Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful Cheddar Bay biscuit mix. They bake until golden and are finished with warm garlic-herb butter for an irresistible appetizer that’s cheesy, tender, and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch, game day, parties, potlucks, or an easy savory snack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Yield: Approximately 24 sausage balls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with sausage and cheddar
- Uses convenient biscuit mix
- Crispy and golden outside
- Tender and cheesy inside
- Finished with garlic-herb butter
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for parties and holidays
Ingredients
Sausage Balls
- 1 pound uncooked breakfast sausage, mild or hot
- 1 box (11.36 ounces) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic-Butter Topping
- Seasoning packet included with the biscuit mix
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Spicy mayonnaise
- Barbecue sauce
- Maple syrup
- Hot sauce
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Mix
Open the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix and remove the seasoning packet.
Reserve the packet for the buttery topping.
Place the dry biscuit mix in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Add the uncooked breakfast sausage to the bowl.
Allow cold sausage to sit at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes so it is easier to mix.
Do not cook the sausage before adding it to the mixture.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Freshly shredded cheese works especially well because it blends easily and melts smoothly.
Step 5: Add the Milk
Pour in the milk.
Begin with approximately ⅓ cup, then add more as needed. The mixture should hold together without becoming wet or sticky.
Step 6: Mix
Use clean hands to combine the sausage, biscuit mix, cheese, and milk.
Continue mixing until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Avoid overworking the mixture, which can make the sausage balls dense.
Step 7: Shape the Sausage Balls
Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball.
Each ball should be approximately 1¼–1½ inches wide.
Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and completely cooked in the center.
The internal temperature should reach 160°F when measured with a food thermometer.
Step 9: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the sausage balls are baking, combine the melted butter with the reserved seasoning packet.
Stir in the fresh parsley if using.
Step 10: Brush with Butter
Remove the sausage balls from the oven.
While they are still hot, generously brush them with the prepared garlic-herb butter.
For extra flavor, turn the sausage balls and brush the bottoms as well.
Step 11: Serve
Allow the sausage balls to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
Serve them warm with ranch dressing, honey mustard, maple syrup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The Best Sausage to Use
Regular pork breakfast sausage provides the classic flavor and texture.
You can also use:
- Hot breakfast sausage
- Sage sausage
- Maple breakfast sausage
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Mild Italian sausage
If using turkey or chicken sausage, choose a variety containing some fat so the sausage balls remain moist.
The Best Cheese for Sausage Balls
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasoned biscuit mix.
Other good choices include:
- Medium cheddar
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Smoked cheddar
- Cheddar and mozzarella blend
For the smoothest texture, shred the cheese from a block. Packaged shredded cheese contains a coating that may make the mixture slightly drier.
Why Is My Mixture Too Dry?
The exact amount of milk needed may vary depending on the sausage and cheese.
If the mixture crumbles when shaped, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
Avoid pouring in too much milk at once. An overly wet mixture may spread during baking.
Why Are My Sausage Balls Flat?
The mixture may contain too much milk, or the sausage may have become too warm.
If the shaped balls feel soft, refrigerate them for approximately 20–30 minutes before baking.
Using freshly shredded cheese and avoiding excessive liquid will also help them maintain their shape.
Can I Use Regular Biscuit Mix?
Yes. Replace the Cheddar Bay mix with approximately 2½–3 cups of all-purpose baking mix.
Add the following seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Prepare the garlic-butter topping with melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Spicy Cheddar Sausage Balls
Use hot breakfast sausage and Pepper Jack cheese.
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Serve with spicy ranch or jalapeño dipping sauce.
Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls
Add ½ cup of finely crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
Use sharp cheddar and finish the baked sausage balls with garlic butter and sliced green onions.
Jalapeño Sausage Balls
Add one finely diced jalapeño and replace half the cheddar with Pepper Jack cheese.
Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor.
Maple Sausage Balls
Use maple-flavored breakfast sausage.
Serve the finished sausage balls with warm maple syrup for a sweet and savory breakfast appetizer.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Add four ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
Reduce the milk to approximately ¼ cup, adding more only if necessary.
Cream cheese makes the centers especially rich and tender.
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
These sausage balls pair well with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit
- Hash browns
- Breakfast casserole
- Biscuits and gravy
- Pancakes or waffles
- Vegetable trays
- Cheese boards
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Serve them as part of a holiday breakfast or arrange them on a platter for an easy party appetizer.
Can I Prepare Them Ahead?
Yes. Prepare and shape the uncooked sausage balls up to 24 hours ahead.
Arrange them on a covered baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to bake.
You may need to add approximately 2–3 minutes to the baking time when cooking them directly from the refrigerator.
Storage
Allow leftover sausage balls to cool completely.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, store any dipping sauces separately.
How to Reheat Sausage Balls
Reheat the sausage balls in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
You can also warm them in an air fryer at 325°F for 3–5 minutes.
For a quick option, microwave individual portions in short intervals until hot. The microwave will make the outside softer.
Can You Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes. Sausage balls freeze very well before or after baking.
To freeze uncooked sausage balls, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months.
Bake them from frozen at 375°F, adding approximately 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.
Cooked sausage balls can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I cook the sausage first?
No. Mix the raw breakfast sausage directly with the biscuit mix and cheese. It will cook while the sausage balls bake.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and adds moisture to the mixture.
How large should the sausage balls be?
Make them approximately 1¼–1½ inches wide so they cook evenly.
How do I know when they are finished?
They should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I make them without milk?
Yes, but the mixture may be crumbly. Add a small amount of softened cream cheese or water if needed.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes. Turkey sausage works well, although the finished sausage balls may be slightly leaner.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air-fry them at 350°F for approximately 10–13 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook in batches without overcrowding the basket.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Bake the sausage balls on separate pans and rotate the pans halfway through cooking.
What dipping sauce works best?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, spicy mayonnaise, and maple syrup are all delicious choices.
Pro Tips
Allow the sausage to soften slightly before mixing, but don’t let it become warm.
Add the milk gradually because different sausage and cheese varieties contain different amounts of moisture.
Shape the sausage balls evenly and use a food thermometer to confirm that the centers reach 160°F.
Brush them with garlic-herb butter immediately after baking so the seasoning sticks and soaks into the golden exterior.
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of seasoned biscuit mix, breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, and warm garlic butter creates a flavorful appetizer that disappears quickly.
Make them for breakfast, game day, holiday gatherings, or party platters. Serve them warm with ranch, honey mustard, maple syrup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
