Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine the delicious flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with savory sausage, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to be served at holiday parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Plus, they can be made in advance and frozen, ensuring you always have a tasty treat on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delicious bites ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of cheddar cheese and sausage delivers an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, as finger food, or even as a comforting snack at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze unbaked sausage balls for future snacks or meals.
- Mess-Free Mixing: Learn the secret to mixing without making a mess—no more sticky hands!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric stand mixer with a dough hook
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer with a dough hook: This tool makes combining ingredients effortless and ensures everything is mixed evenly without messy hands.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and keeps your baking sheet clean for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
For the Filling
- 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 and become perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook:
1. Combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet.
2. Add the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix until everything is well incorporated into the sausage.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Once mixed:
1. Use your hands or a scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
2. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. At this point, you can freeze them if desired.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes:
1. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
2. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls as a delightful appetizer or snack that will impress all your guests!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a fantastic appetizer for any occasion. Their savory flavor and cheesy goodness make them a crowd favorite. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – A creamy ranch pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the sausage balls.
- Honey Mustard – Adds a sweet tang that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- Spicy Ketchup – For those who enjoy a little heat, spicy ketchup is an exciting option.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Cheese Platter – Include various cheeses to contrast with the rich flavors of the sausage balls.
- Olives and Pickles – These add a briny crunch that balances out the richness.
- Fresh Vegetables – Carrot sticks, celery, and cherry tomatoes provide a refreshing bite.
As Part of a Meal
- Salad – Serve alongside a simple green salad for a light and fresh meal option.
- Soup – Pair with a bowl of tomato soup or your favorite hearty soup for comfort food.
How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Creating perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls involves some simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese – This helps in blending all ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Uniform Size – Shape each ball uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Chill Before Baking – Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve texture.
- Check for Doneness – Bake until golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through but not dry.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Pairing side dishes with Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of great options that complement their flavors well.
- Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness and crunch.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer satisfying comfort.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw introduces a nice crunch and tanginess to balance the richness.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide hearty nutrition.
- Macaroni Salad – A creamy macaroni salad offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the savory sausage balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid.
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Boldly skip the mixing: Not thoroughly mixing the ingredients can lead to uneven flavor. Ensure everything is well-combined in your mixer.
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Boldly ignore freezing options: Forgetting to freeze unbaked sausage balls means you miss out on meal prep convenience. Shape and freeze them for quick snacks later.
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Boldly neglect baking time: Overbaking can result in dry sausage balls. Keep an eye on them and remove once they turn golden brown.
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Boldly use incorrect cheese: Substituting cheddar with another cheese can change the flavor profile. Stick with sharp cheddar for best results.
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Boldly overlook measurement accuracy: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Place uncooked or cooked sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, turning gently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, here are some common questions answered.
Are sausage balls gluten free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of regular biscuit mix. Always check labels for hidden gluten sources.
Can sausage balls be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze both unbaked and baked Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls for future enjoyment.
Can sausage balls be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared and stored in the fridge or freezer before baking. This makes them great for entertaining!
What temperature for sausage balls?
Bake your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls at 400ºF until golden brown, typically around 15-20 minutes.
What to dip sausage balls in?
They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha sauce!
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delightful fusion of flavors that combine the beloved taste of cheddar biscuits with savory sausage goodness. Their versatility makes them perfect for any gathering or snacking occasion. Feel free to customize them with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delightful fusion of savory flavors, combining the richness of cheddar cheese with a hearty sausage filling. These bite-sized snacks offer a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and meaty delight, making them an ideal choice for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. With their easy preparation and ability to be made in advance, you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 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 uncooked chicken sausage (or preferred substitute)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In a bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the biscuit mix and seasoning packet.
- Add the uncooked chicken sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well 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 and cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (30g)
- Calories: 92
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs or spices such as garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes. You can freeze unbaked sausage balls for quick snacks later; just bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.