Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls have become a go-to whenever I want a crowd-pleasing appetizer without any fuss. With just four ingredients, you get the buttery garlic comfort of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, plenty of melty cheddar, and savory sausage, all wrapped in creamy goodness from a touch of cream cheese. The result is a snack where the outside crisps up beautifully while the inside stays rich and moist. They are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game day, or when you need a quick nibble to tie you over until dinner.

I first whipped these up for a last-minute holiday gathering when my pantry was nearly bare and loved how quickly they came together. Ever since, my friends and family request these sausage balls at every get-together.

Ingredients

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: For that bold buttery garlic biscuit flavor you cannot fake. Look for a box that includes the seasoning packet for best results and maximum taste
• Cream cheese: Softened at room temperature until easily spreadable. This keeps your sausage balls moist and creamy on the inside
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded fresh if possible for the best melting and flavor punch
• Uncooked ground sausage: Any style you like. Breakfast sausage is milder and classic, while spicy Italian or turkey sausage works if you want to mix up the flavors. Make sure the sausage you use is raw

Instructions

Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and ensures the bottoms get golden and crisp

Mix The Biscuit Mix With Seasoning:

Empty the biscuit mix into a big mixing bowl and pour in the garlic butter seasoning packet from the box. This is what brings the signature Cheddar Bay flavor

Blend The Cream Cheese:

Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until totally smooth and lump free. This helps everything combine easily later

Combine Sausage And Cream Cheese:

Add the raw sausage to your cream cheese. Mix very thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until you see no streaks and it is fully blended and sticky

Add Biscuit Mix And Shredded Cheddar:

Fold the seasoned biscuit mix and all the shredded cheddar into your sausage and cream cheese combo. Mix gently but do not overwork or the balls may get tough

Form Uniform Sausage Balls:

Scoop out even portions about an inch wide and gently roll into balls with your hands. Place them spaced out on your baking sheet to ensure even cooking

Bake Until Golden And Cooked Through:

Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake fifteen to twenty minutes. When done the balls should be golden brown outside and the sausage fully cooked with cheese melted inside

Cream cheese is by far my favorite addition in this recipe. It took these sausage balls from firm and crumbly to creamy and rich inside. Watching my family rush to the table when they smell these baking has become one of my favorite hosting moments.

Storage Tips

Store baked sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze before baking, spread uncooked sausage balls on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, they go straight from freezer to oven just add a few more minutes to the bake time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, swap in a garlic biscuit mix or plain biscuit mix plus garlic powder and a bit of melted butter. You can try breakfast sausage for a classic taste or spicy Italian for a little kick. Colby jack or Monterey jack cheeses both melt well if you want mild flavor instead of sharp cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the oven with cool ranch dip, creamy cheese sauce, or zesty marinara. For a heartier meal, add scrambled eggs or tuck the sausage balls into slider buns. A simple green salad helps balance out all the savory richness.

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

These sausage balls are a Southern classic at potlucks and holiday parties. You can add chopped green onions for spring or swap the sausage for turkey in the fall. In summer, serve them alongside fresh tomato slices or cucumber salad for brightness.

Recipe Success Stories

Friends have texted me photos of empty platters after bringing these to gatherings. Even picky eaters love them, and they disappear fast at tailgates. I have heard from a cousin who preps a double batch for every game day and freezes half for the next time.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare sausage balls up to shaping, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When guests pop by or you want a hot snack, bake from frozen and allow a slightly longer cook time. No need to thaw in advance.

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls disappear fast at my house and always leave everyone happy. Try this easy recipe and you will want to keep the ingredients on hand for every occasion.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of sausage can I use?

Any raw ground sausage works, such as breakfast, Italian, or turkey sausage. Choose based on your flavor preference.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the sausage?

No, add the sausage raw. It cooks through during baking, ensuring the balls stay juicy and flavorful.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, shape and refrigerate uncooked balls overnight, or freeze for later. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes.

→ Which cheese is best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, but mild cheddar or Colby Jack are suitable substitutes for a lighter taste.

→ How do I serve these sausage balls?

Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara, or pair with salads and eggs for a hearty snack or meal.

→ Can I customize the mix?

Add-ins like chopped onions, bacon bits, or extra herbs can be mixed in for a personal flavor twist.