These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls started as a happy accident in my kitchen when I wanted something quick for a morning potluck. The magic happens when you mix that incredible Red Lobster biscuit mix with sausage and two kinds of cheese. They come out crispy on the outside but so tender inside. Now my friends won't let me show up to breakfast without them.
Your New Favorite Snack
What I love most about these little bites is how simple they are to throw together. Four ingredients that's it! Yet they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. I make them for everything from lazy Sunday breakfasts to game day parties. The best part? They're budget-friendly and disappear faster than I can serve them up.
Shopping List
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This stuff is pure gold brings all that amazing flavor we love.
- Ground sausage: Get the raw kind your favorite brand will work great.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best kick shred it yourself.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it's nice and soft before mixing.
Let's Cook Together
- Mix it all up:
- Throw everything in a big bowl your biscuit mix with that seasoning packet sausage both cheeses. Get your hands in there and mix until everything comes together.
- Shape your bites:
- Roll them into little balls about an inch across. I use my cookie scoop makes it super easy and they all come out the same size.
- Time to bake:
- Pop them in your oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. They'll turn this gorgeous golden brown and your kitchen will smell amazing.
My Kitchen Secrets
Want to know what I've learned after making these countless times? That cookie scoop is your best friend for perfectly sized balls. Sometimes I add diced jalapeños when we want some heat. My kids love when I hide a little cube of cheese in the middle it melts into this amazing surprise center. Right when they come out of the oven brush them with melted butter takes them over the top.
Ways to Enjoy
These little guys are so versatile. We love them for breakfast with scrambled eggs or tucked into lunch boxes. When friends come over I'll set out different dips ranch honey mustard or my special cheese sauce. They're perfect for holiday brunches too. Last Super Bowl party I made a double batch and they were gone before halftime.
Keep Them Fresh
Pop your leftover sausage balls in a container and they'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days. Sometimes I make a big batch and freeze them just lay them out on a tray first so they don't stick together then bag them up. When you're ready for more warm them up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. I like to brush them with butter and cover with foil so they stay nice and moist.
Switch Things Up
Some nights I'll use Pepper Jack instead of cheddar when we want extra kick. Try tossing in some garlic powder or your favorite herbs mine's fresh thyme. My neighbor adds crushed pecans gives them this amazing nutty crunch. Got gluten-free friends? Use gluten-free biscuit mix works just as well. That's what's fun about cooking you can always try something new.
Make Them Special
Want to fancy these up a bit? Thread them onto skewers with colorful veggies for parties looks so pretty. Sometimes I'll split them and make tiny sliders my kids go crazy for these. Last weekend I drizzled them with hot honey talk about a game changer. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just your family these little bites never disappoint. Each batch is a chance to try something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate unbaked balls for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them raw for up to 3 months and bake from frozen.
- → What type of sausage works best?
Regular breakfast sausage is ideal, but you can use spicy sausage for extra kick. Make sure to remove any casings if using link sausage.
- → Can I use a different biscuit mix?
While Cheddar Bay mix gives these their distinct flavor, regular biscuit mix can work. The taste will be different without the signature seasoning.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or warm oven until heated through.
- → Why are my sausage balls dry?
Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened and don't overmix. Overmixing can make them tough and dry.