Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a flavorful twist on a classic appetizer, featuring spicy sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes, smooth cream cheese, and cheddar, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a savory snack, or prepping for a holiday gathering, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of Rotel, sausage, and cheddar creates a bold, cheesy bite with a slight kick.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, game days, potlucks, or even a quick breakfast option.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped in advance and stored for easy reheating.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – These sausage balls disappear fast, so you may want to make a double batch!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Breakfast sausage (hot or mild)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bisquick or all-purpose baking mix
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar, and baking mix. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Form Balls – Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve – Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 sausage balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Kick – Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Blend – Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick.
- Bacon Addition – Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Herb Infusion – Add chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked sausage balls in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 20-second bursts until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep sausage balls from drying out?
Use full-fat cream cheese and make sure not to overbake them.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage or Italian sausage works well as substitutes.
Do I have to use Bisquick?
No, you can use a homemade baking mix of flour, baking powder, and a little butter.
What dipping sauces go well with sausage balls?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo pair well.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Can I make these without Rotel?
Yes, but they won’t have the same zesty flavor. Try substituting with salsa or diced jalapeños.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I add vegetables to the mix?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers or onions can be added for extra texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s better to shred your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Their cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy flavor makes them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making them ahead or serving them fresh from the oven, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
PrintRotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 30 sausage balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious twist on classic sausage balls! They’re packed with creamy cheese, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and savory sausage, making them the perfect party appetizer or snack. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these bite-sized treats are always a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add the drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Stir until evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick!
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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