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I stumbled on these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls by chance when I needed something speedy for a breakfast gathering. The real wonder comes from combining that famous Red Lobster mix with sausage and a duo of cheeses. You'll get that perfect crunch outside while staying soft inside. These days, my pals expect me to bring them to every morning get-together.
Your Must-Try Bite
The beauty of these tasty morsels is how quickly they come together. Just four items and you're done! But they taste like you've been cooking all day. I whip them up for everything from family brunches to sports viewing parties. And guess what? They're easy on the wallet and vanish almost instantly when served.
Ingredients Needed
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This mix is the secret weapon that packs all that wonderful taste we crave.
- Ground sausage: Go for uncooked sausage whatever brand you normally buy works perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Pick sharp cheddar for extra flavor don't buy pre-shredded.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit out until completely softened before you start mixing.
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Step-By-Step Guide
- Combine everything:
- Dump all ingredients into a large mixing bowl the biscuit mix with its flavor packet sausage and both cheeses. Dig in with your fingers and mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Form your balls:
- Roll the mixture into small balls roughly an inch in diameter. I always grab my cookie scoop it makes the job easier and keeps sizes consistent.
- Get them cooked:
- Stick them in a 350°F oven for around 20 minutes. They'll reach a beautiful golden color and fill your home with an incredible aroma.
Insider Tips
After making these tons of times, I've learned a few tricks. That cookie scoop really saves time for evenly sized portions. I'll toss in chopped jalapeños when we want some spice. The kids go crazy when I stuff a tiny cheese chunk in the middle it creates an amazing melty center. For extra goodness, swipe some melted butter on top when they first come out of the oven.
Serving Ideas
These tasty bites work for so many occasions. We munch on them with morning eggs or pack them in lunchboxes. When guests drop by, I'll put out various dips like ranch, sweet mustard, or my homemade cheese sauce. They're awesome for holiday morning meals too. At my last football watch party, I made twice my usual amount and they didn't even make it to the middle of the game.
Storage Tips
Store any uneaten sausage balls in a container and they'll stay tasty in your fridge for up to 4 days. I often make extra and freeze them first on a sheet so they don't clump together then move them to bags. When you want more, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. I usually add a bit of butter and cover with foil to keep them from drying out.
Mix It Up
Some evenings I swap in Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra zing. Try adding some garlic powder or fresh herbs I love using thyme. My friend next door mixes in some crushed pecans for amazing crunch. Need a gluten-free option? Just use gluten-free biscuit mix it turns out just as good. That's the fun part of cooking you can always play around with new ideas.
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Dressing Them Up
Looking to make them more impressive? Put them on small skewers with bright veggies for parties they look fantastic. Sometimes I cut them in half for tiny sandwiches which my kids absolutely love. Recently I tried adding hot honey on top and wow, what a difference. Whether you're cooking for a big group or just your family, these little treats always hit the spot. Every time you make them is a chance to try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these early?
Yep, shape them and chill for up to a day. Or freeze raw for 3 months and bake straight from frozen whenever you’re ready.
- → What sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage is a great option, but spicy sausage boosts flavor. If using link sausage, remove the casings first.
- → Can I swap the biscuit mix?
Cheddar Bay mix gives the best flavor combo, but you can sub with regular biscuit mix. Just keep in mind it’ll taste different.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Stash them in the fridge inside a sealed container for up to 3 days. To warm them, just pop in the microwave or oven.
- → Why are mine turning out crumbly?
Make sure to soften the cream cheese fully and keep mixing gentle. Overdoing it can make them dry and tough.