Cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

Irresistible Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe For Game Day Fun

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when cheddar bay sausage balls hit the appetizer table.

These savory bites combine zesty sausage with sharp cheddar cheese in an irresistible blend.

Packed with robust flavors, they emerge golden and crispy from the oven, promising pure deliciousness.

Red Lobster’s famous biscuit seasoning adds an unexpected twist to this classic appetizer.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and cheesy goodness that keeps guests coming back for more.

Serve these crowd-pleasing sausage balls at game day parties, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend get-togethers.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these little morsels disappear faster than anyone can count.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 193 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

For Base Ingredients:
  • Bisquick Mix: Provides the perfect flaky foundation with minimal mixing effort.
  • Ground Sausage: Brings rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the appetizer.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, tangy taste and helps bind the mixture together.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic kick without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Dried Parsley: Introduces a hint of herbal freshness and visual appeal.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a gentle, warming spiciness to complement the sausage.
For Optional Finishing Touch:
  • Melted Butter: Creates a golden, glossy exterior with a rich, buttery finish.
  • Dried Herbs: Sprinkle for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and rustic presentation.

Kitchen Gear For Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Flat pan for evenly cooking sausage balls.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tool for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Cheese grater: Helps shred cheddar cheese if using a block.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients without overmixing.

Steps To Cook Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

  • Oven Prep

Warm up your oven and get it ready for some delicious baking action. Set the temperature to a toasty 375 degrees. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

  • Mixing Magic

Combine all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together until you create a uniform mixture. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy – that’s part of the fun of cooking!

  • Ball Formation

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Make them about the size of a golf ball, ensuring they’re compact and hold together well. Place each ball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.

  • Baking Brilliance

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let these savory bites cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

  • Cooling and Serving

Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes – they’ll be super hot! Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while they’re warm and at their most delicious.

Ways To Change Up Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

  • Cheesy Texture Perfection: Grate the cheddar cheese fresh for maximum meltiness and smoother blending with sausage and biscuit mix.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator before baking, saving precious party prep time.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free alternative like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur to make this recipe friendly for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different sausage flavors like hot Italian, jalapeño, or sage-infused varieties to add unexpected depth and kick to your classic sausage balls.
  • Lighter Protein Twist: Replace pork sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version that still delivers incredible cheesy flavor and satisfying texture.

Nice Ways To Serve Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

  • Flavor Party Platter: Arrange these sausage balls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and small dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
  • Game Day Centerpiece: Serve hot and fresh during sports events, movie nights, or casual gatherings where guests can grab them easily between cheers and conversations.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair these cheesy sausage balls with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a light mimosa for a delightful weekend morning meal that will impress family and friends.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cool completely after baking, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick protein-packed snacks throughout the week that reheat perfectly in the microwave or air fryer.

Storing And Prepping Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store these savory sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious for quick snacking or reheating.
  • Freezing Champion Method: Arrange cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay tasty for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead appetizers.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring crispy edges and a hot center.
  • Batch Preparation Magic: Double the recipe and create multiple batches, separating layers with parchment paper in storage containers for easy grab-and-go snacks during busy weeks.
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Cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

Cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Savory cheddar bay sausage balls combine zesty sausage with sharp cheddar and herbal notes. Southern-style appetizers deliver irresistible flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal for casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ¼ cups (150 g) Bisquick or baking mix
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsps butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F and shield a baking sheet with a non-stick surface.
  2. Mixing: Amalgamate ground sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix in a capacious bowl, kneading until the blend achieves a harmonious, slightly tacky consistency.
  3. Seasoning: Infuse the meat mixture with minced garlic and dried herbs, ensuring a uniform flavor distribution throughout the composition.
  4. Forming: Craft compact, spherical morsels using hands or a scoop, rolling each portion into smooth, uniform rounds with precision.
  5. Positioning: Strategically place the sausage spheres on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each for optimal heat circulation and consistent caramelization.
  6. Roasting: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the sausage balls to transform for 20-25 minutes, executing a mid-cycle pan rotation to promote even browning.
  7. Finishing: Observe the golden-brown transformation, confirming a safe internal temperature and perfect culinary doneness.
  8. Resting: Permit the sausage balls a momentary pause post-baking to stabilize their structural integrity and temper their heat.
  9. Enhancing: Optionally, lavish the warm spheres with melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to elevate their aromatic profile.
  10. Serving: Present immediately while at peak warmth, paired with a complementary dipping sauce for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

  • Adjust Meat Fat Content: Choose sausage with moderate fat percentage (around 20-30%) for optimal moisture and texture without excessive greasiness.
  • Prevent Sticking Technique: Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for easy removal and minimal cleanup, ensuring sausage balls don’t stick.
  • Temperature Precision Matters: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe consumption and perfect doneness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular baking mix with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or certified gluten-free baking mix for dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 193
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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