Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls: A Fun, Tasty Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re looking for a fun and easy snack that’ll get everyone at the table talking, then Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are exactly what you need! These little bite-sized wonders are packed with cheesy goodness, the savory flavor of sausage, and a hint of that amazing buttery biscuit mix flavor we all know and love from the famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The best part? They’re super simple to make, and trust me, they disappear just as quickly as you can make them!

I’ve made these a few times now, and each time they get rave reviews from family and friends. They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even a quick snack when you want something warm and cheesy without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let’s get cooking and take a look at why these little balls of goodness are a total game-changer!

What Are Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?

If you’ve ever had Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you already know that soft, buttery, cheesy flavor that everyone loves. Well, imagine turning that flavor into a savory, meaty snack that’s easy to pop in your mouth. That’s exactly what Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are!

They’re a mix of sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, baking mix (think Bisquick), and a little extra seasoning. But here’s the twist—just like the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, they’re finished off with a buttery, garlicky topping that makes them irresistible. Honestly, these are the kind of snack you’ll find yourself making again and again. Every time I make them, I’m always impressed with how easy they are and how big of a hit they become.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for something to bring to a holiday get-together. I wanted something that felt a little fancier than regular sausage balls but wasn’t too complicated to make. Let me tell you, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls did not disappoint. Now, they’re a staple in my recipe box, and I make them for everything—whether it’s a casual afternoon with the family or a big celebration. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. In fact, most of them are things you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sausage Balls:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage – I usually go for a mild sausage, but you can opt for spicy sausage if you want a little kick.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The sharper, the better! This gives the balls that rich, cheesy flavor that pairs so well with the sausage.
• 2 cups Bisquick or any baking mix – This is what gives the sausage balls that biscuit-like texture. You could use a gluten-free option too, if you prefer.
• 1/4 cup milk – To help bind everything together and make it nice and moist.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – This just adds a little extra flavor to the base of the sausage balls.

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – This is going to melt over the top and make the sausage balls extra delicious.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that amazing garlic buttery finish!
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds a little green for color and a fresh flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and sausage.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Alright, now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, it’s time to get down to business. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to pull together and doesn’t take a lot of time. Plus, it’s fun to make, especially if you’ve got kids or grandkids around to help shape the balls!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with a little cooking spray. This just makes cleanup easier and ensures your sausage balls don’t stick to the pan. You can also use a silicone baking mat if you’ve got one.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick, milk, and garlic powder. I recommend using your hands here, since it’s the easiest way to get everything mixed together well. The dough will be thick and a little sticky, but that’s totally fine. If you find the mixture’s a little too sticky, you can add a touch more Bisquick until it’s workable. Just make sure it’s not too dry; you want that perfect texture that holds together but isn’t too stiff.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Now comes the fun part! Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball (or a little smaller if you want bite-sized pieces). I find that using a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture helps keep things even. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Don’t worry about them spreading too much—they’ll stay in their ball shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls

Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on top and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly, and the sausage will have browned up nicely. I usually check after 20 minutes to see if they’re golden, then let them go a few more minutes if needed. You want them to have that crispy outer layer but still stay soft and tender inside.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

While the sausage balls are baking, you can make the garlic butter topping. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Let it cook for about a minute to infuse all that amazing flavor into the butter. You can also add a pinch of salt if you like a little extra seasoning. I like to use unsalted butter because it lets me control the salt, but if you only have salted butter, just be sure to adjust the salt to taste.

Step 6: Coat the Sausage Balls

As soon as the sausage balls come out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter topping. You can be generous with the butter, as it adds an incredible richness to each bite. I love to give them a good coating so every ball is shiny and coated in that buttery goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

These little bites of heaven are best served warm, right out of the oven. But don’t worry if they cool down a bit—they’re still delicious. Grab some toothpicks or just pop them into your mouth with your fingers. Either way, you’ll be in cheesy, sausage-filled heaven.

Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Balls

• Sausage: Don’t skimp on the quality of the sausage. A good breakfast sausage really brings out the flavor of the dish. You can even use Italian sausage or flavored sausage if you want to try something different. I’ve used maple sausage before for a little sweetness, and it was amazing!
• Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, so take the extra step if you can. It really makes a difference in the texture and flavor of the sausage balls. Plus, it’s fun to shred your own cheese—trust me!
• Shape: If you want your sausage balls to cook evenly, try to keep the size of the balls consistent. You don’t want some to be undercooked and others overcooked, so use a spoon or your hands to keep things uniform. If you’ve got small kids helping, they’ll love shaping the balls, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
• Make Ahead: You can make these sausage balls ahead of time! Once they’re rolled into balls, just cover them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Or, freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and follow the cooking instructions. They bake beautifully from frozen, so they’re perfect for prepping in advance.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them up in the oven for about 5 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these for a family gathering or just as a quick afternoon snack. They’re always a hit, and there’s rarely a leftover in sight! I love how easy they are to make, and the fact that they’re always a crowd-pleaser is just the icing on the cake. They’re perfect for parties, but also for a comforting snack on a chilly afternoon.

The garlic butter topping is what really takes these sausage balls over the top. It’s simple, yet it adds that extra pop of flavor that makes these snacks feel a little more special. You can even switch things up by adding a bit of parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes if you want to give it a unique twist.

A Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for the holidays, or just looking for something to snack on, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are the way to go. They’re cheesy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make. You’ll be the hero of your next get-together when you bring these to the table. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably make them on a whim just because they’re so darn tasty.

So, give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how amazing these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are. I promise you won’t regret it!