Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine the rich flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits with the savory goodness of sausage. These delightful bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a game day celebration, or a casual brunch. Their unique blend of ingredients ensures a mouthwatering experience that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the delicious taste of cheddar cheese and sausage in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, breakfast option, or party food that everyone will love.
- Make-Ahead Option: Freeze unbaked balls for quick snacks whenever you’re craving something savory.
- Mess-Free Mixing: Use a stand mixer for a tidy preparation process without sticky hands.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls effortlessly, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients quick and effortless, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Dough hook attachment: Perfect for thoroughly combining dense ingredients without overworking your hands.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies clean-up after baking.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 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. This is crucial for achieving that golden brown finish on your sausage balls.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine:
1. The biscuit mix and seasoning packet.
2. The uncooked sausage.
3. The softened cream cheese.
4. The shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix until everything is well incorporated into the sausage.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, you can freeze them at this point for later use!
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Now you have delicious Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls ready to serve! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with your favorite dips!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are versatile and can be served in various ways to delight your guests. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these savory bites are sure to be a hit.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- An assortment of meats, cheeses, and fruits creates a beautiful display. Include the sausage balls for a warm option.
With Dipping Sauces
- Pair them with your favorite sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue. The creamy textures enhance the flavor of the sausage balls.
At Breakfast or Brunch
- Serve these sausage balls alongside scrambled eggs or pancakes for a hearty brunch option. They provide great protein to start the day.
For Game Day Snacks
- Perfect for Super Bowl parties, these bite-sized snacks will keep everyone fueled during the game. Set up a buffet for easy access.
As Tailgate Treats
- Bring them along to tailgate parties. They’re easy to transport and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
To ensure your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in mixing the ingredients more evenly and makes it easier to shape the balls.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls.
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Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the rolled balls for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better while cooking.
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Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor dimensions.
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Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick that complements the cheddar flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls pair well with several side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Veggie Platter: A mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers provides crunch and freshness alongside the savory sausage balls.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast with sweet notes that balance the richness of the sausage.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a hearty side dish that complements the flavors beautifully.
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Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with the savory bites of sausage balls.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the sausage, making it a perfect sidekick.
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Stuffed Mini Peppers: Colorful mini peppers stuffed with cream cheese or other fillings offer an elegant touch that pairs nicely with sausage balls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
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Skipping the softening step: If you don’t soften the cream cheese, it won’t mix well with the other ingredients. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth blend.
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Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the sausage balls tough. Combine just until ingredients are incorporated to keep them tender.
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Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400ºF before placing the sausage balls inside.
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Ignoring size consistency: Making unevenly sized balls can lead to varying cook times. Aim for uniform 1-inch balls for even baking.
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Forgetting about freezing options: If you want to save some for later, don’t forget that these can be frozen before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a container.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and label with the date.
- They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls:
Are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls gluten free?
These sausage balls are made with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, which contains wheat flour. Therefore, they are not gluten-free unless you use a gluten-free biscuit mix.
Can sausage balls be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked sausage balls before baking them. This is perfect for meal prep or gatherings!
Can sausage balls be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape them into balls ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake.
What do you serve with sausage balls?
Sausage balls pair well with dipping sauces like mustard or ranch dressing. They also make great finger food at parties!
What temperature should I bake sausage balls?
Bake your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls at 400ºF for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delightful blend of flavors that everyone loves. Their versatility makes them perfect as appetizers or even breakfast bites. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or cheese varieties! Enjoy making these delicious snacks for any occasion.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, a perfect fusion of savory sausage and the cheesy goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. These bite-sized treats are ideal for any gathering, from festive holiday parties to casual brunches or game day celebrations. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious snacks that everyone will love. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen for quick access whenever cravings strike!
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 sausage
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
- In an electric stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the biscuit mix, seasoning packet, uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can freeze them at this point if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball (28g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
