Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe for Any Party

Warm rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring unexpected comfort to weekend gatherings.

Savory aromas waft through kitchens, promising delectable bites that spark conversation.

Cheese and spicy sausage create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Creamy textures meld with zesty notes from rotel tomatoes, creating irresistible morsels.

Home cooks adore these simple yet impressive appetizers that disappear quickly from party platters.

Bold seasonings promise a memorable snack that keeps guests coming back for more.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles all around.

Why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Always Disappear First

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with bold flavors from sausage, cheese, and spices, these balls are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game nights, and potlucks.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Combine ingredients, roll into balls, and bake – no complicated techniques required, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Snack Option: Serve as a game day treat, holiday appetizer, breakfast bite, or unexpected lunch companion that satisfies different meal needs and preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, offering convenience for busy hosts and meal planners.

Sausage Ball Ingredients That Pack the Flavor

• Ground Sausage: A flavorful and fatty meat that provides the primary protein and rich taste for the sausage balls.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp flavor and melty goodness to the sausage balls.

• Bisquick Mix: Serves as the base that helps hold the sausage balls together and provides a light, crispy texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute depth and aromatic flavors to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warm spiciness to the mixture.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces a zesty, slightly spicy element and provides additional moisture to the mixture.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Ground sausage
• Cream cheese
• Rotel tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bisquick mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Mix everything with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are perfectly blended. The mixture should look moist and well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Delicious Bites

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the sausage balls turn a beautiful golden brown and look thoroughly cooked.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Pull the baking sheet out of the oven.

Let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm and watch them disappear quickly at your gathering!

Handy Tips for Better Sausage Balls

• Drain Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make sausage balls soggy and difficult to form.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture throughout the mixture.
• Select spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavor if you enjoy more heat in appetizers.
• Freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to one month, allowing convenient make-ahead preparation for parties or unexpected guests.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.

Creative Twists on Sausage Ball Flavor

• Spicy Southwest Sausage Balls: Replace Rotel with diced green chilies and add jalapeños for extra heat. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Sausage Balls: Swap sausage for ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and mix in dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use breadcrumbs instead of Bisquick for authentic texture.
• Breakfast Sunrise Sausage Balls: Fold in crispy bacon bits and scrambled eggs. Garnish with fresh chives and serve with maple syrup for a morning-inspired version of the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Veggie Balls: Substitute sausage with plant-based ground meat, add roasted bell peppers, spinach, and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

What to Pair with Sausage Balls

• Pair Tangy Ranch Dressing: Drizzle cool, herby ranch over these warm sausage balls to balance the rich, spicy flavors and add a zesty kick.
• Create Beer Companion: Grab a crisp, light lager or hoppy IPA that cuts through the creamy, meaty texture and complements the zesty Rotel tomatoes.
• Serve Fresh Coleslaw Side: Prepare a crunchy, tangy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, savory sausage balls.
• Select Sparkling Margarita: Mix a bright, citrusy margarita with salt rim to cleanse the palate and enhance the spicy-cheesy notes of the appetizer.

How to Store Rotel Sausage Balls for Later

• Refrigerate: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Place completely cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm refrigerated sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Oven Reheat: Spread frozen or refrigerated sausage balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Questions About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the ground sausage with hot or mild breakfast sausage based on your preference. Choose a sausage with good fat content for the best texture.

• Is it possible to make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

• What if I don't have Bisquick mix?

You can make a homemade substitute by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory sausage balls with Rotel cream cheese bring zesty southwestern flair to party appetizers. Spicy, cheesy bites pack irresistible flavor that disappear quickly when friends gather around the snack table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
2. Thoroughly blend ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and Bisquick mix in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring the spices are well incorporated for maximum flavor.
4. Gently form the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, approximately 1 inch in diameter, using clean hands to maintain consistent size.
5. Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even heat circulation and proper browning.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the sausage is completely cooked through.
7. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the sausage balls to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps them set and makes handling easier.
8. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm as a delectable appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• Drain Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, ensuring crispy and well-formed sausage balls that hold their shape during baking.
• For a lighter version, swap regular sausage with turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with spice levels by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick depending on personal heat preference.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months, allowing you to prepare a quick appetizer or snack anytime by baking directly from frozen state.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg