Red Lobster Sausage Balls are a cheesy, savory appetizer inspired by the buttery garlic flavor of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. They combine ground breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix to create tender, bite-sized appetizers with a rich, cheesy center and flavorful baked exterior.
Although sausage balls are not currently listed as a regular standalone item on Red Lobster’s restaurant menu, several popular copycat recipes use Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix to recreate the signature flavor at home. Red Lobster’s current menu does offer Cheddar Bay Biscuits as an extra, with all entrées served with two warm house-made biscuits.
These Cheddar Bay sausage balls are especially popular for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, game days, potlucks, brunches, tailgating, and family get-togethers.
What Are Red Lobster Sausage Balls?
Red Lobster Sausage Balls are a homemade variation of traditional sausage balls made with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix instead of a standard biscuit or baking mix.
The biscuit mix provides the familiar buttery, garlicky flavor associated with Cheddar Bay Biscuits, while sausage and cheddar cheese add a savory and hearty taste.
A typical recipe combines:
- Ground breakfast sausage
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese or another binding ingredient
- The seasoning included with the biscuit mix
Different copycat recipes use slightly different ingredient combinations. For example, one current recipe uses 1 pound of sausage, 11.36 ounces of Red Lobster biscuit mix, 8 ounces of sharp cheddar, and 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Red Lobster Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
For approximately 24–36 sausage balls, depending on size, you can use:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground breakfast sausage | 1 lb |
| Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix | 1 package |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz, softened |
| Seasoning packet | Included with biscuit mix |
You can use mild or hot breakfast sausage depending on how spicy you want the sausage balls to taste.
How to Make Red Lobster Sausage Balls
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Ingredients
Add the sausage, Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and seasoning packet to a large mixing bowl.
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and form a thick, cohesive mixture.
Using softened cream cheese makes the mixture easier to combine.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to create evenly sized balls.
Aim for approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter so they cook evenly.
Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F for approximately 25–40 minutes, depending on the size of the sausage balls and your oven.
The outside should become nicely browned, while the sausage should be completely cooked through.
Because cooking times vary, use the internal temperature of the sausage as the safety check rather than relying only on color.
5. Serve Warm
Allow the sausage balls to rest for a few minutes before serving. They are particularly good when served warm with a dipping sauce.
Why Use Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix?
The biggest difference between traditional sausage balls and this Red Lobster-inspired version is the biscuit mix.
Traditional recipes often rely on standard baking mix, while the Cheddar Bay version adds the distinctive buttery and garlicky seasoning associated with Red Lobster biscuits.
Red Lobster currently sells Cheddar Bay Biscuits as a menu extra, and its menu notes that entrées come with two warm, house-made biscuits.
Using the mix in sausage balls creates a convenient way to bring those flavors into a party appetizer.
What Do Red Lobster Sausage Balls Taste Like?
These sausage balls have a combination of savory sausage, sharp cheddar, garlic, butter, and biscuit-like richness.
The exterior becomes lightly browned during baking, while the inside remains soft and cheesy.
The overall flavor is:
- Savory
- Cheesy
- Garlicky
- Buttery
- Slightly spicy when hot sausage is used
- Rich and satisfying
If you enjoy Cheddar Bay Biscuits and traditional sausage balls, this combination provides both flavors in one bite-sized appetizer.
Best Sausage to Use
Breakfast sausage is generally the easiest choice because it already contains seasoning that works well with the cheddar and garlic flavors.
Mild Breakfast Sausage
Choose mild sausage if you’re serving children or guests who prefer a less spicy appetizer.
Hot Breakfast Sausage
Hot sausage adds additional heat and creates a stronger contrast with the creamy cheese.
Spicy Sausage
A spicy sausage can be used for game-day gatherings or parties where you want a more pronounced kick.
Turkey Sausage
Turkey sausage can be substituted if you prefer a leaner meat option, although the texture and richness may differ from traditional pork sausage.
Can You Make Sausage Balls Without Cream Cheese?
Yes. Cream cheese is used in many modern versions because it helps create a softer, richer texture, but it isn’t the only way to make sausage balls.
Some recipes use biscuit mix, sausage, and shredded cheddar as the primary ingredients, while others include an egg or additional cheese.
If you leave out cream cheese, you may need to adjust the amount of biscuit mix or cheese so the mixture holds together properly.
Best Cheese for Red Lobster Sausage Balls
Sharp cheddar cheese is one of the best choices because its stronger flavor complements the sausage and garlic seasoning.
Other possibilities include:
- Mild cheddar
- Extra-sharp cheddar
- Colby-Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
For the best texture, freshly shredded cheese can melt more smoothly than some pre-shredded varieties.
How to Make Sausage Balls Extra Cheesy
For a richer cheese flavor, increase the amount of shredded cheddar slightly or add a second cheese.
A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack can create a particularly creamy interior.
Avoid adding so much cheese that the mixture becomes difficult to shape.
Red Lobster Sausage Balls Dipping Sauces
These sausage balls are flavorful enough to eat alone, but a dipping sauce can make them even more appealing.
Ranch Dressing
Creamy ranch provides a cool contrast to the warm, savory sausage.
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard adds sweetness and acidity that work well with cheddar and sausage.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara gives the appetizer a tomato-based, slightly tangy component.
