If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously easy to make, you have to try this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. These little bites are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory with a subtle kick from the Rotel tomatoes. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making them an absolute favorite for parties, potlucks, or even a satisfying snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and full of punchy flavors. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s the melty cream cheese bringing smoothness or the spicy Rotel adding that signature zest.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful sausage for the best savory foundation in your sausage balls.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained: Adds a vibrant kick and a touch of juiciness that makes these bites stand out.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This gives the sausage balls their signature creamy softness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible cheesy goodness and a bit of sharpness.
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick or baking mix: The secret to a perfect texture; it binds while keeping the sausage balls tender.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your sausage balls will bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your sausage balls don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick mix. This combination is where all the magic happens, so make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to blend in smoothly.
Step 3: Combine Thoroughly
Using your hands or a sturdy spatula, mix everything well until the mixture is fully combined. This step is important because it ensures every sausage ball will be packed evenly with flavor, cheese, and a bit of that Rotel goodness.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly and also makes them perfect bite-sized treats for your guests.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place the sausage balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking and crisping on the outside.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your sausage balls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The savory aroma filling the kitchen here is absolutely irresistible and will have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 7: Let Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the sausage balls to cool for about five minutes. This step lets them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and letting all their flavors really settle in.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving to add a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note that pairs beautifully with the rich sausage balls.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls shine alongside acidic and crunchy sides like pickles or a tangy coleslaw, which cut through the richness and brighten the experience. They also pair wonderfully with some spicy mustard or a creamy ranch dip for added fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange your sausage balls on a wooden board surrounded by colorful dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You could even skewer them with toothpicks and serve as a festive appetizer that’s both fun to eat and look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or addition to lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze these sausage balls either cooked or uncooked. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can be baked or reheated straight from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps them crispy on the outside while warming the cheesy inside perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for an extra kick. Just make sure it’s shredded to blend well with the mixture.
Is it possible to make these sausage balls vegetarian?
You can substitute vegetarian sausage for the breakfast sausage, but be mindful that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Adding some smoked paprika or cumin can help mimic the rich sausage taste.
Can I bake these ahead of time and reheat for a party?
Yes, you can bake them the day before and reheat them gently in the oven before serving. This makes hosting much easier while still keeping the sausage balls delicious and fresh.
What if I don’t have Bisquick or baking mix?
You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but the texture will be less airy. To mimic the mix, try adding a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the flour before mixing in.
Can these sausage balls be made spicier?
Definitely! Add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for more heat, or use a spicy sausage to turn up the flavor intensity without changing the classic texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s an easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying dish that’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to make some seriously delicious sausage balls – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 28 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls combine spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cream cheese, savory breakfast sausage, and shredded cheddar cheese, all bound together with Bisquick baking mix. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a savory snack, these golden brown sausage balls are baked to perfection in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick or baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands or a sturdy spatula, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until fully combined into a consistent dough-like mixture.
- Form Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the other ingredients.
- If you prefer a spicier bite, use the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies included.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the sausage balls for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Substitute Bisquick with your favorite baking mix or homemade biscuit mix if desired.
