Alright, listen up: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the appetizer game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Imagine the savory, juicy goodness of sausage, paired with the creamy, tangy magic of cream cheese and melted cheese, all rolled up into perfectly bite-sized morsels of flavor. Now, toss in a little zing from Rotel tomatoes, and you’ve got yourself a party in your mouth. These little guys are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—easy to make, always a hit, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, a holiday feast, or just looking for a snack that everyone will rave about, these sausage balls are your new best friend. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are more than just a snack—they’re a reason to throw a party! Here’s why everyone loves them:
Flavor Bomb
With the combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and a touch of Rotel for that extra zing, these sausage balls pack a punch of flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to pull these off. Mix, roll, and bake—that’s it! You’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time with minimal effort.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving them at a big family dinner or at a tailgate, these sausage balls are the first to disappear. They’re perfect for feeding a group of hungry guests, and they’re always a conversation starter.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These are ideal for breakfast, brunch, as a game day snack, or even as an appetizer for holidays and parties. The versatility makes them a go-to for any gathering.
Make Ahead
You can prep these ahead of time, which means you can be ready for the party without stress. Just bake and enjoy when it’s time to eat!
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients that come together to make these savory little bites so irresistible. Spoiler alert: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
For the Sausage Balls
- Ground Sausage: The heart and soul of this recipe. Use your favorite breakfast sausage, whether it’s spicy or mild—it’s up to you!
- Cream Cheese: This is what makes these sausage balls extra creamy and rich. It adds a smooth texture and balances out the spice of the sausage and Rotel.
- Rotel Tomatoes: The secret ingredient! These juicy, seasoned tomatoes bring a little heat and a lot of flavor to the mix.
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for sausage balls. It melts beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Bisquick (or any baking mix): This is the magic ingredient that holds everything together and gives these sausage balls their soft, tender texture.
- Garlic Powder: A little extra flavor to give these sausage balls that savory kick.
Instructions
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls that are destined to steal the show.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will keep your sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Drain the Rotel: Open your can of Rotel tomatoes and drain them well. We don’t want too much liquid in the mixture, so press out any excess water.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Ball Mixture
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, bisquick, and garlic powder. Use your hands (it’s the easiest way to get everything mixed thoroughly) and blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You want a dough-like consistency.
Step 3: Roll the Sausage Balls
- Form the Balls: Take a small amount of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball. Place each sausage ball on your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave a little space between each ball for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Sausage Balls: Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and a little crisp on the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sausage balls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them warm or at room temperature—they’re delicious either way. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy mustard for extra flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 20 (about 1 sausage ball each)
Calories per serving: 130
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 4% of your daily value
Calcium: 8% of your daily value
Iron: 4% of your daily value
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are great on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them even more:
With Dipping Sauces
Serve them with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping. A little sauce goes a long way in complementing the flavors.
As an Appetizer
Serve them at your next party or family gathering on a large platter. Add some veggie sticks or crackers on the side to round out the spread.
On a Breakfast Plate
Pair a few sausage balls with scrambled eggs and fruit for an easy, hearty breakfast or brunch.
For a Snack
These are perfect for snack time, especially with a chilled drink or iced tea on the side.
Additional Tips
- Use Your Favorite Sausage: You can use any flavor of sausage you like. Mild, spicy, or even a sweet Italian sausage could work for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the sausage ball mixture and roll them into balls a day ahead of time. Just refrigerate them on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing for Later: These sausage balls freeze beautifully! Just roll them up, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Vary the Cheese: If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap out the cheddar for a different cheese, like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
- Spice It Up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture if you like a little extra heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these without cream cheese?
A1: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute it with regular cheese or even a little sour cream for a slightly different texture.
Q2: Can I use frozen sausage?
A2: Yes! Just be sure to thaw and cook the sausage before mixing it into the dough.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick to make this recipe gluten-free.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Q5: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A5: Yes! Freeze the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Q6: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A6: Sure! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of your favorites. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Q7: Can I make these without Rotel?
A7: Yes, you can skip the Rotel, but you might want to add a little extra seasoning or some chopped green chilies to make up for the flavor it adds.
Q8: Can I make these with turkey sausage?
A8: Yes, turkey sausage works great as a lighter option, though it might be a bit less juicy than traditional pork sausage.
Q9: What if my sausage balls are falling apart?
A9: If the mixture is too wet, add a little more baking mix (Bisquick) to help hold everything together. Also, make sure to roll them tightly when forming the balls.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and
bake in two batches or on two baking sheets. Keep an eye on them to make sure they bake evenly.
Conclusion
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a total game-changer. They’re the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice, all in one easy-to-make bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual get-together, or just because, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and enjoy these tasty little delights—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintRotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect party snack, combining the heat from hot sausage with the creaminess of cream cheese and the zest of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. With cheddar cheese and Bisquick binding it all together, these sausage balls are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next party or game day gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked hot sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
- Add the Bisquick baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir everything until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- These sausage balls are perfect for game days, parties, or any occasion where you need a hearty, bite-sized snack.
- You can adjust the spiciness by using regular Rotel if you prefer a milder version or hot sausage if you like it spicier.
- For a slightly crispier texture, you can broil the sausage balls for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg