Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

These cheddar bay sausage balls are my favorite speedy solution when I want something warm and savory with zero fuss. With just four simple ingredients—Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and raw sausage—you get a deliciously creamy, cheesy appetizer that always disappears fast. The biscuit seasoning brings that classic buttery garlic kick, while cream cheese keeps each bite soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. They are perfect for game day, parties, or even as a quick snack with coffee or a crisp salad.

The first time I made these, every last one vanished before I could reach for seconds. Now they are a regular on my party platters and a reliable comfort for weekend brunch.

Ingredients

• Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix: for a boost of rich garlic butter flavor and quick convenience. Choose a box with the seasoning packet for best flavor
• Cream cheese: starts soft for smooth mixing and helps add a creamy rich interior to every sausage ball
• Sharp cheddar cheese: use freshly grated for meltier texture and a bold cheesy taste throughout
• Raw ground sausage: such as breakfast sausage for milder taste or spicy Italian for extra zing. Be sure it’s uncooked since that keeps the mixture moist as it bakes

Instructions

Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Baking Sheet:

Set oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a nonstick surface and even browning

Mix The Biscuit Mix With Seasoning:

Empty the biscuit mix plus the full garlic herb seasoning packet into a large bowl. This will season the sausage balls with that classic garlic butter taste

Blend The Cream Cheese:

Beat cream cheese in a bowl until it is perfectly smooth and creamy. This step makes the dough easier to combine later

Combine Sausage And Cream Cheese:

Work the uncooked sausage into the cream cheese using clean hands or a sturdy spoon. Blend until you see no white streaks for even distribution

Add Biscuit Mix And Shredded Cheddar:

Fold in the biscuit mixture and cheddar cheese to the sausage mix. Mix just until you have an evenly combined dough without overworking

Form Uniform Sausage Balls:

Scoop out the dough with a one-inch cookie scoop or roll in your hands to create equally sized balls. Lay out on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one

Bake Until Golden And Cooked Through:

Place in the oven and bake fifteen to twenty minutes or until golden brown all over and the sausage inside reaches a safe temperature. The outer shell should feel crisp while the middle stays creamy and moist

Cream cheese really does the heavy lifting for the texture here. The contrast between the crisp shell and creamy center always reminds me of making them for my extended family and everyone raving over how they disappeared from the platter in no time.

Storage Tips

Cooked sausage balls keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen adding a few minutes to the oven time so they cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

No cheddar bay biscuit mix on hand Use a store-brand garlic biscuit mix or a plain one with a teaspoon of garlic powder and a small splash of melted butter mixed in. Any ground sausage including mild, spicy, or even turkey works well. Try Colby jack or mozzarella if you like a different take on the cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or cheese dip for extra indulgence. You can also offer them for breakfast or brunch alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp salad for a complete meal that feels special but is effortless.

Cultural Context

Cheddar bay sausage balls bring together two Southern party classics sausage balls and cheesy biscuits for the ultimate mashup. This recipe is a popular choice for tailgates, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or family game nights all over the South. The nostalgia of the Red Lobster biscuit seasoning gives them an extra hit of comfort and makes them familiar even for first-timers.

Seasonal Adaptations

Perfect holiday appetizer since they hold well on a buffet table Great for brunch and breakfast spreads when served with fruit Ideal for picnics or road trips thanks to easy transport and sturdy texture

Success Stories

I once doubled the recipe for a New Years Eve gathering and they were gone long before midnight. Their irresistible smell always draws a crowd and I always keep the ingredients in my pantry for last-minute guests or hungry teenagers.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze shaped raw sausage balls on a flat sheet then move them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you need a quick snack or party appetizer, bake directly from frozen adding five extra minutes in the oven. They come out piping hot and just as tasty as fresh.

Make a double batch if you love easy snacks—they always disappear quickly!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of sausage should I use?

Raw ground pork, mild Italian, breakfast, or turkey sausage all work well depending on your flavor preference.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate a day ahead or freeze uncooked and bake when needed with extra baking time.

→ Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing?

No, the raw sausage cooks through while baking, giving the best texture and flavor.

→ What cheese is best for these sausage balls?

Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, but mild cheddar or your favorite cheddar variety can be used as well.

→ Can I add extra ingredients?

Yes, try bacon bits, chopped onions, or additional spices to personalize the flavor.

→ How should I serve these sausage balls?

Serve warm as snacks, appetizers, or with dipping sauces, salads, or scrambled eggs for a meal.