If you’re on the hunt for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, you’ve just hit the jackpot with these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Imagine the cheesy, garlicky goodness of Cheddar Bay Biscuits mixed with the heartiness of sausage—yeah, it’s as delicious as it sounds! These little bites are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and that irresistible garlic flavor we all love. Plus, they’re crazy easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time!
What are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
These cheddar bay sausage balls are a twist on the classic recipe for sausage balls, with a little flair of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Traditionally made with sausage, cheese, and Bisquick, these sausage balls are taken to the next level with the flavors you love from Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The garlic butter and cheese combo creates a flavor-packed, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties, tailgates, or just snacking around the house.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
- Flavor explosion: The garlic butter and cheddar cheese combo is to die for. It adds the perfect amount of savory flavor.
- Perfectly chewy: These sausage balls have a soft, tender inside with a slightly crispy outside. It’s the ideal texture.
- Easy to make: No complicated steps here! These are as simple as mix, roll, and bake. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve them at a holiday gathering, a game day party, or just make a batch for a week of snacking. They’re that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, but the twist of Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix makes it something extra special. Here’s what you need:
For the Sausage Balls:
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick (or any baking mix)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for extra richness)
For the Garlic Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Making these cheesy garlicky sausage balls took a little less than 30 minutes to make, and they are made so easy. Follow along to make these snack balls!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start preheating your oven to a warm temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. While waiting for the oven to finish, you’d want to line a baking sheet with non-stick parchment paper or simply a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix the Sausage Ball Ingredients
Combine sausage, grated cheddar cheese, biscuits combine, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gradually add milk and melted butter (if using), and mix until everything is well combined. This will be a bit thick, so use your hands or a spoon to really get in there.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry about them being perfect—some can be a little smaller or larger than others. It’s all about flavor, not perfection.
Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls
Place your sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) if you want to be precise, but a visual check is usually enough.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Glaze
While the sausage balls are baking, melt the butter for the garlic butter glaze. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. This will give your sausage balls that extra layer of flavor when brushed on top.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
Once the sausage balls are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter glaze. This adds that signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor, giving each ball a garlicky, buttery finish.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes, then serve them up while they’re still warm. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Tips for Making Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
- Use the right cheese: While you can use any cheese, sharp cheddar gives these sausage balls that rich, bold flavor that makes them stand out. Don’t skimp on the quality of the cheese!
- Play with the sausage: You can go with mild sausage, but spicy sausage adds a kick that balances out the richness of the cheese and garlic butter. Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overmixing will make the sausage balls dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Make them ahead of time: If you’re planning for a party or get-together, you can make the sausage balls ahead of time. Simply bake them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Why Are These Sausage Balls So Popular?
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a hit for a reason: they pack all the flavor of a Cheddar Bay Biscuit but in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, game day, or a potluck, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. They’re also a great addition to any appetizer spread, as they’re savory, cheesy, and downright addictive.
The garlic butter glaze at the end is what makes these sausage balls a step above the rest. It’s that extra bit of flavor that takes a simple snack and turns it into something special. Serve these next to your favorite dips, or just enjoy them on their own. Either way, they’re sure to disappear fast.
Healthier Alternatives
Let’s face it—sausage balls are delicious, but they’re not the healthiest snack around. However, there are some ways you can make these a little lighter without sacrificing flavor:
- Lean sausage: Use lean turkey or chicken sausage to cut down on fat.
- Low-fat cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese if you’re watching calories.
- Gluten-free Bisquick: If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free alternatives to Bisquick that will work just as well in this recipe.
By swapping out a few ingredients, you can make these sausage balls a bit healthier while still keeping the flavor intact. They’re still going to be tasty, I promise!
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dips or sides:
- Ranch dressing: This classic dip pairs perfectly with the garlicky sausage balls.
- Honey mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard balances out the savory flavor of the sausage balls.
- Hot sauce: For a bit of heat, drizzle on some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Pair them with a light salad or some fresh vegetables to make it a complete meal or appetizer. You really can’t go wrong with these little bites of joy.
Why You’ll Keep Making These Sausage Balls
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack to enjoy. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The flavor combo of sausage, cheese, and garlic butter is a winner every time, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Key Takeaways:
- Flavor-packed: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and a garlic butter glaze for irresistible flavor.
- Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip these up in 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, holidays, or as a snack, these sausage balls are always a hit.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences, and still get the same great flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
What is the best way to cook beef sausages?
The best way to cook beef sausages is by either grilling, pan-frying, or baking them. For pan-frying, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook sausages until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes). Grilling and baking also work great and give sausages a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
What goes well with beef sausage?
Beef sausages pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or even on a bun with mustard and sauerkraut. For a hearty meal, serve them with rice or pasta dishes, or just enjoy them with a simple salad or pickled veggies.
What kind of sausage can be made from beef?
Beef sausages can be made in a variety of flavors, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, bratwurst, and breakfast sausage. You can also create custom blends with different herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, fennel, or chili flakes.
Are ground beef and beef sausage the same thing?
No, ground beef and beef sausage are different. Ground beef is simply beef that has been minced or ground, while beef sausage includes ground beef mixed with seasonings and spices for added flavor. Sausage is often more seasoned and may have added fat or other ingredients like breadcrumbs to bind it.