Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are the perfect fusion of Cheddar Bay Biscuits and savory sausage, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing for game day, or looking for a quick and tasty breakfast option, these sausage balls deliver incredible flavor and can be made ahead of time. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, freeze well, and are sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cheddar cheese and sausage creates a deliciously rich taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer or breakfast option, these balls work for any meal or event.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can make and freeze unbaked sausage balls, giving you a quick snack ready at any time.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls is a breeze!
- Minimal Mess: Tips included to help you mix without ending up with sticky hands.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on making your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process seamless.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric stand mixer
- Dough hook attachment
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Dough hook attachment: Ideal for combining thick mixtures like our sausage ball dough without creating a mess.
- Baking sheet: A must-have for even baking and easy cleanup when using parchment paper.
Ingredients
For the Mixture
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb sausage (uncooked)
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). This ensures that your sausage balls bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook:
1. Combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet with the uncooked sausage.
2. Add in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix until everything is fully incorporated into the sausage mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. At this stage, you can freeze any unbaked balls if desired.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls hot or let them cool before serving!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them as a snack, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy option that complements the savory flavors of the sausage balls.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch adds a cool contrast, making it a popular choice for dipping.
- Buffalo Sauce – For those who enjoy heat, buffalo sauce provides a spicy kick that pairs well.
As Part of a Platter
- Charcuterie Board – Combine with cheeses, cured meats, and olives for an impressive appetizer spread.
- Vegetable Tray – Add colorful veggies like carrots and cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch alongside the sausage balls.
For Breakfast
- With Scrambled Eggs – Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast option.
- In Breakfast Burritos – Wrap them in tortillas with eggs and cheese for a delicious on-the-go meal.
As Party Snacks
- Game Day Appetizer – Perfect for Super Bowl parties when served with various dips and drinks.
- Holiday Gatherings – These sausage balls can easily be made ahead of time and served warm during festive occasions.
How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
To make your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Ingredients – Starting with cold cream cheese helps maintain the texture when mixing, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid tough sausage balls; you want them tender!
- Adjust Seasoning – Feel free to add extra spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper for added flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese – While cheddar is classic, try mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for variety.
- Shape Uniformly – Make sure each ball is the same size for even cooking; aim for about 1-inch balls.
- Freeze Before Baking – If you plan to make them ahead of time, freeze the unbaked balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. This prevents sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls pair wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage balls perfectly.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that complements the flavors well.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites add an elegant touch and enhance your appetizer spread.
- Macaroni and Cheese – The creaminess of mac and cheese pairs nicely with the savory sausage flavors.
- Coleslaw – A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to your plate, cutting through the richness.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory sausage balls, perfect for gatherings.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a comforting addition to any meal featuring sausage balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients – Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps create a smoother texture and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Not measuring accurately – Always measure your ingredients precisely. Too much or too little can affect the consistency and flavor of the sausage balls.
- Skipping the mixing time – Don’t rush the mixing process. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution throughout each ball.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – Give your sausage balls enough space on the pan to bake evenly. Crowded balls may not cook through properly and can stick together.
- Ignoring storage tips – If you make extra, store them correctly! Understand how to freeze or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in the fridge to avoid condensation.
Freezing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with the date for future reference.
Reheating Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat individual balls on high for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, we’ve got answers!
Are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls gluten free?
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of standard biscuit mix.
Can I freeze Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked sausage balls for later use, making them perfect for meal prep.
What temperature should I bake sausage balls?
Bake them at 400ºF until golden brown, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Can sausage balls be served cold?
While they are best served warm, you can enjoy them at room temperature as well.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for appetizers or breakfast, these savory bites can be customized with different types of cheese or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring joy and satisfaction to any gathering!
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delightful fusion of cheesy goodness and savory sausage, perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats combine the beloved flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with hearty pork sausage, making them an ideal appetizer for game day, holiday gatherings, or even a quick breakfast option. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed. With their irresistible taste and minimal cleanup required, these sausage balls are sure to impress your family and friends at your next event.
Ingredients
- 1 package (11.36 oz) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb uncooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In an electric stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet with the uncooked sausage.
- Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese; mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or allow to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
