Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, celebrating New Year’s, or simply craving a delicious snack, these sausage balls will impress your guests and family alike. They combine the delightful flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with the heartiness of sausage balls. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and even frozen unbaked for later use!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of cheddar cheese and sausage creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, breakfast item, or party food, these sausage balls fit any occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare and freeze them for later, saving you time during busy days.
- Kid-Friendly: These tasty bites are a hit with kids, making them great for family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric stand mixer
- Dough hook attachment
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer: This tool saves you time and effort when mixing the ingredients together evenly.
- Dough hook attachment: It ensures that the mixture is well combined without making a mess on your hands.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 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 will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
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Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook:
1. Combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet.
2. Add in the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix until everything is fully incorporated into the sausage mixture.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are not only easy to make but also offer a delightful flavor that makes every bite enjoyable! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later.
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 a cozy breakfast, these savory bites can be served in various delightful ways.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that perfectly complements the savory flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch adds a cooling effect to the warm sausage balls.
- Spicy Ketchup: For those who enjoy a kick, spicy ketchup enhances the flavor with some heat.
As Party Appetizers
- Skewers: Thread sausage balls onto skewers for easy serving at gatherings.
- Mini Bites Platter: Arrange them on a platter along with assorted cheeses and crackers for a delightful snack table.
- Game Day Snacks: Perfect as finger food during the Super Bowl or any sports event.
With Breakfast Items
- Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
- Biscuits: Pair them with fluffy biscuits to create a filling morning meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a light contrast to the rich flavors of the sausage balls.
How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls is simple, but small adjustments can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese helps maintain the texture of the sausage balls during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough texture; overmixing can make them dense.
- Uniform Size: Shape the balls evenly to ensure they bake at the same rate for consistent cooking.
- Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Chill Before Baking: If you have time, chilling the formed balls in the fridge for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try adding different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Pairing side dishes with your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavor beautifully.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of sausage balls and adds crunch.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that pairs well with savory snacks.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm sausage bites.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs add another layer of flavor and richness to your spread.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed mini peppers bring color and sweetness that complement spiced sausages perfectly.
- Pickles or Olives: Tangy pickles or olives serve as palate cleansers between bites of rich sausage balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese can make mixing difficult. Always soften it at room temperature before use.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough sausage balls. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Neglecting to preheat the oven: Not preheating can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is hot before baking.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can stick and ruin your balls. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can affect taste and texture. Use accurate measuring tools for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls that you might find helpful:
Are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls gluten free?
The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix contains wheat flour, making it not gluten-free. You can explore gluten-free biscuit mixes as alternatives.
Can sausage balls be frozen?
Yes! Unbaked sausage balls freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.
Can sausage balls be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare them ahead of time and either bake them fresh or freeze them unbaked for later use.
What temp for sausage balls?
Bake these delicious treats at 400ºF for optimal results, achieving a perfect golden brown finish.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are an irresistible fusion of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows for easy customization; consider adding herbs or spices to tailor them to your taste. Try this recipe today, and delight your family and friends with these comforting bites!
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delightful fusion of savory sausage and cheesy goodness, inspired by the beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits. These easy-to-make snacks are perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or a cozy brunch at home. With their rich flavor profile and satisfying texture, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and even frozen for later enjoyment, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 package (11.36 oz) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb uncooked sausage
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet.
- Add the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball (28g)
- Calories: 91
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
