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These cheesy sausage biscuit bites have become my signature party appetizer that disappears within minutes every time I serve them. The combination of flaky biscuits wrapped around savory sausage and melted cheese creates irresistible two-bite morsels that please both kids and adults alike.
I first made these for a last-minute football gathering when I needed something quick and filling. My guests were so impressed they thought I'd spent hours in the kitchen, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- Flaky biscuits: The layered texture creates a perfect pocket for the filling and bakes up beautifully golden. Grands Jr. size works perfectly for mini muffin tins.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides the savory foundation for these bites. Tennessee Pride offers great flavor, but any quality breakfast sausage works well.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates the gooey, melty interior that makes these irresistible. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini-cupcake pan. The high temperature ensures the biscuits get that perfect golden crispness while cooking the sausage through.
- Make the filling:
- Combine the uncooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently fold them together until well incorporated without overmixing. Form the mixture into 40 equal-sized balls, about the size of a large marble.
- Prepare the biscuits:
- Open the cans of biscuits and separate each biscuit horizontally into two layers. This gives you the perfect thinness to form into the mini-cupcake wells. Press each biscuit layer into a cup in the greased mini-cupcake pan, gently pushing up the sides to create a well.
- Assemble and bake:
- Place one sausage-cheese ball into each biscuit cup, pressing down slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully for the biscuits to turn golden brown and the sausage mixture to become bubbly and cooked through.
The secret to these bites is using quality sausage with the right fat content. Too lean, and they'll be dry; too fatty, and they'll become greasy. My family particularly loves when I make a double batch on holiday mornings so we can snack on them throughout the day while preparing the big meal.
Make-Ahead Options
These biscuit bites freeze beautifully both before and after baking. For unbaked freezing, prepare the bites through assembly, then freeze them in the pan until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months. When ready to serve, add 3-4 minutes to the baking time. For cooked freezing, cool completely before freezing, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Flavor Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect on its own, you can customize these bites in countless ways. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick, or add a pinch of sage and thyme to the sausage mixture. For a breakfast-inspired version, tuck a tiny piece of scrambled egg into each bite before baking. Italian sausage with mozzarella and a sprinkle of dried oregano creates a pizza-inspired variation.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are versatile enough to serve for nearly any occasion. For breakfast, pair them with fresh fruit and yogurt. As an appetizer, serve alongside a simple dipping sauce like maple syrup for a sweet contrast or spicy mustard for added zing. They're substantial enough to be the star of a brunch buffet but small enough to serve as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other semi-hard cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for different flavors.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage-cheese mixture and assemble the bites, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.
- → How can I ensure the sausage is fully cooked?
Make sure to bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the sausage looks cooked through. If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check that the sausage reaches 160°F.
- → Can I freeze leftover bites?
Yes, allow the bites to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
- → What kind of sausage works best?
Any ground breakfast sausage works well, but you can also use spicy or flavored varieties for added zest.