If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines easy prep and bold flavors, the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is a true winner. These little bites pack a punch with spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and a tangy kick from Rotel tomatoes and green chilies—all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing something to a potluck, or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is a fantastic choice that never fails to delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to give you that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Each component adds a unique note to the flavor and texture you’ll love.
- 1 lb hot sausage: Use uncooked sausage for juicy, spicy flavor that forms the base of these balls.
- 8-oz package cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds the rich creaminess that binds everything together.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Drained to provide a tangy and mildly spicy burst without making the mixture too wet.
- 1½ cups Bisquick: This pre-mixed baking mix is your secret ingredient for light, fluffy sausage balls with just the right amount of structure.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Adds melty, gooey cheese throughout for irresistible flavor with every bite.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step is simple but crucial—get your oven heating to 400ºF. A hot oven ensures those sausage balls develop a beautifully browned, crispy outside while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for easiest results. Combine the hot sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick, and shredded cheese. Mixing until just combined makes sure every bite has a perfect blend of flavors without overworking the mixture.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
Using a spoon or small scoop, portion the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. Placing them on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet prevents sticking and encourages even baking. This step is fun; the compact size is perfect for popping right into your mouth!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your sausage balls for 18 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be irresistible.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, these sausage balls are fantastic on their own but can be dressed up with garnishes such as chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. These little touches add extra layers of freshness and zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these flavorful sausage balls with creamy ranch dip, a zesty salsa, or some crisp veggie sticks for dipping. They also shine alongside brunch staples like scrambled eggs or a fresh salad to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the sausage balls on skewers with cherry tomatoes and olives for a fun twist. Another idea is to offer them in mini muffin liners for easy grab-and-go snacking at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can happen because these are pretty addictive), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy that warm, melty cheese again.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and can be baked from frozen or thawed in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat your sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to retain their perfect crispiness and gooey center. Microwaving works but may sacrifice texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Absolutely! Using mild sausage will still create a delicious dish, just with less heat if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Can I substitute Bisquick with another flour?
While Bisquick is recommended for the right texture, you can experiment with self-rising flour, though the results might be a bit denser.
Do the sausage balls need to be refrigerated before baking?
Not necessarily, but chilling them for 15-30 minutes can help them hold their shape better when baking.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You could try dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different.
How spicy are the sausage balls?
These have a moderate kick thanks to the hot sausage and Rotel chilies, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild sausage or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe enough if you want something quick, flavorful, and utterly addictive. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together with every bite. So next time you want to wow your guests or treat yourself, give these sausage balls a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 dozen (approximately 66 sausage balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, perfect for appetizers or party snacks. These bite-sized treats combine spicy hot sausage, creamy cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a crispy baked exterior. Easy to prepare and bake, they deliver a flavorful punch with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1½ cups Bisquick
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking sausage balls with a perfect golden finish.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the uncooked hot sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, Bisquick, and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
- Form Balls: Using a spoon or scoop, portion the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until they develop a crunchy golden-brown exterior. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to mix evenly.
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture causing soggy sausage balls.
- Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- For a milder version, substitute hot sausage with mild sausage.
