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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
- 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.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring the spices are well incorporated for maximum flavor.
- Gently form the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, approximately 1 inch in diameter, using clean hands to maintain consistent size.
- Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even heat circulation and proper browning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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