Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Introduction

When it comes to party snacks, there’s something about sausage balls that always stands out. These bite-sized, flavorful treats are perfect for any occasion, but the addition of cream cheese in this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe takes them to a whole new level. I can honestly say these sausage balls have become a favorite in our house, especially when game day rolls around or when we’re hosting a party. The combination of the spicy sausage, creamy cream cheese, and the kick from Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies creates a burst of flavor that is irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a Super Bowl party, or a casual get-together, these sausage balls are sure to disappear in no time. Here’s a closer look at how to make these delicious treats.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you will need the following 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

These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously cheesy, spicy, and creamy snack that everyone will love.

Instructions

Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is quick and easy. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the sausage balls get crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked hot sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel. The cream cheese will help bind the ingredients together and add a rich, creamy texture to the sausage balls.
3. Add the Bisquick and Cheese:
   Stir in the Bisquick baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese. The Bisquick gives the sausage balls their classic texture, and the cheddar cheese adds that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes them irresistible.
4. Shape the Balls:
   Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. You can make them a little smaller or larger depending on your preference, but 1-inch is the perfect size for bite-sized snacks.
5. Place on a Baking Sheet:
   Arrange the sausage balls on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other so they cook evenly.
6. Bake the Sausage Balls:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to make sure the center is no longer pink.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once they’re baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for each sausage ball (assuming the recipe makes about 24 balls):

• Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

These nutrition facts are based on the ingredients provided and can vary slightly depending on the brand of products used. Sausage balls are a bit indulgent, but they’re also high in protein, making them a satisfying snack.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

This recipe is perfect for busy party prep, as it’s quick to mix and bake. Plus, it makes a large batch, so you can feed a crowd with minimal effort.

How to Serve

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect as appetizers for a wide variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• Game Day Snack: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce for an added punch.
• Holiday Gatherings: These sausage balls make a great appetizer for holiday parties, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.
• Brunch: Pair with a simple salad or fresh fruit for a fun brunch spread.
• Finger Food: These bite-sized balls are perfect for serving at buffets or casual gatherings, where guests can grab a handful as they mingle.
• With Drinks: Serve these sausage balls with beer, wine, or cocktails for a fun pairing.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to make sure your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls turn out perfectly:

1. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese:
   For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. It will give the sausage balls a creamy, rich consistency.
2. Draining the Rotel:
   Be sure to drain the Rotel well before mixing it into the sausage ball mixture. Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet and affect the consistency.
3. Mix by Hand:
   Mixing the sausage and other ingredients by hand works best. This helps ensure that everything is evenly combined without overworking the mixture.
4. Don’t Overbake:
   Be careful not to overbake the sausage balls. They should be golden brown but still tender inside. If you bake them for too long, they could dry out.
5. Use a Cookie Scoop:
   For uniform sausage balls, use a cookie scoop to make the process faster and ensure that all the balls are the same size.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust it based on your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Spicy Sausage Balls:
   If you like a little more heat, use spicy sausage or add a teaspoon of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
2. Cheese Variation:
   Try swapping the cheddar cheese for another variety like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
3. Add Veggies:
   For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach into the sausage mixture.
4. Bacon Sausage Balls:
   Add crumbled cooked bacon to the sausage mixture for an extra savory and smoky flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Version:
   To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick.

Serving Suggestions

While the sausage balls are delicious on their own, here are some ideas to make your spread even more festive:

• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Try pairing these sausage balls with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Add Fresh Veggies: Serve with fresh veggies like celery, cucumber, or carrot sticks to balance out the richness of the sausage balls.
• Pair with Drinks: These sausage balls go well with beer, wine, or a spicy cocktail like a Bloody Mary or margarita.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers or want to make these sausage balls ahead of time, here’s how to store and freeze them:

• Storing Leftovers:
  After the sausage balls have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to warm them up.
• Freezing:
  You can freeze these sausage balls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, just place the frozen sausage balls directly onto a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. If you’re freezing them after baking, reheat them from frozen in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular sausage instead of hot sausage?
   Yes, you can use regular sausage if you prefer a milder flavor. Just add some extra spices like paprika or chili powder to boost the flavor.
2. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the sausage balls for later.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
4. How long should I bake these sausage balls?
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they are a little larger or smaller, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
5. How many sausage balls does this recipe make?
   This recipe typically makes about 24 sausage balls, depending on the size.
6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be a bit different. Full-fat cream cheese gives the sausage balls a richer, creamier texture.
7. What’s the best way to reheat sausage balls?
   The best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes.
8. Can I make these without Bisquick?
   If you don’t have Bisquick, you can

use self-rising flour as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

9. How do I know when the sausage balls are done?
   The sausage balls are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Can I freeze the sausage balls before baking?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or a holiday event, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress. With their cheesy, spicy, and creamy filling, they’re easy to make and absolutely delicious. Try them out at your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes!

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