Sometimes, the best recipes come from happy accidents. Years ago, I wanted to make a simple breakfast appetizer using Jimmy Dean sausage and Bisquick sausage cheese balls, but all I had on hand was a box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. Out of pure curiosity, I mixed it with the sausage and a bit of cheddar. The result was a batch of golden, fluffy, and slightly crispy sausage balls that disappeared faster than I could blink. That’s when I knew this twist was something special.
Now, these Jimmy Dean Sausage Recipes Gluten Free Sausage Balls made with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix have become a staple in our home. Whether you need a party snack, a school lunch idea, or a quick grab-and-go breakfast, these flavorful bites check every box. And yes, you can easily make them gluten-free if you use Red Lobster’s gluten-free mix or a certified substitute. Let’s dive into this buttery, cheesy goodness that makes sausage balls irresistible.
The Story Behind the Sausage Balls Recipe
The Comfort of Home and Red Lobster Flavors
The combination of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Jimmy Dean sausage feels like comfort food that hugs you back. Growing up, Sunday mornings meant big family breakfasts. My mom always made a version of sausage balls with Bisquick, but when I recreated her recipe using the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, it took on an entirely new flavor profile. The buttery biscuit flavor, the touch of garlic herb seasoning, and that sharp cheddar filling make it nostalgic yet fresh.
Why Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Works So Well
The Red Lobster Biscuit Mix already includes a flavor packet seasoned with herbs and garlic, creating a bold foundation. When paired with ground sausage, especially Jimmy Dean, you get layers of flavor — savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy. The result is rich enough for a dinner party but simple enough for weekday mornings.
Jimmy Dean Sausage: The Heart of the Recipe
Every good sausage ball starts with the sausage itself. Jimmy Dean sausage brings the perfect texture and seasoning balance. Whether you use their hot or mild variety, the flavor shines through. The fat in the sausage ensures the biscuit mix stays moist, and it gives the balls a golden crisp exterior when baked. That’s why this combination is unbeatable.
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Jimmy Dean Sausage Recipes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 32 balls 1x
Description
Ground sausage balls with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix are a fun appetizer or grab-and-go meal idea kids love. Make spicy or keep mild with cheddar cheese baked inside.
Ingredients
1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (11.36 oz)
1 tbsp butter or dairy-free alternative
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb Jimmy Dean ground sausage (spicy or regular)
1 tsp freeze-dried chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add biscuit mix, seasoning packet, melted butter, chives, and cheese to a bowl. Mix until crumbly.
3. Fold in raw sausage and mix by hand until combined.
4. Scoop into balls using 2 tbsp scoop, roll, and place 1″ apart on baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through. Serve hot.
Notes
For gluten-free sausage balls, substitute with Red Lobster Gluten-Free Biscuit Mix.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 61
- Sugar: 0.01g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0.001g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
How to Make Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Sausage Balls
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Making these Jimmy Dean sausage cheese balls takes just minutes. You’ll only need a single bowl and a baking sheet, making cleanup almost effortless.
The Mixing Magic
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine your Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, the included seasoning packet, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. The texture should resemble crumbly sand. Then, fold in Jimmy Dean ground sausage using your hands to mix until fully incorporated. The mixture will be thick but sticky — that’s the secret to tender, juicy sausage balls.
Baking for Perfection
Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion out even balls. Roll them between your palms and place them about an inch apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen with buttery, garlicky warmth. Serve them hot — they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Tips for Gluten-Free Sausage Balls and Variations
Make It Work for Everyone
It’s surprisingly easy to make these Gluten Free Sausage Balls. If you’re gluten-sensitive, swap in Red Lobster’s gluten-free biscuit mix or a certified gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Gluten-Free Tips
Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure. Also, check that your Jimmy Dean sausage is labeled gluten-free (most varieties are). Bake them the same way — the texture will be just as soft and satisfying.
Fun Flavor Variations
You can change up the recipe to suit your mood.
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Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
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Substitute Bisquick for a lighter, airier texture.
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Mix in diced bacon for extra smoky flavor.
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For brunch, drizzle a little honey butter over the warm sausage balls for a sweet-savory contrast.
Each variation still honors the heart of the recipe — cheesy, buttery, and filled with sausage goodness.
Serving Ideas for Sausage Cheese Balls
From Breakfast to Parties
Morning Grab-and-Go
For busy mornings, make a double batch and refrigerate them. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer or oven. Pair them with scrambled eggs and fruit for a complete meal.
Party Appetizer Favorite
At parties, these Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Sausage Balls are always the first to vanish. Serve them with dipping sauces like spicy ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. Arrange them on a platter with skewers and a sprinkle of fresh chives for presentation.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
Keeping Your Sausage Balls Perfect
Storing and Reheating
Once baked, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, bake them at 325°F for 5 minutes, or use the microwave for a quick 15-second warm-up.
Freezing for Later
To freeze, form the raw sausage balls and place them on a tray. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. This method is perfect for meal prepping or hosting last-minute guests.
FAQ Section
Can I make sausage balls without Red Lobster Biscuit Mix?
Yes! You can use Bisquick, Pioneer, or even a homemade biscuit mix. But Red Lobster’s version adds that signature garlic butter flavor.
Are Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free using a gluten-free biscuit mix and verifying the sausage is gluten-free.
Can I make these sausage balls in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway for even browning.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast, but Monterey Jack or Colby work great too.
Can I serve them cold?
They taste best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature — ideal for lunchboxes and picnics.
Conclusion
These Jimmy Dean Sausage Recipes Gluten Free Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix are the ultimate comfort food that doubles as a party favorite. They combine the flaky, buttery charm of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits with the hearty goodness of Jimmy Dean sausage for a flavor that never disappoints. Whether you make them spicy, mild, or gluten-free, you’ll have a recipe worth saving — and sharing.
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