Pin it
I stumbled onto these Cheesy Sausage Bites completely by chance when I needed something fast for a breakfast gathering. The combo works wonders when you blend that famous Red Lobster mix with sausage and a duo of cheeses. They turn out crunchy outside while staying super soft inside. These days my buddies won't let me attend any morning event without bringing a batch.
Irresistible Bite-Sized Treats
The thing I adore about these tasty morsels is how quickly they come together. Just four items and you're done! But they taste like you've slaved away for ages. I whip them up for everything from family breakfast gatherings to sports viewing parties. And guess what? They're easy on the wallet and vanish moments after hitting the table.
Ingredients Needed
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This package is magical and packs all that wonderful flavor we can't get enough of.
- Ground sausage: Pick up the uncooked type from whatever brand you trust.
- Cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor and grate it yourself.
- Cream cheese: Allow it to soften completely before you start mixing.
Pin it
Simple Cooking Steps
- Combine everything:
- Dump all ingredients into a large mixing bowl the biscuit mix with its flavor packet plus sausage and both cheeses. Dive in with your hands and blend until fully combined.
- Form small rounds:
- Roll the mixture into small balls roughly an inch in diameter. I grab my cookie scoop to make this job faster and keep everything uniform.
- Cook them through:
- Stick them in a 350°F oven for around 20 minutes. They'll reach a beautiful golden color and fill your house with amazing smells.
Pro Tips
After making these tons of times, I've picked up a few tricks. That cookie scoop really saves time for evenly sized portions. I sometimes mix in chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. My little ones go crazy when I stuff a small cheese chunk in the middle it creates this awesome melty center. For extra flavor, brush some melted butter on top right after baking.
Serving Ideas
These bites work for so many occasions. We munch on them with morning eggs or pack them in school lunches. When hosting, I set out several dipping options like ranch, honey mustard, or my homemade cheese sauce. They shine at holiday gatherings too. At my last football party, I made twice as many and they disappeared before the second quarter.
Storage Tips
Store any uneaten sausage balls in a sealed container and they'll last about 4 days in your fridge. I often make extra and freeze them just spread them on a baking sheet first so they don't clump together before bagging them up. When you're hungry again, warm them in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes. I usually add butter and cover with foil to keep them juicy.
Fun Variations
Some evenings I swap in Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar for more heat. Try adding some garlic powder or fresh herbs I love using thyme. My friend down the street mixes in crushed pecans for amazing crunch. Got friends who can't eat gluten? Just use gluten-free biscuit mix it turns out just as tasty. That's the beauty of cooking you can always play around with flavors.
Pin it
Creative Presentations
Looking to dress these up? Put them on small skewers with bright veggies for parties they look amazing. Sometimes I cut them in half to make tiny sandwiches my children absolutely love them. Recently I tried adding hot honey on top total mind-blower. Whether you're feeding lots of people or just your family, these tasty bites always hit the spot. Every time I make them, I get to try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Sure! Chill the unbaked balls in the fridge for up to a day, or freeze them raw for up to 3 months. You can bake them straight from frozen.
- → What's the best sausage to use?
Go for regular breakfast sausage. If you like it spicier, grab a spicy one! For link sausage, take off the casing first.
- → Can I swap the biscuit mix?
If you're out of Cheddar Bay mix, plain biscuit mix can work. Just know the flavor will be different without the signature seasoning.
- → What's the best way to keep leftovers fresh?
Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in the oven or microwave before serving.
- → Why do they come out dry?
Be sure to soften your cream cheese all the way, and don't mix too much. Overmixing can make them dry and tough.