If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized appetizer that bursts with bold flavors and creamy goodness, the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, savory morsels combine spicy sausage, tangy Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and rich cream cheese for an irresistible treat that feels both homey and festive. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun finger food, or just craving something satisfyingly cheesy and meaty, these sausage balls deliver every single time with their perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and a delightful crumbly texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and a superb texture. Using fresh, quality components will ensure the best results, and the blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy elements really makes these sausage balls unforgettable.
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked: This adds the hearty, spicy base that gives the sausage balls their signature kick and richness.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese brings a luscious creaminess that binds everything together and balances the heat.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained: These introduce zesty tomato flavor and mild chili heat, infusing the sausage balls with a vibrant freshness.
- 1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix: The Bisquick is essential for that tender, cakey texture that allows the sausage balls to hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, melty, cheesy punch that complements the sausage wonderfully.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Begin by softening the cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. In a large bowl, crumble the uncooked hot sausage, then add the softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, Bisquick mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything thoroughly until it forms a sticky, consistent dough. This step ensures the flavors meld together perfectly and every bite will have that ideal balance of savory, spicy, and creamy.
Step 2: Shape the Sausage Balls
Once your mixture is well combined, shape it into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for bite-sized snacking and quick, even cooking. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy while giving your sausage balls a non-stick surface to bake on. Take your time and make sure each ball is tightly packed so it holds together beautifully.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart, and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown on the outside and are cooked through inside. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible and will definitely have everyone wanting to grab one straight out of the oven.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While these sausage balls are fantastic on their own, sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you enjoy a tiny extra kick, serve with a side of tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Side Dishes
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls shine alongside classic party sides like crispy vegetable sticks, a vibrant salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. They also pair beautifully with cheesy grits or a tangy coleslaw to contrast the richness of the sausage balls.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation unforgettable by arranging the sausage balls on a decorative platter with little toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a fun twist at brunch, serve them nested on a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of honey mustard or your favorite chutney.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sausage balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for an easy midweek snack or quick snack to reheat.
Freezing
If you prefer to prepare these in advance, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls arranged on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Frozen baked sausage balls can also be reheated successfully.
Reheating
To enjoy your sausage balls fresh-tasting after refrigeration or freezing, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage?
Absolutely! Using mild sausage will make the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe less spicy but still deliciously flavorful, so feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies?
Yes, draining helps reduce excess moisture in the mixture so your sausage balls hold together better and don’t become soggy during baking.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix that you trust. This swap keeps the texture similar while accommodating dietary needs.
How can I make the sausage balls crispier?
For extra crispiness, try brushing the outside lightly with melted butter before baking and ensure there is enough space between the sausage balls on the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic, adding pepper jack for a bit more heat or a sharp parmesan for an extra punch works great and adds a unique twist to your sausage balls.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite as satisfying as biting into warm, cheesy, and perfectly spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They bring people together, spark smiles, and keep those plates magically empty at any gathering. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s easy, delicious, and endlessly versatile. Once you do, these sausage balls will become a staple you’ll love to make again and again.
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory and spicy appetizer made with hot sausage, cream cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cheddar cheese mixed into a Bisquick base. These bite-sized balls are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or casual gatherings. They combine rich, creamy textures with a spicy kick, baked to golden perfection for a crispy outside and tender inside.
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
- 1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sausage balls evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, Bisquick baking mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients form a uniform mixture.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking pan.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving warm. They make an excellent finger food for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture that could prevent the balls from holding together.
- If you prefer less spice, substitute hot sausage with mild sausage and/or use mild Rotel tomatoes.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the sausage balls for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
