Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sausage Balls

These Cheddar Bay biscuit sausage balls are made with just 5 ingredients and have all the buttery, garlicky flavor of Red Lobster's famous biscuits. Loaded with sausage, cheddar, cream cheese, and Rotel, they bake up golden on the outside and soft and cheesy in the middle. They're easy to make for Christmas morning, holiday parties, or game day, and a drizzle of hot honey makes them even better!

Why You'll Love These Viral Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits have always been a favorite of mine, and I've made some delicious sausage ball recipes over the years, like my cream cheese sausage balls. So when I saw these viral Cheddar Bay sausage balls from @ashleymarkleeats, I knew I had to try them. Combining those buttery, garlicky biscuits with sausage and cheese sounded like such a good idea, and I couldn't wait to make them.

I love how easy these are to throw together, too. The Red Lobster biscuit mix and its garlic herb seasoning packet add so much flavor without needing a bunch of extra ingredients, then the cream cheese and Rotel keep the sausage balls soft and moist inside.

They're great for holiday parties or Christmas morning when you need something everyone can grab and eat. And if you like a little sweet heat, I highly recommend finishing them with hot honey!

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Ingredients

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage (I used Jimmy Dean hot pork sausage)
• 1 box (11.36 oz.) Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix 
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel fire roasted tomatoes
• Hot honey, for garnish (optional)
• Pan spray, for the baking sheet

Ingredient Notes

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Use the entire box of dry biscuit mix, including the garlic herb seasoning packet. Don't prepare the biscuit mix according to the package instructions.
• Breakfast sausage: I use Jimmy Dean Hot Breakfast Sausage for a little extra heat. Regular or mild breakfast sausage works too. Make sure to use raw sausage, not precooked.
• Cream cheese: Let it soften to room temperature before mixing. This makes it much easier to combine evenly with the sausage and biscuit mix.
• Rotel: Use one 10-ounce can of fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, including all the liquid. Don't drain the can.
• Cheddar cheese: Eight ounces of shredded cheddar equals approximately 2 cups. Sharp cheddar gives these sausage balls a stronger cheesy flavor, but mild cheddar works too.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw breakfast sausage, dry Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, included garlic herb seasoning packet, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and the entire can of Rotel, including the liquid. Use your hands to mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls

Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture at a time and roll it between your hands to form balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. You should be able to fit about 20 sausage balls per tray.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown, firm to the touch, and cooked through in the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure the pork sausage is fully cooked.

Step 5: Add the Hot Honey and Serve

Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like a little sweet heat, drizzle them with hot honey just before serving. Enjoy them while they're warm and the cheese is still melty!

My Tips for the Best Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sausage Balls

• Chill the mixture if it's too sticky. Since this recipe uses the liquid from the Rotel, the mixture can be pretty soft. If you're having trouble shaping the balls, refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to help it firm up.
• Don't overmix the ingredients. Mix everything just until combined, then gently roll the sausage balls. Packing them too tightly can make them dense instead of soft and tender.
• Use a cookie scoop. A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop makes portioning much easier and keeps the sausage balls uniform in size so they bake evenly.
• Keep the bottoms from getting greasy. The sausage and cheese release fat as they bake. I recommend transferring the cooked sausage balls to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving.

How to Store Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• In the fridge: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool slightly before storing, and refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.
• In the freezer: These sausage balls freeze really well! Once cooled, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months for the best quality. I recommend freezing them without the hot honey.
• To reheat: My favorite way to reheat sausage balls is in the oven at 350°F for about 8-12 minutes, or until heated through to 165°F. You can also microwave individual portions in 20-30 second intervals. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make ahead: If you're making these for Christmas morning or a holiday party, you can mix and shape the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You can bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed until the centers reach 160°F. Drizzle with hot honey just before serving.

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls FAQs

How long do you cook sausage balls at 375°F?

These Cheddar Bay biscuit sausage balls take 25-30 minutes to bake at 375°F when shaped into 2-tablespoon portions. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to make sure the pork sausage reaches 160°F.

Do you cook the sausage before making sausage balls?

No, you should use raw breakfast sausage when making sausage balls. The uncooked sausage mixes with the biscuit mix and cheese to help everything hold together. It then cooks completely in the oven as the sausage balls bake.

Can I use Bisquick instead of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix?

Yes, Bisquick can be used to make sausage balls, but the flavor won't be the same. Red Lobster's biscuit mix comes with a garlic herb seasoning packet that gives these sausage balls their signature Cheddar Bay flavor. If you substitute it for Bisquick, I'd recommend adding garlic powder and dried parsley for a similar flavor, although the texture may turn out a little different.

What dipping sauce goes best with sausage balls?

Hot honey is my favorite with these Cheddar Bay sausage balls because the sweetness pairs so well with the spicy sausage and cheddar cheese. Honey mustard, ranch dressing, and pepper jelly are also delicious options. If you're serving these at a party, I'd put out a couple of dipping sauces so everyone can choose their favorite.

How do you keep sausage balls warm for a party?

If you're serving these for a holiday party or Christmas brunch, you can keep the cooked sausage balls warm in a low oven or on a warming tray that maintains a food temperature of at least 140°F. I recommend serving them in smaller batches so they don't sit out too long or dry out. Don't leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Are Cheddar Bay biscuit sausage balls spicy?

These sausage balls have some heat from the hot breakfast sausage and Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. If you want to make them milder, use regular breakfast sausage and mild Rotel instead. You can also skip the hot honey drizzle.

What do you serve with sausage balls?

These sausage balls are great on their own as an appetizer, but they're also delicious as part of a holiday breakfast or brunch. I like the idea of serving them with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fruit for Christmas morning. For parties, they're easy to add to an appetizer spread with dips, vegetables, and other finger foods.

More Viral Appetizers to Try

• Air fryer parmesan cheese balls
• Crispy potato balls
• Cheeseburger sliders
• Rice paper chicken bites
• Mashed potato cups