These three-ingredient Spicy Red Lobster Sausage Balls are the perfect addition to any special occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual brunches. With just 10 minutes of prep time, they’re easy to make ahead and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
No party is complete without these savory bites! They’re a top-rated finger food, with over 3 million views in the last three years. Choose mild or spicy, and enjoy these sausage balls for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty appetizer.
Growing up, I remember a friend’s mom bringing these to my piano recitals. I would eagerly wait by the table, taking as many as I could as soon as it was allowed. Now, my family includes them as part of our Christmas morning tradition. We prep them the night before, so all that’s left is to bake them on Christmas morning!
Try them once, and they’ll become a beloved tradition in your own home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick & Easy: With only 3 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, these sausage balls couldn’t be simpler.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or a weekend brunch.
• Always a Hit: These sausage balls never last long at gatherings!
• Unbeatable Flavor: The savory combination of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix creates a delicious, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
• Creamy Pimento Cheese (Spicy or Regular): Adds a smooth, tangy taste with a hint of pimento. Try Palmetto Cheese for an extra kick!
• Breakfast Pork Sausage (Spicy or Regular): The key to a meaty, savory texture. Brands like Jimmy Dean or Old Folks work well.
• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Creates the perfect dough texture and binds the sausage balls.
Choosing the Best Pimento Cheese
You can use store-bought or homemade pimento cheese. Store-bought is convenient, while homemade allows you to customize flavors. Either way, choose a creamy, spreadable type for the best texture. If your mixture seems dry, add 2 ounces of cream cheese or ¼ cup of milk for a creamier consistency.
Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing Bowl
• Small Scoop
• Spatula
• Baking Sheet
How to Make Sausage Balls
1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the biscuit mix, pimento cheese, and sausage. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
2. Form Balls: Use a small scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Spray with non-stick spray or line with non-stick foil. Arrange sausage balls on the sheet.
4. Bake: Cook at 375ºF for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Tips for Success & Variations
• Pan Prep: Line your baking sheet with parchment or nonstick foil for easier cleanup.
• Substitute the Biscuit Mix: Use 2 ¼ cups Bisquick or a homemade version by combining 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons cold grated butter.
• Experiment with Sausage: Customize with mild, hot, or Italian sausage for different flavors.
• Spice Level: Add extra heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Alternative Cheese Options: If you prefer, substitute 1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar and 8 ounces of cream cheese instead of pimento cheese.
Solving Common Problems
1. Too Dry: Use a fattier sausage or avoid overmixing.
2. Too Greasy: Try a sausage with moderate fat content.
3. Uneven Cooking: Space sausage balls evenly on the pan.
4. Not Holding Shape: Chill for 30 minutes if needed.
5. Too Salty: Choose lower-salt sausage and cheese.
6. Undercooked/Overcooked: Bake until golden brown, adjusting time as needed.
7. Too Dense: Mix gently for a lighter texture.
Storage & Freezing Tips
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Make-Ahead Option: Roll the dough into balls the day before, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
• Freezing: Place raw sausage balls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Enjoy these delicious Red Lobster Sausage Balls, and watch them become a staple at your gatherings!
Spicy Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix
These easy, 3-ingredient spicy sausage balls are perfect for gatherings or special occasions. With less than 10 minutes of prep time, they’re a quick and flavorful appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 43 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 40
Calories 94 kcal
- 11-12 ounces of pimento cheese preferably Palmetto Pimento Cheese; see note for alternatives
- 1 pound of spicy or regular breakfast sausage
- 11.36- ounce package of Red Lobster Biscuit mix with flavor packet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, pimento cheese, and sausage. Mix by hand, with a hand mixer, or in a stand mixer using the dough hook or paddle attachment until the ingredients are well blended.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with non-stick aluminum foil. Place the sausage balls on the prepared pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm!
Success Tips and Substitutions
• Pan Preparation: For easy cleanup, bake sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, a pan spritzed with nonstick spray, or nonstick aluminum foil.
• Red Lobster Mix Substitution: If you don’t have Red Lobster biscuit mix, try one of these alternatives:
• 2 ¼ cups Bisquick Mix (see my Sausage Balls recipe for more details).
• Homemade substitute: Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons grated cold butter.
• 2 cups self-rising flour plus ¼ cup milk.
• 2 cups pancake mix.
• Sausage Variety: Pork breakfast sausage is popular, but feel free to use mild or hot sausage, mild or hot Italian sausage, or other varieties. The fat content may affect the final texture.
• Spice it Up: For extra heat, use spicy sausage or spicy pimento cheese, or add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Pimento Cheese Substitution: Try different pimento cheese flavors like Palmetto’s original or jalapeño. Alternatively, use 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar and 8 ounces of cream cheese instead of pimento cheese.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a tangy dip such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even maple syrup for added flavor.
• Seasoning Additions: Add more flavor with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, ground sage, or crushed red pepper flakes.