Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls have become a quick go-to whenever I want a tasty appetizer that pleases a crowd without fuss. With only four simple ingredients, this recipe blends the beloved buttery garlic flavor of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix with rich cheddar cheese and savory sausage. The cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess inside, while the outside crisps to a golden brown that is irresistible. Whether it’s for a party, holiday, game day, or just a comforting snack, these sausage balls hit the spot every time.

I first whipped these up for a holiday gathering when time was short and they vanished fast. Since then, they have become a regular at my kitchen table and a favorite to share with friends.

Ingredients

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: for that classic buttery garlic biscuit flavor that defines this recipe. Look for the full packet including the seasoning for best results
• Cream cheese: left out at room temperature until soft so it blends easily and adds creaminess inside the sausage balls
• Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded fresh or pre-shredded for bold cheesy flavor that melts beautifully inside
• Uncooked ground sausage: of your choice. I like regular breakfast sausage for its mild seasoning, but spicy Italian or turkey sausage can also be used depending on your flavor preference. Make sure the sausage is raw as it cooks in the oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps achieve an even golden crust

Mix the biscuit mix with seasoning:

Pour the biscuit mix into a large bowl, including the seasoning packet. The seasoning packet is essential because it delivers the garlic and buttery flavor that makes these sausage balls special

Blend the cream cheese:

Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy to make mixing easier

Combine sausage and cream cheese:

Add the raw ground sausage to the cream cheese and mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is completely combined

Add biscuit mix and shredded cheddar:

Fold the biscuit mix and shredded cheddar cheese into the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Mix well but avoid overworking to keep the sausage balls tender

Form uniform sausage balls:

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Placing them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each helps them cook evenly

Bake until golden and cooked through:

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked inside. The outside should be slightly crisp while the inside remains moist and cheesy

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Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding about five extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find the Red Lobster biscuit mix, substitute with a garlic biscuit mix or use a plain biscuit mix with one teaspoon garlic powder and a bit of melted butter for flavor. The sausage can be swapped for mild, spicy, or turkey sausage depending on your taste preferences. Cheddar cheese can be replaced with Colby jack or a mild cheese if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

These sausage balls shine as appetizers with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara, cheese sauce, or a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce. For a hearty meal, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fresh green salad to balance the richness and add freshness.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage is best to use?

Use raw ground pork sausage, such as breakfast sausage, mild Italian, or turkey sausage, depending on your flavor preference.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sausage balls and refrigerate them a day ahead or freeze uncooked and bake later with slight extra time.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the sausage?

No, the sausage cooks fully during baking, so use raw sausage for the best texture and flavor.

→ What kind of cheese should I use?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for bold flavor, but mild cheddar or any preferred cheddar variety works well.

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, feel free to add extras like bacon bits, chopped onions, or garlic powder to customize the flavor.

→ How should I serve these sausage balls?

They are great as appetizers, snacks, or with scrambled eggs and dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or cheese sauce.