If you’re on the lookout for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing snack, look no further than these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! Whether you’re hosting a game day, holiday gathering, or simply craving a savory bite, these flavorful sausage balls are the answer. Packed with spicy sausage, creamy cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, and melty cheddar cheese, these bite-sized treats are irresistibly delicious. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also guaranteed to disappear in seconds.
This recipe is a spin on the classic sausage ball, with a few tweaks that bring an extra burst of flavor. The addition of Rotel gives the sausage balls a unique twist—combining the heat of green chilies with the tang of tomatoes. It’s the perfect combination to take your snack game to the next level. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family night, a potluck, or a holiday party, these sausage balls are sure to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are everything you want in a snack: savory, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. But what really sets them apart is the burst of flavor from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. The spice is adjustable, too—opt for hot sausage and Rotel for a fiery kick, or go mild for a family-friendly version. These sausage balls are not only irresistible on their own but also easy to pair with various dipping sauces, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion.
The best part? This recipe is a breeze to prepare and bake! You’ll have a tray full of golden, cheesy sausage balls in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. Let’s dive into the details on how to make these mouthwatering treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use sharp or mild, based on your taste)
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick or any other baking mix you prefer
These ingredients are simple, but they come together to create a flavor-packed bite. If you’ve made sausage balls before, you’ll notice that this recipe includes a unique twist with the Rotel and cream cheese, adding extra creaminess and a flavorful heat to each bite.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your sausage balls bake to a golden brown perfection. To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and keep your sausage balls from losing their shape during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients into a flavor-packed mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground sausage (whether you choose hot or mild)
- Softened cream cheese for a creamy texture
- Drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a zesty, slightly spicy flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese for that classic cheesy goodness
- Bisquick (or another baking mix) to help bind everything together and give the sausage balls their light texture
Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix everything together. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened, so it blends easily into the mixture. If you’re using your hands, it’s a great way to make sure everything is evenly combined!
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Once your mixture is well combined, it’s time to roll the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. To make this process easy, use your hands to grab a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This gives them enough room to bake evenly and ensures they don’t stick together.
You should get about 24 sausage balls from this recipe, but the number may vary slightly depending on the size of your balls. Don’t worry if they’re not all perfectly round—the flavor is what counts!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Now that the sausage balls are ready to go, it’s time to bake them! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice the cheesy, savory aroma filling your kitchen as they bake. It’s hard to resist, but be patient—these bite-sized treats are worth the wait!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sausage balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and watch as your guests devour them. If you’d like, you can pair them with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or spicy mustard to add even more flavor to each bite.
These sausage balls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a football game, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together with friends and family. They’re versatile, delicious, and sure to impress!
Tips for the Best Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Choose the right sausage: The type of sausage you use can make or break the flavor. If you like a bit of spice, go for hot sausage. For a milder flavor, use mild sausage. You can even experiment with flavored sausages like apple or maple sausage for a unique twist.
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps it blend smoothly into the sausage mixture and ensures the right texture for the sausage balls.
- Drain the Rotel thoroughly: To avoid excess moisture, it’s crucial to drain the Rotel completely. Too much liquid could cause the sausage balls to become soggy and difficult to shape. Simply open the can, pour out the liquid, and give the diced tomatoes and chilies a quick press with a spoon to remove any excess moisture.
- Adjust the spice level: If you love a little extra heat, try adding some hot sauce or jalapeño slices to the mixture. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply use mild Rotel or opt for a non-spicy sausage.
- Make ahead: These sausage balls are great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. You can shape the sausage balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and bake as usual.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sausage balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, depending on the number of sausage balls you’re reheating. They’ll taste just as delicious as the first time!
Nutritional Information
For those keeping track of their calorie intake, here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these tasty sausage balls:
- Calories per ball: Approximately 120 kcal
- Servings: About 24 sausage balls per batch
This makes them a perfect snack or appetizer to serve a crowd without overloading on calories. You can enjoy a few sausage balls guilt-free while still savoring the rich flavors!
Why You Should Try These Sausage Balls Today
With their creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an absolute must-try. They’re not only easy to make but also the perfect addition to any party or casual gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a big game or a cozy family night, these sausage balls are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and whip up these delicious sausage balls. Your taste buds will thank you!
Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s one everyone will want to try and keep coming back to!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect choice. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, zesty Rotel, and melty cheddar cheese makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a tasty snack, these sausage balls will be a hit every time.
Ingredients
1 pound ground sausage (hot or mild, depending on preference)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups Bisquick or another baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm as a snack or appetizer. Optionally, pair with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or spicy mustard.
Notes
- Choose your preferred sausage—hot for a spicy kick or mild for a more family-friendly flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Drain the Rotel thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes