Everything comes together in one bowl. The sausage goes into the mixture raw, and the baking mix absorbs moisture as you work it in. Once the mixture holds together when squeezed, roll it into small balls and bake.
What You’ll Need
- Breakfast sausage. Use a pound of raw bulk breakfast sausage. Mild sausage lets the sharp cheddar stand out, while hot breakfast sausage gives the bites a spicy kick.
- Sharp cheddar. Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar give the bites their cheesy flavor. Distribute the shreds evenly so each bite gets some cheese.
- All-purpose baking mix. Use a biscuit-style baking mix. It binds the sausage and cheddar and gives the bites a tender, biscuit-like texture.
How to Make Cheese Dunbar Bites
Combine the sausage, cheddar, and baking mix in a large bowl. The mixture may look crumbly at first. Keep pressing and folding it with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until the dry mix is evenly incorporated and a small portion holds together when squeezed.
Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch across and space them apart on a prepared baking sheet or in a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until the outsides are browned and the centers are cooked through. Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Tender Sausage Bites
- Measure the baking mix lightly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Packing the cup can make the bites dry.
- Keep the portions even. Small, similarly sized balls cook at the same rate. A small cookie scoop can help.
- Leave space between the bites. A little room allows the sides to brown and makes the bites easier to lift off the pan.
- Let them rest before moving. The melted cheese firms slightly during the five-minute rest.
Serving and Make-Ahead Ideas
Serve the bites warm with toothpicks and a small bowl of honey mustard or ranch. For brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a party platter, serve them alongside pickles or crisp vegetables.
You can roll the bites ahead and refrigerate them covered until you’re ready to bake. Check the centers for doneness, since chilled bites may take a little longer. Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly in a covered container and reheat until hot throughout before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brown the sausage before mixing?
Use raw breakfast sausage for this method. It binds the cheddar and baking mix as you shape the balls and cooks through in the oven.
Can I use another cheese?
Medium cheddar or Colby Jack can work in the same amount. Sharp cheddar gives the bites the strongest cheese flavor.
How many bites does the recipe make?
The batch serves eight as an appetizer. The number of individual bites depends on how closely you stick to the 1-inch size.
3-Ingredient Cheese Dunbar Bites Recipe Card
Golden sausage and cheddar bites made with three ingredients and served warm.
- Prep time — About 15 minutes
- Bake time — 18–22 minutes
- Rest time — 5 minutes
- Servings — 8 appetizer servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw bulk breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine the sausage, cheddar, and baking mix in a large bowl. Mix with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until evenly blended and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Roll into balls about 1 inch across. Arrange them on the prepared pan with a little space between each one.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until browned outside and cooked through in the center.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter and serve warm with toothpicks, if desired.