If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible appetizer or snack that always steals the show, you’ll want to try this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. I absolutely love how these sausage balls come together with just a handful of ingredients, yet they deliver such a satisfying, cheesy, and slightly spicy bite that’s perfect for game days, parties, or just an easy weekend treat. Honestly, they’ve become quick favorites in my house because they’re so simple to make and impossible to resist!
What makes this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe so special is the creamy richness from the softened cream cheese combined with the zing of Rotel tomatoes and chilies. The Bisquick gives it just the right texture to hold together those flavorful sausage balls, so you get the perfect balance of tender and crispy after baking. You’ll find that once you try these, they’ll be popping up on your snack rotation regularly, especially when you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Mix everything in one bowl and bake—minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Game Day Favorite: Perfect bite-sized snacks that your friends and family will ask for again and again.
- Balanced Flavors: Cream cheese and Rotel provide creaminess and spice that hits all the right notes.
- Customizable: Swap out cheeses or sausage types to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes to life with just a few simple ingredients that naturally complement each other—the spicy sausage adds bold flavor while the cream cheese keeps everything moist and creamy. I like to pick fresh, quality ingredients to elevate these sausage balls even more.
- Spicy breakfast sausage: Using a spicy variety gives these sausage balls a nice kick, but you can opt for mild if heat isn’t your thing.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and that irresistible creamy texture.
- Rotel tomatoes and green chilies: The secret ingredient that adds a tangy, slightly spicy punch—be sure to drain off excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great, lending that classic cheesy goodness.
- Bisquick baking mix: This mix binds everything together while giving the sausage balls a lovely tender bite.
Variations
I love how versatile this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding a twist. I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, and it never disappoints.
- Cheese Swap: I once tried pepper jack instead of cheddar—adds an extra spicy, melty punch that my family went crazy for.
- Meat Variations: Using ground turkey sausage makes these a bit lighter but just as tasty, particularly if you want a milder flavor.
- Extra Zing: Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper brings a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
- Herb Boost: For a fresh twist, toss in chopped fresh parsley or chives—makes the sausage balls pop with color and flavor.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this cleanup hack saves you so much time later. Trust me, nobody wants to scrub off baked-on sausage bits!
Step 2: Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked spicy breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese and the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. I like to use my hands here—it’s the best way to make sure everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the meat. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, it’ll be harder to mix and the texture won’t be as smooth.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bisquick
Next, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and Bisquick baking mix. Stir gently but thoroughly so every bite packs the perfect cheesy and fluffy punch. The Bisquick is what helps hold everything together, so don’t skip or eyeball it too loosely.
Step 4: Form the Sausage Balls
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into roughly 1-inch balls. This is one of my favorite steps because it’s fun and you get to anticipate those perfectly sized bites. Place the balls spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your sausage balls for about 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops have a nice crust and the sausage is no longer pink inside. Let them cool slightly before serving—hot cheesy bites are tempting but be careful not to burn your tongue!
Pro Tips for Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Softened Cream Cheese: Don’t rush this—soft cream cheese blends easier and prevents clumps.
- Drain Rotel Well: I learned the hard way that excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and hard to shape.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to keep your sausage balls uniform for consistent cooking times.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture from overworked meat.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a mild fresh bite. Sometimes, I drizzle a little spicy ranch dressing or serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side—both pair surprisingly well and balance the spicy sausage.
Side Dishes
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls shine as finger foods, so I like pairing them with crunchy veggie sticks, a fresh garden salad, or even a light pasta salad to round out the plate. They’re also perfect alongside some baked beans or cheesy grits for a Southern-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I once arranged these sausage balls on a large platter garnished with sliced jalapeños and little bowls of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and chipotle mayo. It’s always a hit and makes them look extra inviting. You could also serve them in mini muffin tins for a cute, contained presentation at brunch or showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, they still taste great for up to 3 days. When I open the fridge and find a stash of these, I know lunch or snack time just got easy without any extra effort.
Freezing
Freezing works wonderfully for this recipe! You can freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray first and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want a quick snack, I toss frozen sausage balls into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes at 375°F, adding extra time because they’re frozen—convenience at its best.
Reheating
To reheat, I typically pop the sausage balls in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or so to warm through and revive that crispy exterior. The microwave works too when you’re in a hurry, but it can make them a little soft, so oven reheating is my favorite for maintaining texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage ball mixture and shape the balls a day in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This saves time on busy days or right before guests arrive.
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What if I don’t have Bisquick—can I substitute it?
Yes! You can substitute Bisquick with a mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a little salt, but Bisquick adds a leavening and texture that’s hard to beat. Use about 1 ½ cups of your flour mix as a replacement.
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How spicy are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
They have a pleasant medium heat from the spicy sausage and Rotel tomatoes with chilies. If you prefer milder food, switch to mild sausage and mild Rotel or drain the tomatoes extra well to reduce spiciness.
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Can I bake these sausage balls without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to the moist, tender texture of these sausage balls. Without it, the balls might turn out dry or crumbly, so I’d recommend keeping it in the recipe for best results.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it delivers comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick, delicious snack, these sausage balls are a guaranteed win. Give this recipe a try—I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to snacks, just like it did for me and my family!
PrintRotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and tasty appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Made with spicy breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix, these sausage balls are baked until golden brown and packed with bold flavors. They are quick to prepare, easy to bake, and deliver a deliciously cheesy and spicy bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls
- 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage (uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked spicy breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Mix thoroughly until well combined and uniform in texture.
- Add cheese and baking mix: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Bisquick baking mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
- Form the sausage balls: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into 1-inch balls. Place the formed sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the sausage balls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
- Cool and serve: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- To reduce spice, swap the spicy sausage for regular breakfast sausage and use mild Rotel tomatoes.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack to add new flavor dimensions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for a quicker option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls (about 90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg