Description
Delicious Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites combine savory ground spiced pork sausage, tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies, creamy softened cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These easy-to-make, golden-baked appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound ground spiced pork sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well-drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground spiced pork sausage until thoroughly browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from being oily.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, well-drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended to create a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into 3-inch squares. Place a spoonful of the sausage and cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Form Triangles and Seal: Fold each square into a triangle shape over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool for 3 to 4 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the Rotel well to avoid excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor, or substitute with your favorite cheese blend.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sausage mixture.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
- If puff pastry is not available, crescent roll dough can be used as an alternative, though the texture will differ.
