These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a game-changer in the world of appetizers, combining the beloved flavors of Red Lobster's iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits with the richness of sausage.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you'll have a batch of these beauties ready to pop in the oven in no time.
Whether you're hosting a game day bash, a backyard barbecue, or just looking for a tasty snack to enjoy at home, these Sausage Balls are sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!
Delicious flavor combination: It combines the beloved flavors of Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits with savory sausage, creating an irresistible cheesy, garlicky, and meaty taste sensation.
Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients like sausage, cheese, biscuit mix, and seasonings, these sausage balls come together quickly with minimal prep work.
Crowd-pleasing appetizer: Sausage balls are a classic party food that everyone loves. This recipe takes them to the next level, making them a guaranteed hit at gatherings, game days, or holiday parties.
A unique twist on a classic: By swapping out the traditional Bisquick for Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, this recipe puts an exciting and flavorful spin on a beloved appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Ground Sausage: This is the main protein component of the recipe, providing a savory and flavorful base for the sausage balls.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy, cheesy flavor and creamy texture to the sausage balls.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps bind the ingredients together and contributes a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (or Bisquick): This pre-made biscuit mix provides the perfect blend of flour, leavening agents, and seasonings, giving the sausage balls their signature flavor and texture.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seasoning Packet: This seasoning packet, typically included in the biscuit mix, adds a burst of savory, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors.
- Fresh Chives: Finely diced fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness to the sausage balls.
- Dried Rosemary: Ground-dried rosemary contributes an earthy, piney aroma and depth of flavor.
How To Make This Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sausage Balls
Here are the easy steps for making sausage balls:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the ingredients: Take the ground sausage, cream cheese, and any other refrigerated ingredients out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix everything. Grate the cheddar cheese if using a block.
- Make the sausage ball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, seasoning packet from the biscuit mix, diced fresh chives, and ground dried rosemary. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to moisten it.
- Form the sausage balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls between your palms. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the sausage balls: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Cool and serve: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer them to a serving plate or platter. Enjoy these savory bites warm, on their own, or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips For The Best Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the sausage, cream cheese, and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them incorporate more easily and prevent lumps in the mixture.
- Grate the cheese yourself: Grate the cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the overall taste and consistency.
- Don't overmix: While thoroughly combining all the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the sausage ball mixture. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture.
- Space them out: When placing the sausage balls on the baking sheet, leave a little space between them to allow for even browning and prevent them from sticking together.
- Rotate the baking sheet: Halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Serve with dipping sauces: While these sausage balls are delicious on their own, offering a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara can take them to the next level.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow the baked sausage balls to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking. Frozen sausage balls will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
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Ingredients
- 3.5 oz 100g ground sausage, at room temperature
- ½ cup 50g freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 oz 85g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 120g Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (or Bisquick)
- 1 packet of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives diced
- 1 teaspoon dried ground rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, seasoning packet, diced chives, and ground rosemary. Use a stand mixer or your hands to thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients. If the mixture seems too dry, add 2-3 tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls between your palms. Place the formed balls onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory bites on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- If you don't have the Red Lobster seasoning packet, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen for later. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combinations!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
You can substitute the ground sausage with any other variety you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
What are some good dipping sauce options?
These sausage balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, marinara, queso, or even a spicy remoulade.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
You can make these sausage balls gluten-free by substituting the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with a gluten-free baking mix or gluten-free flour blend.
Tracy says
These are OMG YUMMY 😋😋