Red Lobster Sausage Balls combine the flavors of cheddar cheese, breakfast sausage, and Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix to create an irresistible and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party, whip up a quick snack, or even add a savory item to your brunch spread, these sausage balls are an excellent choice.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of what makes Red Lobster Sausage Balls so special, how to prepare them, some creative variations, and tips for perfecting this dish. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about storing and serving sausage balls.
What are Red Lobster Sausage Balls?
Red Lobster Sausage Balls are a delicious twist on the classic sausage ball recipe. Traditional sausage balls often consist of sausage, biscuit mix, and cheese. However, using Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix elevates this dish by adding the rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors that have made their Cheddar Bay Biscuits famous.
Key Ingredients:
- Breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
- Cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended)
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
The result is a moist, cheesy, and savory ball with a slight crunch on the outside and a creamy texture inside.
History of Sausage Balls
Sausage balls have been a staple in Southern cuisine for decades. Typically served at breakfast or brunch, they are also popular appetizers during holidays and special gatherings. The addition of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix to the traditional recipe is a modern twist that has gained popularity in recent years, bringing a new dimension of flavor to an old favorite.
For more on the origins of sausage balls, check out this comprehensive History of Sausage Balls.
Why Use Red Lobster Biscuit Mix?
What sets these sausage balls apart is the use of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. The mix, which includes the perfect blend of cheddar cheese and garlic seasoning, gives the sausage balls a rich and flavorful base, making them more than just a simple sausage and cheese bite. The garlic butter topping included in the mix adds even more flavor, resulting in a savory snack that’s hard to resist.
To learn more about the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, visit the official Red Lobster website.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Red Lobster Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup water
- Garlic butter topping (from the biscuit mix package)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, and cream cheese (if using). Add the water gradually and mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garlic Butter Topping: While the sausage balls are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping according to the package instructions. Once the sausage balls are done, brush the tops with the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Serve: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Variations on Red Lobster Sausage Balls
There are several ways to customize your Red Lobster Sausage Balls to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun and creative variations:
1. Spicy Sausage Balls
For those who like a little kick, you can use spicy breakfast sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture. Pairing spicy sausage with the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and spicy.
2. Vegetarian Sausage Balls
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage. There are plenty of excellent vegetarian sausage brands that would work well with the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix and cheese.
3. Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
For a Southern twist, try adding pimento cheese to the mix. This variation is rich, creamy, and packed with even more cheesy goodness. Simply substitute 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese with pimento cheese.
How to Serve Red Lobster Sausage Balls
Red Lobster Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- As an Appetizer: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. If you’re looking for sauce pairings, take inspiration from this What to Serve with Sausage Balls post.
- With Breakfast: Pair these sausage balls with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast.
- At a Party: These are perfect for holiday parties or game day gatherings. Set them out with other appetizers like deviled eggs, chips and dip, or cheese platters.
Storing and Reheating Sausage Balls
One of the great things about Red Lobster Sausage Balls is that they store and reheat well. Here are some tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These sausage balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated sausage balls in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For frozen sausage balls, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Although Red Lobster Sausage Balls are undeniably delicious, they are also quite rich. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (approximately 2 sausage balls):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, consider using low-fat sausage or reducing the amount of cheese.
FAQs
What are Red Lobster Sausage Balls made of?
Red Lobster Sausage Balls are made with breakfast sausage, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, and cheddar cheese. Optional ingredients include cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Can you make sausage balls without Red Lobster biscuit mix?
Yes! While the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix adds a unique flavor, you can use any biscuit or baking mix as a substitute. However, the signature garlic and cheddar flavors will be missing.
How do you store and reheat sausage balls?
Sausage balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until they are warmed through.
Can you freeze Red Lobster Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them. First, freeze the sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What dipping sauces go well with sausage balls?
Red Lobster Sausage Balls pair well with various dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and even sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Red Lobster Sausage Balls are a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic sausage ball recipe. The addition of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix elevates the flavor, while the combination of sausage and cheese creates a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, serving them as an appetizer, or freezing them for later, these sausage balls are sure to impress.
By following the recipe and variations outlined in this article, you can customize Red Lobster Sausage Balls to your taste and enjoy them in many different ways.
For more delicious sausage ball recipes, check out this Sausage Balls Recipe for additional inspiration.