Unleash the irresistible flavor of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits in an incredibly easy sausage ball recipe! These savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, a delightful snack, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your brunch spread. Crafted with just four simple ingredients, including the legendary Red Lobster biscuit mix and spicy Jimmy Dean sausage, they bake to golden perfection, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What Are Sausage Balls? A Southern Comfort Staple
Sausage balls are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, renowned for their incredible versatility and effortless preparation. These delightful, bite-sized morsels typically consist of a flavorful blend of ground sausage, shredded cheese, and a dry binder such as a baking mix. Rolled into uniform spheres and baked until golden brown and cooked through, they transform into savory appetizers or snacks that are perfect for almost any occasion. From casual potlucks and festive holiday gatherings to game day parties and weekend brunches, sausage balls are always a hit. Their savory profile and satisfying texture make them an ideal finger food, often served alongside an array of delicious dipping sauces to complement their rich taste.
The Secret Ingredient: Red Lobster Biscuit Mix for Sausage Balls
While classic sausage ball recipes often call for Bisquick, we’ve discovered an exceptional alternative that elevates this dish to new heights: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. This boxed mix isn’t just a substitute; it’s an upgrade, infusing the sausage balls with the iconic garlic, herb, and buttery notes that Red Lobster biscuits are famous for. The pre-mixed seasonings and leavening agents simplify the process even further, guaranteeing a moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful result.
Of course, you can use other biscuit mixes like Jiffy baking mix, but you might find them to be less moist or lacking the rich flavor profile of the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. If you’re comparing them to traditional Bisquick Sausage Balls, you’ll find these to be significantly more buttery and seasoned, delivering that irresistible Southern charm with every bite. The addition of the Red Lobster seasoning packet, typically included in the box, truly makes all the difference, creating a unique and undeniably delicious experience that sets these sausage balls apart.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sausage Balls
Crafting these amazing Red Lobster sausage balls requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for selection:
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star of our recipe! Look for the 11.36 oz box in the baking aisle, usually near other cake and biscuit mixes. This mix is a game-changer because it already contains all the dry ingredients, including the leavening agents and that signature seasoning blend (often in a separate packet inside the box). This eliminates the need for extra flour, baking powder, or garlic powder, streamlining your preparation process.
- Butter: You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or a dairy-free plant-based alternative). Melting the butter is essential as it helps to properly combine and moisten the dry biscuit mix, ensuring a cohesive dough. I often opt for salted butter to enhance the overall flavor profile, but unsalted butter works perfectly fine if you prefer to control the salt content more precisely.
- Cheese: For optimal flavor and melt, freshly shredded cheese is highly recommended. While sharp cheddar cheese is our top choice for its robust, tangy notes that beautifully complement the sausage, feel free to experiment with your favorites! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a bit of a kick, or even a mixed blend would be delicious. If you’re dealing with dietary restrictions, I’ve had success using lactose-free varieties, though some plant-based cheeses may not melt as smoothly as traditional dairy cheese.
- Ground Sausage: We’re aiming for maximum flavor here. A 1-pound roll of ground sausage is ideal. Spicy Jimmy Dean sausage is fantastic if you enjoy a little heat, but regular ground sausage works just as well for a milder version. For this particular recipe, avoid sweet breakfast sausages as their flavor profile doesn’t quite match the savory, garlicky notes we’re building. Opt for a classic pork sausage to get that authentic savory foundation.
- Chives (Optional): A teaspoon of freeze-dried chives (or fresh, finely chopped chives) adds a subtle oniony freshness and a vibrant touch of color. While optional, they introduce an extra layer of flavor that truly elevates the dish.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Baking
Making these sausage balls is straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for comfortably combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet will be perfect for arranging your sausage balls for baking.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is highly recommended. It prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze.
- 2-Tablespoon Portion Scoop (Optional but Recommended): For consistently sized sausage balls, a portion scoop helps tremendously. This ensures even cooking and a professional appearance. If you don’t have one, a regular tablespoon measure works, and you can eyeball the size.
For those looking for smaller, more uniform bites, consider our Pressure Cooker Sausage Balls recipe, which utilizes silicone egg molds for perfectly shaped miniature bites.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Sausage Balls
One of the best things about sausage balls is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, stick with spicy ground sausage. You can also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce directly into the mix for an extra fiery punch. Consider taking inspiration from our Mexican Taco Balls recipe by adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the dry mix for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Mild & Kid-Friendly: For a milder version, simply use regular ground sausage and omit any added spice. This is perfect for little ones or those who prefer a gentler flavor. This same mild approach works wonderfully for recipes like our Bisquick sausage muffins.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar! Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, Monterey Jack melts beautifully, or a blend of Italian cheeses can give a different character. Smoked gouda or provolone could also offer unique flavors.
