Oh, my goodness, have you ever tried Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls? If not, you’re in for an absolute treat! These savory little bites are packed with flavor and just the right amount of kick. They’re everything you want in a bite-sized snack: cheesy, savory, and oh-so-delicious. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for almost any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick appetizer, or just want to treat yourself to something irresistible.
With the creamy richness of cream cheese, the tang of Rotel tomatoes, and the heartiness of sausage, these little sausage balls are sure to disappear in minutes. They’re comfort food at its finest, but with a fun twist. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your new go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Bold Flavor: The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel gives these sausage balls a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s spicy, savory, and creamy all at once.
Easy to Make: You won’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a tray full of deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a game day, or just because, these sausage balls are perfect for snacking, sharing, or even meal prepping.
Freezer-Friendly: These are perfect for making ahead and storing in the freezer for later. You can bake them when you need a quick and tasty snack or appetizer!
Crowd-Pleaser: These little bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering, from family get-togethers to potlucks. They’re the type of food that makes everyone say, “What’s in these? They’re amazing!”

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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage – This is the heart of the recipe! Use your favorite brand of sausage for the base of the flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese brings a creamy richness to these sausage balls, making them extra indulgent.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – The Rotel gives these sausage balls a bit of heat and tang, and the diced tomatoes add a juicy texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The cheddar brings that melty, cheesy goodness we all love.
- 1 ½ cups baking mix (such as Bisquick) – This will give the sausage balls their structure and make them easy to roll. The perfect balance of fluffiness and crispiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For a nice garlic punch that adds to the savory depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Onion powder adds a savory base to the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – A little oregano will enhance the overall flavor with a slight earthy note.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the sausage balls bake evenly and become golden and crispy.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes (drained), shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. The mixture will be a bit thick, but that’s perfect for rolling.
3. Form the Sausage Balls: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
4. Bake to Perfection: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them warm, or even at room temperature. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 sausage balls
Calories per serving: 140
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 4%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
As an Appetizer: Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering or game day. You’ll watch them disappear in no time!
As a Snack: Perfect for snacking throughout the day. You can even make a batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick snack whenever you need one.
With Dipping Sauces: Try pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard, for an added layer of flavor.
For Breakfast: These sausage balls make a great breakfast option when served alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit.
With a Side Salad: For a complete meal, pair them with a light salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced dish.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: These sausage balls are freezer-friendly! Once they’re fully cooked, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the first time.
Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add some extra chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage. For a milder version, opt for a mild sausage and less Rotel.
Change Up the Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can also experiment with other types of cheese, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a new twist on the flavor.
Use Fresh Sausage: If possible, go for fresh breakfast sausage, as it tends to have a better flavor and texture than pre-cooked sausage.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prep the sausage balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls and bake them straight from the freezer.
Q2: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
A2: Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat option, and it will still work beautifully in this recipe.
Q3: Do I have to use Rotel?
A3: While Rotel adds great flavor, you can substitute it with any diced tomatoes with green chilies if you prefer. You can even leave out the tomatoes for a more straightforward sausage ball.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
Q5: Can I freeze cooked sausage balls?
A5: Yes, you can freeze cooked sausage balls. Just let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Q6: Can I make these sausage balls without cream cheese?
A6: Cream cheese gives these sausage balls their rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different but still creamy result.
Q7: How can I make these sausage balls spicier?
A7: Add more chopped jalapeños, increase the amount of Rotel, or use spicy sausage for a real kick.
Q8: Can I use a different cheese?
A8: Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste.
Q9: How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?
A9: The sausage balls should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also break one open to make sure the sausage is fully cooked inside.
Q10: Can I serve these with dipping sauces?
A10: Yes, these sausage balls go wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a must-try! Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or just craving a savory snack, these little bite-sized delights are sure to hit the spot. So easy, so delicious, and just the right amount of spice—what’s not to love? Give them a try, and watch them disappear before your very eyes!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect savory snack with a spicy kick, packed with the rich flavors of sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and the tang of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. These are incredibly easy to make and are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a quick appetizer.
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 the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Stir until everything is well combined. - Add Bisquick and Cheese:
Add the Bisquick baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture. Mix everything until fully incorporated. - Shape into Balls:
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Bake:
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked. - Serve:
Serve warm, and enjoy these flavorful, cheesy sausage balls on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or hot sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Freezing: These sausage balls freeze well. Once baked, let them cool, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Substitute Cheese: You can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Use Mild Sausage: If you prefer a less spicy option, use mild sausage instead of hot sausage. The cream cheese and Rotel will still add plenty of flavor.
- Make Smaller Balls: For appetizers, you can make the sausage balls smaller and adjust the cooking time accordingly (around 12-15 minutes).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg