Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a delicious and savory appetizer or snack that combines the rich, cheesy goodness of cheddar with the bold flavors of seasoned sausage. With a flaky, biscuit-like texture and a touch of garlic and herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a delightful treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Packed with bold and cheesy flavors.
- A unique twist on traditional sausage balls with the addition of Cheddar Bay seasoning.
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (or a combination of biscuit mix, garlic powder, and parsley)
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Cheddar Bay biscuit mix. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together but is not overly wet.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 sausage balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh herbs like chives or thyme for an earthy twist.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch dressing, marinara, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and roll it into balls, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
2. Do I have to use Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?
No, you can use any biscuit mix and add garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor.
3. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
It’s best to use raw sausage for this recipe, as it helps bind the mixture together while baking.
4. What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda.
5. Can I make these without milk?
Yes, you can substitute milk with water or broth, but milk helps keep the sausage balls moist.
6. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely, turkey sausage works well as a leaner option.
7. How do I know when the sausage balls are cooked?
They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd.
9. What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a honey mustard dip are excellent choices.
10. Can I make these spicy?
Yes, use hot sausage or add spices like cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.
Conclusion
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a satisfying snack, these sausage balls deliver on flavor and versatility. Try them today and watch them disappear in no time!
PrintCheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine savory breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic butter seasoning for a flavorful twist on a classic appetizer. Perfect for parties, brunch, or game-day snacks, they’re easy to make and hard to resist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) Bisquick or another baking mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or another seafood seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the sausage mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Mix well using your hands or a sturdy spoon.
- Add the milk and continue mixing until the dough comes together and holds its shape.
3. Shape the sausage balls:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Brush with butter:
- While the sausage balls are baking, mix the melted butter with the Old Bay seasoning (if using).
- When the sausage balls come out of the oven, brush them with the seasoned butter for a flavorful finish.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or breakfast treat. Pair with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- You can make the sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.