Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. This step will help your sausage balls cook evenly and develop a golden exterior.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix together with the included seasoning packet, raw sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture forms a cohesive dough. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can also mix by hand using a sturdy spatula.

Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the formed balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each for even baking. If you wish, you can freeze the sausage balls at this point for future use—just bake them straight from the freezer when ready, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure the balls are all the same size for even cooking.

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning. Let cool for a few minutes before serving, so they’re easier to handle and enjoy.