You know what is always the first thing to disappear at a holiday party? It is the platter of Sausage Balls. There is just something addictive about these savory little bites. They are cheesy and salty. They have that perfect tender texture. Honestly, I could eat a whole batch by myself.
But here is the thing about traditional recipes. They can sometimes be a bit heavy or greasy. That is why this version is a total game changer. We are making Easy Sausage Balls that use ground turkey instead of pork. It keeps things lighter without sacrificing any of that comfort food flavor you crave.
We also have a secret weapon for the dough. Instead of measuring out flour and baking powder, we use a box of Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix. It adds this incredible garlic and herb flavor profile that you just cannot get from plain biscuit mix. These Sausage Bites are packed with so much taste.
Whether you serve them as Breakfast Sausage Balls on Christmas morning or as a snack for the big game, they are always a hit. The best part is how simple they are to make. You do not need any fancy equipment. You just need a bowl and your hands. Let us get cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First of all, this recipe is incredibly fast. You can have these Sausage Balls in the oven in about ten minutes. It is the definition of a dump and mix recipe. There is no chopping or sautéing required. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last minute gatherings.
Another reason to love these is the flavor punch. The combination of sharp cheddar and spicy pepper jack cheese creates a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. The pepper jack adds just a tiny kick of heat. It cuts through the richness of the biscuit mix perfectly. You will find yourself reaching for just one more.
Using turkey sausage is a smart swap too. It reduces the grease significantly. You know how some Sausage Bites leave a puddle of oil on the baking sheet? These come out golden and crisp but not oily. It makes them feel a little more wholesome. Plus, the turkey pairs so well with the savory herbs in the mix.
These are also incredibly versatile. You can eat them hot right out of the oven. You can eat them at room temperature. You can even eat them cold from the fridge the next day. They make fantastic leftovers for quick breakfasts or lunchbox snacks.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Easy Sausage Balls lies in the short shopping list. You only need four main items to make magic happen. Here is what you need to grab from the store.
- 1 box Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix: This is the secret to the flavor. It comes with a seasoning packet that we mix right in.
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage: Make sure it is raw ground sausage and not pre cooked links. You can use a breakfast blend or an Italian blend depending on your preference.
- 1 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar gives that classic cheesy punch that stands up to the savory meat.
- 1 8 oz block pepper jack cheese (shredded): This adds creaminess and a subtle spice that makes these Sausage Balls irresistible.
You might notice we are using block cheese here. I highly recommend buying blocks and shredding them yourself. Pre shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese binds everything together much better.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these Breakfast Sausage Balls is a breeze. It is a great recipe to get the kids involved with too since it involves a lot of mixing and rolling. Just be ready to get your hands a little messy.
Step 1: Create The Base Mixture
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. You want plenty of room to work. Open up your box of biscuit mix. Dump the dry mix into the bowl. Do not forget to add the seasoning packet that comes inside the box. That is where all that garlic goodness lives.
Next, add your pound of ground turkey sausage to the bowl. Now comes the fun part. You need to mix these two together until they are evenly incorporated. You can try using a spoon, but honestly, using your clean hands is the most effective way. Squeeze and mash the meat into the flour until it looks uniform.
Step 2: Add The Cheese
Once your meat and biscuit base is mixed, it is time for the cheese. Add your shredded sharp cheddar and shredded pepper jack to the bowl. You want to mix this again very thoroughly. Every single bite should have plenty of cheese.
Keep working the mixture with your hands. It might feel a little dry at first. Just keep kneading it like dough. The moisture from the turkey sausage will eventually hydrate the biscuit mix. You want a cohesive ball of dough that holds together well.
Step 3: Roll The Balls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While that heats up, prepare your pans. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier later.
Start rolling the sausage mixture into balls. You want them to be roughly 1 and 1/2 inches in size. Think of the size of a golf ball or a large walnut. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and round.
Place the balls on the parchment paper. You do not need to space them out too much since they do not spread like cookies. Roughly spacing them about 1/2 inch apart is perfect. Continue until all your mixture is rolled and on the sheets.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Pop your baking sheets into the oven. Bake the Sausage Balls at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. You are looking for a nice golden brown color on the outside. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly toasted.
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Every oven is a little different. You want them cooked through but not dried out. The turkey sausage cooks fairly quickly, so 25 minutes is usually the sweet spot.
Step 5: Drain And Serve
While the Sausage Bites are baking, prepare a landing zone. Cover a clean surface or a plate with a double layer of paper towels. Even though turkey is leaner, there will still be a little bit of grease released during cooking.
Transfer the cooked and still hot Sausage Balls from the baking sheets to the paper towels. Let them sit for a minute or two to drain off any excess moisture. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.
Serve them while they are still warm. They are best when the cheese is still gooey. However, wait until they are cool to the touch so nobody burns their tongue. Watch them disappear in seconds.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, you are in luck. These store beautifully. Place any cooled Sausage Balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. If you want to crisp them back up, you can put them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes. They taste just as good as day one.
These are also freezer friendly. You can freeze the baked balls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes them perfect for meal prepping Breakfast Sausage Balls for busy weeks.
Tips
Want to ensure your Easy Sausage Balls come out perfect every time? Here are a few tricks I have learned along the way. First, let your turkey sausage sit out on the counter for about 10 or 15 minutes before mixing. Taking the chill off the meat makes it much easier to incorporate with the dry mix.
Do not overwork the dough once the ingredients are combined. Mix just until everything is incorporated. If you handle it too much, the gluten in the biscuit mix can develop and make the bites tough. We want tender and fluffy bites.
If you find the mixture is too dry and crumbly to form balls, do not panic. This can happen depending on the brand of sausage or the humidity in your kitchen. Just add a tablespoon of milk or water to the bowl and mix again. It should come together nicely.
For uniform cooking, try to make all your balls the same size. You can use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough before rolling it with your hands. This ensures that every single one of your Sausage Bites finishes baking at the same time.
Conclusion
There you have it. The easiest and most delicious appetizer you will make this year. These Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor thanks to that biscuit mix hack. Using turkey sausage makes them a lighter option that everyone can enjoy guilt free.
Whether you are hosting a holiday bash or just need a quick savory breakfast option, these Breakfast Sausage Balls fit the bill. They are budget friendly and require zero culinary skills to master. Give them a try this week. I promise your family will be asking for them again and again.
FAQ
Can I use pork sausage instead of turkey?
Yes, absolutely. Traditional recipes usually call for pork sausage. If you prefer that flavor, feel free to swap it back in. Just keep in mind that pork will release more grease, so the draining step on paper towels becomes even more important.
Can I make these gluten free?
You can make this gluten free by using a gluten free biscuit mix. Red Lobster actually sells a gluten free version of their famous mix. Just check your sausage labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten fillers in the meat.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
These Sausage Bites are delicious on their own, but dipping is fun. They pair great with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy maple syrup if you are serving them for brunch. Marinara sauce is also a tasty option for a pizza vibe.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes. You can roll the uncooked balls and place them on the baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time since they will be cold starting out.
Easy Turkey Sausage Balls
These Easy Turkey Sausage Balls are the ultimate party appetizer! Made with lighter ground turkey and a secret ingredient—cheddar bay biscuit mix—they’re cheesy, savory, and incredibly simple to whip up for any gathering.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix (and its seasoning packet) with the ground turkey sausage until well incorporated.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese to the bowl. Knead with your hands until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 1/2 inch apart on the sheets.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the hot sausage balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Serve warm.
Notes
For easier mixing, let the ground turkey sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before starting.
If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help it come together.
Use a small cookie scoop to create uniformly sized balls for even baking.
Nutrition
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