Description
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer combining ground sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a flavorful cheddar bay biscuit mix with smoked paprika. These bite-sized snacks bake to golden perfection in just about 30 minutes, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or hot)
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (1/2 a block)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Mix
- 1 (12 oz) box Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix (including the seasoning packet)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, the entire cheddar bay biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet, and smoked paprika. This mix forms the flavorful base of your sausage balls.
- Incorporate Mixture: Mix the ingredients thoroughly by hand or using an electric mixer until all components are evenly incorporated into a consistent mixture ready to be shaped.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, indicating they are ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and better texture.
- You can use either mild or hot sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
- These sausage balls are best served warm; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
- Feel free to add extra smoked paprika or substitute with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- If you prefer smaller or larger sausage balls, adjust baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
