Irresistible Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls: Your New Favorite Party Appetizer
Prepare for a taste sensation that will become your go-to recipe for any gathering: Red Lobster Sausage Balls! This delightful variation of the beloved traditional sausage ball takes convenience and flavor to a whole new level. By using boxed Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, we infuse these savory bites with a signature garlic butter flavor that makes them incredibly juicy, tender, and utterly irresistible. Perfect as a quick and easy finger food, these buttery party balls are destined to be a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, game day, or any festive occasion.
Forget bland, dry sausage balls. Our recipe elevates the classic by harnessing the power of Red Lobster’s famous biscuit mix, which already contains a blend of cheddar cheese and savory garlic and herb seasonings. This clever shortcut not only saves time but also guarantees an explosion of flavor in every bite. With minimal effort, you can create a batch of these delectable treats that are moist on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior.
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What Exactly Are Sausage Balls?
Sausage balls are a cherished culinary tradition, particularly popular in the American South. Historically, they’re a simple yet incredibly satisfying finger food typically crafted from a blend of ground sausage, shredded cheese, and a biscuit baking mix like Bisquik. This combination bakes into small, savory spheres that are perfect for snacking. Their enduring popularity stems from their delicious taste, ease of eating, and versatility as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Over the years, sausage balls have evolved, with many home cooks developing unique variations by adding extra spices, different types of cheese, or even vegetables. Whether served warm for a cozy breakfast or at room temperature during a lively party, classic sausage balls have cemented their place as a staple for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual get-togethers. They’re hearty enough to feel substantial but light enough to enjoy several without feeling overly full. This Red Lobster version builds on that beloved foundation, adding an exciting and irresistible twist that’s sure to impress.
Why This Red Lobster Sausage Ball Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Red Lobster Sausage Ball recipe isn’t just another spin on an old favorite; it’s a game-changer. The magic lies in one key ingredient: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. While traditional sausage balls rely on a plain biscuit mix like Bisquik, the Cheddar Bay mix brings its own built-in flavor profile that transforms these savory bites into something truly extraordinary. Here’s why this recipe works so well:
The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Advantage
The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix is already infused with savory cheddar cheese and a potent garlic and herb seasoning blend. This means you’re adding layers of complex flavor directly into your sausage balls without needing a long list of extra ingredients. The garlic butter notes permeate every bite, creating an exceptionally aromatic and delicious snack. It gives these sausage balls a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
Unbeatable Moisture and Tenderness
One common pitfall of some sausage ball recipes is ending up with dry or crumbly results. The Red Lobster mix, combined with a little extra butter (because who doesn’t love more butter?), ensures that these sausage balls are incredibly moist and tender. The fat from the sausage, the cheese, and the added butter all work together to create a rich, succulent texture that melts in your mouth. This prevents them from becoming tough or chewy, even if slightly overcooked.
Simplified Preparation for Ultimate Convenience
Using a boxed mix streamlines the preparation process significantly. You don’t need to measure out individual dry ingredients for the biscuit portion, which saves time and reduces cleanup. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you need a delicious appetizer in a hurry. The convenience doesn’t sacrifice flavor; it simply makes achieving fantastic results easier than ever.
The Art of Mixing: Hand vs. Stand Mixer
While making the dough for sausage balls does require a bit of mixing effort, it’s nothing to be intimidated by. If you’re mixing by hand, be prepared to use a little “elbow grease.” The key is to thoroughly combine the sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix until a uniform dough forms. This can take a few minutes, as the fat from the sausage needs to properly bind with the dry ingredients. Don’t rush this step, as proper mixing ensures even distribution of flavors and a consistent texture.
For those who prefer a less strenuous approach, a stand mixer is your best friend. Simply add all the ingredients to the mixer bowl, attach the paddle, and let it do the work on low speed. This ensures a perfectly blended dough with minimal effort, making the entire process even quicker and easier.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Red Lobster Sausage Balls Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure your Red Lobster Sausage Balls turn out absolutely perfect, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice. These pointers will help you achieve optimal flavor, texture, and presentation.
