Name: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground sausage (mild, spicy, or your preference); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix (or any pancake/baking mix); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Optional: ranch dressing or hot sauce for dipping

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Introduction

I first came across Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls at a holiday gathering, and let me tell you, they were an absolute hit. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cream cheese, and the zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes made them the perfect appetizer. Not only did they taste amazing, but they were also incredibly easy to make. Since then, they’ve become a go-to snack for family gatherings, parties, and even a casual weeknight dinner. Whether you enjoy them as a savory snack or a hearty appetizer, these sausage balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and the fact that they are so simple to whip up makes them even more appealing!

Why You’ll Love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The creamy cream cheese, savory sausage, and tangy Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies come together to create a flavor explosion that will satisfy your taste buds with every bite.
Quick and Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these sausage balls come together in no time. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious.
Versatile: Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a holiday party, or just as an easy appetizer for a casual get-together, these sausage balls are the perfect dish for any occasion.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage or adding more or less Rotel to suit your taste. The recipe is flexible, allowing for lots of creativity!
Great for Dipping: The addition of ranch dressing or hot sauce for dipping makes them even more irresistible. It’s a treat everyone will love dunking into their favorite sauces.

Ingredients

1 lb ground sausage (mild, spicy, or your preference)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix (or any pancake/baking mix)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional: Ranch dressing or hot sauce for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the sausage balls from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick mix, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be soft and slightly sticky, but if it’s too wet, you can add a bit more Bisquick to achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. The balls don’t need to be perfectly shaped, but try to make them uniform in size for even baking.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to ensure it’s cooked all the way through. The outside should be crispy and golden, while the inside stays moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve

Once they are done, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with ranch dressing or hot sauce for dipping. These sausage balls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their most flavorful!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 sausage balls (approximately 1 ball per serving)
Calories per serving: 220 kcal
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 40mg

(Note: These values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and ingredients used, such as the type of sausage or cheese.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

For a Party or Gathering:
- Serve the sausage balls on a large platter with a side of ranch dressing or hot sauce for dipping.
- Garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added touch of color and freshness.
As a Snack:
- These sausage balls make the perfect snack for game days or movie nights. Simply serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun and flavorful treat.
With Breakfast or Brunch:
- You can also serve these sausage balls as part of a larger breakfast spread. Pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and toast for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For Meal Prep:
- Make a big batch of these sausage balls, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They also freeze well and can be reheated in the oven for a quick meal or snack.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice Level: You can make these sausage balls as mild or spicy as you prefer. Use mild sausage for a less intense flavor or add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Make It Cheesy: For extra cheesiness, add a bit more shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. You can even use a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
Add Some Greens: To balance out the richness, consider adding finely chopped spinach or kale to the sausage mixture for a pop of color and a bit of healthy greens.
Make Mini-Sausage Balls: For smaller bite-sized appetizers, roll the sausage mixture into smaller 1/2-inch balls. Bake them for about 15–18 minutes instead of 20–25.
Use a Cookie Scoop: If you want perfectly uniform sausage balls, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. This will make it easier to roll them into consistent sizes.

FAQ

Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls in advance. Shape them into balls, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to a month and bake them straight from the freezer (add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage or any other sausage of your choice to make the recipe leaner.
What type of sausage should I use?
You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. Ground breakfast sausage works well for this recipe, but you can also use Italian sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix to make the recipe gluten-free.
How do I make sure the sausage balls don’t dry out?
To keep them moist, make sure not to overbake the sausage balls. Once golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. The cream cheese and sausage should keep them nice and juicy.
Can I add other seasonings to these sausage balls?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as onion powder, chili powder, or even some cayenne pepper for a kick.
How long can I store leftover sausage balls?
Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
What sauces go well with sausage balls?
Ranch dressing, hot sauce, or even honey mustard are excellent dipping options for these sausage balls.
Can I make these sausage balls without Bisquick?
Yes, you can substitute Bisquick with any pancake or baking mix, or even try breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Conclusion

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a fantastic recipe to keep in your culinary arsenal. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual family gathering, or simply craving a savory snack. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, zesty Rotel, and cheddar cheese creates a flavor-packed bite that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easily customizable and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Give them a try, and you’ll see why these sausage balls are a hit at every gathering!