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!