Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine the delightful flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits and savory sausage into one irresistible bite. Perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy weekend breakfast, these tasty morsels are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The best part? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them unbaked for future gatherings or quick meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of cheddar cheese and sausage creates a rich and savory taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making these sausage balls is a breeze.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, breakfast treat, or party snack, they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in advance and freeze unbaked for quick snacks whenever you need them.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using an electric stand mixer makes mixing and shaping hassle-free while keeping your hands clean.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric stand mixer with dough hook
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer: Makes mixing the ingredients effortless while ensuring everything is well combined without getting your hands messy.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your sausage balls evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easier and ensuring your sausage balls come out perfectly.
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 Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In the bowl of your electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook:
1. Combine the biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet.
2. Add in the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into the sausage mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook!
With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a versatile appetizer that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual gathering, these savory bites are sure to impress your guests.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing complements the flavors of the sausage balls perfectly.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that adds a delightful contrast to the savory taste.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky BBQ sauce pairs well with the richness of the sausage balls for an extra flavor kick.
As Part of a Platter
- Cheese and Crackers: Create a cheese platter with assorted cheeses and crackers for an elegant touch.
- Veggie Tray: Fresh vegetables like carrots and celery provide a crunchy counterpoint to the rich sausage balls.
- Fruit Skewers: Sweet fruits like grapes and melon add brightness and balance to your spread.
With Breakfast Favorites
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Pair with classic biscuits and gravy for a comforting meal.
How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
To ensure your Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: This makes mixing easier and ensures even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the sausage balls tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Chill Before Baking: If you have time, chilling the mixture for 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together better.
- Uniform Size: Aim for consistent 1-inch balls to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Check for Doneness: They should be golden brown; if unsure, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature (should reach 160ºF).
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
These side dishes complement Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls beautifully and make your meal more complete.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage balls.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add heartiness; serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, making it a great pairing.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a creamy bite that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans can provide a delicious contrast to the savory sausage taste.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any dips or sauces on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt sausage balls. Always preheat your oven to 400ºF for the best results.
- Skipping the cream cheese: Not using cream cheese can result in dry sausage balls. Make sure to soften it properly before mixing for a moist and creamy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing ingredients can ruin the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for the biscuit mix and cheeses to ensure consistency.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the sausage balls tough. Mix just until combined to achieve that perfect tender bite.
- Neglecting to line the baking sheet: Skipping parchment paper can cause sticking and messy cleanup. Always line your baking sheet for easier handling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
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- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
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- Preparation: Shape into balls before freezing and place them on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delicious combination of cheddar cheese, sausage, and biscuit mix that create flavorful bite-sized snacks perfect for any occasion.
Can Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked sausage balls for up to 2 months. Just shape them and store in an airtight bag.
How do I serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
They work well as appetizers at parties or as a breakfast treat. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Are there gluten-free options for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
You can substitute the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with a gluten-free alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different cheeses or spices based on your preferences. They are perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply as a comforting snack at home. Give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are the ultimate comfort snack that combines the delectable flavors of cheddar cheese and savory sausage into bite-sized perfection. These irresistible morsels are ideal for any occasion, from lively parties to cozy weekend breakfasts. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these cheesy delights in no time. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen for quick snacks later! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a festive platter to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a casual brunch, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are sure to be a hit!
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 oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine biscuit mix and seasoning.
- Add uncooked sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar; mix on low speed until well combined.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls (45g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
