desired. They are particularly fantastic for:
- Holiday Parties and Events: From Christmas to New Year’s, these are a guaranteed hit that can be prepped ahead.
- Christmas Morning Breakfast: A festive and hearty start to a special day, especially since they can be made ahead and baked fresh.
- Football Parties / Super Bowl: The ultimate game day snack, perfect for grazing while cheering on your favorite team.
- Anytime You Need a Finger Food Appetizer: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for mingling and easy consumption.
- When You Want an Easy Savory Snack: A simple, satisfying treat for impromptu cravings or unexpected guests.
Top Recipe Tips for Success
To ensure your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls turn out perfectly every time, keep these key tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning Packet! The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix often comes with a separate seasoning packet. This packet contains critical herbs and spices that deliver the iconic flavor. Make sure to include it in your mixture for that authentic taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Frozen Balls: If you’re baking your sausage balls directly from the freezer, remember that the cooking time will increase by approximately 5-10 minutes. Always bake until golden brown and cooked through.
- Refer to the Printable Recipe Card: For precise measurements, detailed step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information, always consult the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
- Nutrition Information Disclaimer: Please note that nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, sodium, and different types of fats, can vary significantly based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose to use. This information is provided as an estimate and should be taken as such.
Additional Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed making these easy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, be sure to explore more of our delicious recipes perfect for any occasion:
- Easy Dip Recipes: Discover our extensive collection of savory and sweet dips, ideal for party snacking and effortless entertaining.
- Cream Cheese Recipes: Got extra cream cheese? We have a plethora of delightful recipes to help you use it up, from appetizers to desserts.
- Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes: Explore quick and healthy vegetarian appetizers and main dishes made easy with your air fryer.
- Game Day Appetizers: Find all our top picks for Super Bowl parties and big game gatherings – guaranteed to score big on flavor!
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies: An all-time favorite party appetizer that is incredibly easy to make and always disappears fast!
- Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls: Another fantastic and simple sausage-based appetizer that everyone will adore.
Don’t forget to check out all our other Appetizer Recipes for more inspiration! For a wider range of culinary delights, explore our Copycat Recipes, delightful Dessert Recipes, and comforting CrockPot Recipes.
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Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
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Ingredients
- 11.36 oz Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1.25 Cups Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 16 oz Ground Sausage Uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including seasoning packet), softened Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, and Ground Sausage. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and form a cohesive dough. This can be done with a stand mixer (using a dough hook), a hand mixer, or by hand.
- Using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1-inch in diameter), shape the mixture into even balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheets
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Small Cookie Scoop
- Large Mixing Bowl
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72