Garlic Butter
For an even stronger Cheddar Bay-inspired experience, serve the sausage balls with a small amount of seasoned garlic butter.
Spicy Mayo
Mix mayonnaise with hot sauce for a creamy dipping sauce with some heat.
How to Keep Sausage Balls Moist
The key is avoiding overbaking.
A few simple tips can help:
- Don’t make the sausage balls too small.
- Keep the oven temperature consistent.
- Avoid baking substantially longer than necessary.
- Use softened cream cheese if your recipe calls for it.
- Don’t overwork the mixture while combining ingredients.
- Allow the sausage balls to rest briefly after baking.
Can You Make Red Lobster Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes. Sausage balls are convenient for parties because they can be prepared ahead of time.
You can shape the uncooked sausage balls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
If freezing, arrange the uncooked balls in a single layer first. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.
This makes them useful for:
- Christmas parties
- Thanksgiving gatherings
- Game-day parties
- Birthday celebrations
- Potlucks
- Brunches
- Holiday breakfasts
- Family gatherings
How to Store Leftover Sausage Balls
Allow cooked sausage balls to cool before placing them in an airtight container.
Keep refrigerated and consume within a few days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking.
How to Reheat Sausage Balls
You can reheat sausage balls in several ways.
Oven
Place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven until heated through.
Air Fryer
An air fryer can quickly restore some of the crisp exterior while keeping the center warm.
Microwave
The microwave is convenient for small portions, although it may produce a softer exterior.
For parties, reheating in the oven or air fryer generally provides a better texture.
Are Red Lobster Sausage Balls on the Red Lobster Menu?
No, sausage balls are not currently listed as a regular standalone item on Red Lobster’s official restaurant menu.
Red Lobster’s current menu includes categories such as Starters, Soups & Sides, Biscuits & Extras, Family Meals, Hot Platters, and other seafood-focused selections. Cheddar Bay Biscuits are available as an extra, but sausage balls are not shown as a standard menu item.
Therefore, the phrase “Red Lobster Sausage Balls” generally refers to a copycat recipe made with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, rather than a regular restaurant menu item.
Red Lobster Sausage Balls vs. Traditional Sausage Balls
| Feature | Red Lobster-Inspired Sausage Balls | Traditional Sausage Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit base | Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix | Standard baking mix |
| Main protein | Breakfast sausage | Breakfast sausage |
| Cheese | Usually cheddar | Usually cheddar |
| Flavor | Garlic, buttery, cheesy | Savory and cheesy |
| Texture | Soft, rich, biscuit-like | Firm and tender |
| Best for | Parties and holidays | Parties and everyday snacks |
| Preparation | Easy | Easy |
The main distinction is the use of Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, which gives the Red Lobster-inspired version its characteristic flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
For consistently good results:
- Use room-temperature cream cheese if your recipe includes it.
- Shred your own cheese for a smooth, even texture.
- Mix thoroughly so the sausage and biscuit mix are evenly distributed.
- Keep the balls similar in size so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the sausage has reached a safe internal temperature.
- Serve warm for the best cheesy texture.
- Prepare a dipping sauce if serving them as a party appetizer.
Are Red Lobster Sausage Balls Good for Parties?
Yes. Their small size makes them convenient finger food, and they can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed.
They’re especially suitable for gatherings because guests can grab one or two without needing plates and utensils.
For a larger party, consider serving them alongside:
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Shrimp appetizers
- Cheese dips
- Vegetable trays
- Chicken wings
- Cocktail meatballs
- Crackers and dips
Red Lobster’s own menu currently includes party-oriented offerings such as Hot Platters and family meals, although sausage balls themselves are not part of the standard restaurant menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Red Lobster Sausage Balls made of?
Most copycat versions use ground sausage, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, cheddar cheese, and a binding ingredient such as cream cheese. Recipes vary, so ingredient quantities and preparation methods can differ.
Does Red Lobster sell sausage balls?
Sausage balls are not currently listed as a regular standalone item on Red Lobster’s official menu. The name generally refers to a homemade copycat recipe using Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix.
Can I use Red Lobster biscuit mix for sausage balls?
Yes. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix is commonly used in copycat sausage-ball recipes to provide its characteristic cheesy and garlic-seasoned flavor.
What sausage is best for sausage balls?
Mild or hot ground breakfast sausage works well. Choose mild sausage for a gentler flavor and hot sausage when you want more spice.
How long should sausage balls bake?
A common baking temperature is 350°F, with cooking time often around 25–40 minutes, depending on the size of the sausage balls and the recipe.
Can sausage balls be frozen?
Yes. They can be frozen either before or after baking. Store them properly in an airtight freezer-safe container and thaw or reheat according to the preparation method.
Can I make Red Lobster sausage balls without cream cheese?
Yes. There are several versions of sausage balls that don’t use cream cheese. You may need to adjust the other ingredients to achieve a mixture that holds together properly.
Final Thoughts
Red Lobster Sausage Balls offer an easy way to combine classic sausage-ball flavor with the buttery, cheesy and garlicky profile associated with Cheddar Bay Biscuits. While they are not currently a regular Red Lobster menu item, copycat recipes using Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix have become a popular homemade appetizer option.
With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and make-ahead flexibility, these cheesy sausage bites work particularly well for holidays, parties, brunches, game days, and family gatherings.