If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser snack, look no further than this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. These golden, cheesy bites packed with spicy sausage and creamy cheese are the perfect combination of bold flavors and irresistible comfort. Easy to whip up and delightfully savory, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for game days, potlucks, or whenever cravings hit. Trust me, once you taste these warm, melty sausage balls, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this crowd-pleasing dish. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavor, richness, and texture, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
- 1 lb ground pork sausage: Choose spicy for an extra kick or regular for a milder flavor; this is your protein-packed base.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: This adds creamy richness and helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained well: Provides a vibrant pop of color and zesty heat that brightens the sausage balls.
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick): Acts as the perfect binder to give your balls that tender, slightly cakey texture.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheese brings boldness and gooey cheesiness to every bite.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step gets everything ready for baking and ensures your sausage balls won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, baking mix, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything thoroughly. The mixture will be sticky but cohesive—this is exactly what you want for perfectly formed sausage balls.
Step 3: Form Into Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This size ensures a wonderful balance of crispy edges and melty centers in each bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through. The aroma will begin filling your kitchen, and your anticipation will skyrocket—these are moments when patience pays off deliciously.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the sausage balls cool for just a few minutes. They are absolutely best served warm and melty, allowing the cheese and spices to shine with every mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top. Not only do they add a dash of color, but they also bring fresh, bright notes to complement the richness of the sausage balls.
Side Dishes
Serve these sausage balls alongside a tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce to amp up the flavor. They also pair wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks or a vibrant salad to balance the richness with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests at your next party? Arrange your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe on a platter around a bowl of warm queso dip or even skewered with cocktail picks. These little touches make them easy to grab and infinitely shareable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They keep their flavor and texture wonderfully, making a quick snack or appetizer ready when you need it.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sausage balls by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a fresh-from-the-oven treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sausage balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Microwaving works too but may sacrifice some of that desirable crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still delivers great flavor. Just be sure to pick one that’s well-seasoned to keep the sausage balls tasty and juicy.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, draining the Rotel tomatoes well is important to prevent your mixture from becoming too wet, which can affect the texture and baking.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the baking mix for a gluten-free flour blend or a specially made gluten-free baking mix. It won’t change the taste much but will keep them friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level largely depends on your choice of sausage and whether you use original or mild Rotel. Using spicy sausage and original Rotel adds a nice kick, but you can adjust to taste.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just shape and bake when ready for a super convenient appetizer!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s simple, quick, and irresistibly tasty, and this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe checks all those boxes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a savory snack, these sausage balls bring warmth, cheesy goodness, and a hint of spice to every occasion. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 30 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with ground pork sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, spicy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, baking mix, and sharp cheddar cheese, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection, offering a melty, cheesy, and slightly spicy snack that’s easy to prepare and irresistible.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage (spicy or regular)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, softened cream cheese, thoroughly drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, baking mix, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything evenly into a uniform mixture.
- Form the sausage balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands, and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through completely.
- Cool and serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving them warm to enjoy their melty and savory goodness.
Notes
- Ensure the Rotel tomatoes are well drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture.
- For a milder flavor, use regular sausage instead of spicy.
- You can customize the cheese by using a sharper cheddar or mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- These sausage balls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