Don’t Overcook: The Secret to Tenderness
One of the most crucial tips for achieving perfectly tender sausage balls is to avoid overcooking them. Baked at a consistent 350℉ (175°C), these savory bites typically cook in just 15 minutes. It’s important to remember that fresh from the oven, sausage balls can feel deceptively soft, leading some to think they need more time. Resist the urge to bake them longer! Overcooked sausage balls will become tough and dry, losing that wonderful juicy tenderness that makes them so delicious. To be absolutely certain they’re done, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should register 155℉ (68°C). Trust the timing and the thermometer, and you’ll be rewarded with ideal texture.
Effortless Mixing with a Stand Mixer
As mentioned, bringing the dough together can require a bit of effort if mixing by hand. A brilliant trick to save yourself the “elbow grease” and ensure a perfectly uniform dough is to use a stand mixer. Simply place all your ingredients – the bulk sausage, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including its garlic and herb seasoning pouch), shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, and dried chives – into the mixer bowl. Attach the paddle attachment and set the mixer to its lowest speed. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a consistently blended dough ready for shaping, making the process quick and mess-free.
Parchment Paper: Your Non-Stick Ally
For easy cleanup and to prevent your sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet, always line it with parchment paper. This simple step not only makes transferring the cooked balls a breeze but also helps in achieving an even cook on the bottom of the balls. No more scrubbing burnt bits off your pan!
Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop
To ensure all your Red Lobster Sausage Balls cook evenly and look professionally made, a medium cookie scoop is an invaluable tool. Scooping approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each ball and then rolling them gently into 1.5-inch spheres ensures consistent sizing. Uniform balls mean they’ll all be perfectly cooked at the same time, and they present beautifully on a platter.
The Magic of Making Ahead: Prep Now, Bake Later
This recipe is incredibly versatile and lends itself wonderfully to make-ahead preparation, a huge advantage for busy hosts. If you’re planning for a brunch, breakfast potluck, or a party, you can prepare the dough and form the balls the night before. Simply arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, you can bake them fresh, offering warm, delicious sausage balls with minimal last-minute effort. This trick is a lifesaver for stress-free entertaining.
You can even freeze uncooked sausage balls! After forming, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or until they reach the internal temperature of 155°F (68°C).
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
Should you be lucky enough to have any Red Lobster Sausage Balls left over, they store beautifully. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked sausage balls for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be quickly reheated in a microwave, though the oven method helps maintain a slightly crisper exterior.
Serving Suggestions
These garlicky, cheesy sausage balls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various dips. Consider serving them with a side of tangy honey mustard, a creamy ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. They’re also excellent as part of a larger breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or crispy bacon. For parties, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
For more sausage ball variations and to explore different flavor profiles, check out my Smoked Sausage Balls, which offer a delightful smoky depth, and my Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls, a cheesy, spicy Southern classic.
Red Lobster Sausage Balls
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Equipment
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medium cookie scoop
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stand-mixer
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parchment paper
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large bake sheet
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 11.36 oz Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with the pouch of garlic and herb seasoning blend (1 box)
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb bulk sausage
- 2 tsp dried chives
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C).
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If you are using a stand mixer, add all ingredients (including the garlic and herb flavor pouch from the Red Lobster biscuit mix box) to the mixer bowl. Use the paddle attachment on the lowest speed setting to mix until a uniform dough is formed.
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If mixing manually by hand, combine all ingredients (including the garlic and herb flavor pouch from the biscuit mix box) in a large mixing bowl. Work the mixture with your hands until a cohesive dough forms. This may take a few minutes as the sausage fat needs time to fully incorporate with the biscuit mix.
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Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each ball. Roll the dough into 1.5-inch spheres and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Continue this process until all the dough has been used, forming approximately 32 balls.
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Bake at 350℉ (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 155℉ (68°C). Remove from the oven and serve warm.