These biscuit sausage balls bake up tender inside and lightly crisp outside, with that signature cheddar and garlic flavor everyone craves. They are quick to mix, easy to bake, and the first thing to disappear at parties or weekend brunch.
Red Lobster Biscuit Sausage Balls
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula or clean hands for mixing
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Small cookie scoop (1 to 1 1/2 tbsp) for portioning
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Sausage Ball Mixture
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix reserve seasoning packet for brushing
- 1 lb ground turkey breakfast sausage uncooked
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp milk or water plus 1 to 2 tbsp more as needed
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper optional
Buttery Seasoning
- 1 packet seasoning packet from biscuit mix
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp chives or parsley finely chopped, optional
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and lightly mist with oil. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the ground turkey sausage and garlic powder. Use clean hands or a spatula to break it up until evenly loosened.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and the dry biscuit mix, reserving the seasoning packet for later. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons milk or water. Fold gently until the mixture just comes together. If dry, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons liquid. Avoid overmixing.
- Use a 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture. Roll into balls with lightly oiled hands and place 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden and the centers reach 165°F. Rotate the pan once for even browning.
- Stir the seasoning packet into the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter with chopped herbs if using. Brush over the warm sausage balls. Serve hot.
Air Fryer Option
- Air fry at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket once, then brush with the buttery seasoning.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavor, little effort. Pantry-friendly mix plus a handful of basics.
- Soft and cheesy inside. No dry, crumbly bites here.
- Perfect for make-ahead snacking, game day, or breakfast spreads.
- Customizable heat level and cheese blends to suit your crowd.
This Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with seasoning packet
- 1 pound ground turkey breakfast sausage, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or water, as needed for moisture
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or parsley, optional
- Pinch of crushed red pepper, optional for heat
Substitutions:
- Sausage: Use ground chicken or beef sausage if you prefer.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheddar blend.
- Herbs: Swap chives for green onion or parsley.
- Butter: Use olive oil for brushing if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and lightly mist with oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Sausage Base
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey sausage and garlic powder. Use clean hands or a spatula to break it up until evenly loosened.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Biscuit Mix
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and the dry biscuit mix, reserving the seasoning packet for later. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons milk or water. Fold gently until the mixture just comes together. If dry, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons liquid. Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Use a 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture. Roll into balls with lightly oiled hands and place 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden and the centers reach 165°F. Rotate the pan once for even browning.
Step 6: Brush with Buttery Seasoning
Stir the seasoning packet into the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter with chopped herbs if using. Brush over the warm sausage balls. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Chill the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels sticky. Cooler dough rolls easier and bakes rounder.
- Do not overwork the mixture. Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.
- Moisture matters. Add just enough liquid so the dough holds together without crumbling.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm 165°F in the center.
Variations of This Recipe
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Extra Cheesy: Fold in 1/2 cup more cheddar or a blend like cheddar and pepper jack.
- Herb Lovers: Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley and chives.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket once, then brush with the buttery seasoning.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Recipe
- Breakfast plate with soft scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
- Party platter with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for dipping.
- Cozy meal beside tomato soup or a crisp chopped salad.
- Game day spread with veggie sticks and dill yogurt dip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Memories Made Around the Table
These bite-size beauties remind me of weekend mornings when the kitchen felt extra cozy. Everyone wandered in, grabbed one fresh from the pan, and the conversation just flowed.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead? Yes. Roll and chill unbaked balls up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving. Or bake, cool, and reheat.
Do I need the seasoning packet? It adds that classic garlic herb finish. If you do not have it, brush with melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and dried parsley.
Why are my sausage balls dry? The mixture likely needed a bit more moisture. Add milk or water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together.
Can I use a different biscuit mix? Yes. Use another cheddar biscuit mix or your favorite drop biscuit mix and add extra cheese plus garlic powder to taste.
Final Thoughts
Simple, cheesy, and full of cozy flavor, these sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser from brunch to game night. Mix, bake, brush, and enjoy every warm bite.