Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Savory Rotel cream cheese sausage balls have become my go-to appetizer for every gathering.

Mixing spicy sausage with tangy cream cheese creates an irresistible flavor combination.

Zesty Rotel tomatoes add a vibrant kick that makes these bite-sized treats impossible to resist.

Packed with bold seasonings, these sausage balls deliver a punch of deliciousness in every single bite.

cheese lovers and party hosts alike will find these morsels completely addictive.

Crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender inside, they’re sure to disappear quickly from any party platter.

Whip up a batch and watch them vanish before your eyes.

Why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Impress Everyone

  • Quick Party Pleaser: These sausage balls deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for game day, potlucks, or unexpected guests.
  • Crowd-Friendly Appetizer: Packed with cheesy goodness and zesty Rotel, these bite-sized treats appeal to everyone from kids to adults, ensuring no one goes hungry.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding different spices like cayenne or switching up cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, offering ultimate convenience for busy hosts and spontaneous gatherings.

Ingredients That Bring Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Alive

Meat and Cheese Base:
  • Ground Sausage: A flavorful protein that provides the main meaty texture and rich taste of the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy smoothness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides extra cheesy flavor and helps create a melty texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rotel: A zesty tomato and green chile mixture that adds moisture and a mild spicy kick.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Optional seasonings that boost the overall savory profile of the sausage balls.
Binding Ingredient:
  • Biscuit Mix: Helps hold the ingredients together and provides a light, crispy texture to the finished sausage balls.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and give a quick spray of cooking oil on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend the Flavor Powerhouse

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in these delicious ingredients:
  • Ground sausage
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Drained Rotel tomatoes
  • Biscuit mix
Optional flavor boosters:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Mix everything together until the ingredients become best friends and create a unified mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Tasty Bites

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Spread these flavor bombs evenly across your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the balls turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the sizzling sausage balls out of the oven and serve them while they’re hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor explosion.

Tips to Nail Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Pat the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the sausage balls soggy.
  • Select fresh, high-quality ground sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness in your balls.
  • Cut open a sausage ball to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160F, guaranteeing safe and fully cooked meat.
  • Prepare a batch and freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future appetizers.
  • Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to give your sausage balls an extra kick.

Creative Twists on Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace biscuit mix with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap sausage with plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled tofu, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the mixture, increasing heat and creating a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use pork rinds or crushed pork skins instead of biscuit mix to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining texture.

Best Pairings for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the richness of the sausage balls, complementing their spicy Rotel kick and creating a bold flavor harmony.
  • Whip up ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, and tangy honey mustard to give guests variety and enhance the appetizer's savory profile with different complementary sauces.
  • Prepare a light green salad with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy sausage balls and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich appetizer.

How to Keep Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Fresh

  • Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
  • Place cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they're heated through and crispy on the outside.
  • Reheat refrigerated sausage balls for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining their texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the ground sausage with hot or mild varieties depending on your spice preference. Breakfast sausage works best for this recipe.

  • Is it okay to make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well for longer storage.

  • What can I do if the mixture seems too dry?

If the mixture isn’t holding together, add a little more cream cheese or a splash of milk to help bind the ingredients. The consistency should be sticky enough to form balls easily.

  • Can I make these gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free biscuit mix or substitute with almond flour to create a gluten-free version of these sausage balls.

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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Savory Rotel cream cheese sausage balls deliver a spicy, cheesy explosion of flavor perfect for game day or party snacking. Packed with zesty ingredients and simple to prepare, these irresistible bites will make guests crave more and keep hands reaching for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork sausage (spicy or mild)

Cheeses:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups biscuit mix (Bisquick or similar)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating with cooking spray, then preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground sausage with softened cream cheese, ensuring a smooth consistency.
  3. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, thoroughly drained Rotel tomatoes, and biscuit mix into the meat mixture.
  4. Enhance flavor profile by adding optional garlic and onion powder, mixing until ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Using clean hands, roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical portions, placing them evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until sausage balls transform into a rich golden-brown color and are completely cooked through.
  7. Once done, carefully remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before transferring to a serving platter.
  8. Present warm alongside preferred dipping sauce for an appetizing experience.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories.
  • Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes based on your preference.
  • Prep these ahead of time by forming balls and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient party prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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