- Herb Additions: Beyond chives, consider finely chopped fresh parsley, a hint of dried Italian seasoning, or a touch of onion powder for additional aromatic depth.
- DIY Biscuit Mix: Feeling adventurous? You can make your own Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix from scratch instead of buying a boxed one. Our Bisquick Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe offers a great starting point for a homemade dry mix you can then use in this sausage ball recipe.
- Serving Styles: While traditionally served as appetizers, these sausage balls can also be a fantastic addition to a brunch buffet, packed into lunchboxes, or even served as a component of a larger meal.
Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Recipe
Justine
10 mins
16 mins
32 balls
Equipment
-
1 Large Mixing Bowl
-
1 Baking Sheet
-
Parchment Paper
-
2-Tablespoon Portion Scoop (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, 11.36 oz
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pound ground sausage, spicy or regular Jimmy Dean recommended
- 1 tsp chives, freeze-dried or fresh, optional
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Red Lobster biscuit mix (including the seasoning packet found inside the box), melted butter, optional freeze-dried chives, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture resembles a crumbly, sand-like consistency.
-
Add the raw ground sausage to the bowl. Gently fold and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This step might take a bit of effort, and using your hands is often the easiest and most effective way to ensure everything is evenly combined.
-
Using a 2-tablespoon portion scoop (or simply roll by hand), form the mixture into uniform balls. Roll them gently in your palms to ensure they are round and compact. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Remove from the oven and serve hot immediately.
Nutrition Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 32 servings)
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 61 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Potassium: 38 mg
- Fiber: 0.001 g
- Sugar: 0.01 g
- Vitamin A: 58 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
- Calcium: 26 mg
- Iron: 0.2 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Additional Information
Appetizer, Snack
American, Southern
Irresistible Sausage Ball Dip Ideas
While delicious on their own, sausage balls truly shine when paired with a complementary dipping sauce. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Creamy French Onion Dip: The rich, savory notes of French onion dip provide a perfect counterpoint to the seasoned sausage, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- Zesty Ranch or Thousand Island Dressing: Both ranch and Thousand Island dressings offer a creamy, tangy profile that beautifully cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- Classic Ketchup: A simple, universally loved choice, especially popular with kids, for its familiar sweet and tangy flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce: For a dip with a bit of a kick and a touch of sweetness, our Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce is an unexpected but incredibly delightful pairing.
- Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Dip: Mix room temperature cream cheese with fresh dill and minced garlic for a homemade, herbaceous dip that’s both creamy and aromatic.
- Tangy Tartar Sauce: The briny, creamy nature of tartar sauce offers a unique and surprisingly good match for the savory sausage balls.
- Sweet & Savory Mustard Pretzel Dip: Don’t underestimate the power of a good mustard dip! Our Mustard Pretzel Dip brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory that pairs wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Balls
Determining when your sausage balls are perfectly cooked is key to their deliciousness. You’ll want to look for a few indicators: the tops and sides should be beautifully golden brown. As they cook, the fat from the sausage will render; once they’re done, the grease on the baking sheet should appear clear. Most importantly, if you were to cut one in half, the center should not show any pink. For absolute certainty, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a sausage ball should register an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
The absolute easiest way to make delicious sausage balls is by starting with a quality boxed biscuit mix, like Bisquick or, for a flavor boost, the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. These mixes significantly cut down on the number of individual ingredients you need. Beyond the mix, you primarily require ground pork sausage (spicy Jimmy Dean adds fantastic flavor!), shredded cheese, and a little melted butter. Optional additions like chives are simple but add a nice touch. This minimal ingredient list and straightforward mixing process make it incredibly simple for even novice cooks.
Keeping sausage balls warm for a party ensures they remain appetizing and enjoyable. A fantastic method is to transfer them to a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting after baking. To prevent them from becoming soggy due to condensation, place a few layers of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker insert before putting the lid on. The paper towels will absorb any moisture, keeping your sausage balls perfectly dry and delicious. Alternatively, for smaller batches or shorter periods, an insulated food container can also help maintain their warmth.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Sausage Balls
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Red Lobster sausage balls, proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious for later enjoyment. First, allow them to cool down completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. If using a freezer bag, gently press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn and condensation buildup, which can make them soggy upon reheating. Stored this way, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
For reheating, several methods work well to restore their original deliciousness:
- Air Fryer: For a crisp exterior, reheat in an air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Oven: Reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on the number of sausage balls, until hot. Be aware that the microwave may make them slightly less crispy.
You can also freeze unbaked sausage balls. Simply roll them, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
