Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Savory, spicy, cheesy, and addictively poppable – these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a game-day, holiday, or snack-time hit that no one can resist. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be baking up a Southern-style crowd-pleaser in no time!

Introduction

If you’ve ever attended a Southern potluck, tailgate party, or Christmas brunch, chances are you’ve come across the ever-popular sausage ball. Traditionally made with just sausage, Bisquick, and shredded cheddar, sausage balls have been a staple of comfort-food cuisine for generations.

But today, we’re taking this classic appetizer and turning the flavor dial up to eleven by adding two magic ingredients: Rotel and cream cheese.

Rotel, the zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies, adds a punch of spice and a pop of color. Cream cheese makes each bite tender, moist, and rich—no more dry or crumbly sausage balls! The result? A warm, savory snack that’s cheesy, creamy, and bursting with Southern charm.

Whether you’re prepping for game day, throwing a brunch, planning a holiday gathering, or just craving something warm and satisfying on a busy weeknight, these sausage balls have your back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

  • Crowd Pleaser: These disappear fast at parties and potlucks—better make a double batch!

  • Quick & Easy: Just mix, roll, and bake. You can even prep ahead!

  • Flavor Bombs: Creamy cheese, spicy Rotel, savory sausage—every bite is crave-worthy.

  • Freezer Friendly: Make them ahead and reheat as needed.

  • Versatile: Adjust the spice level, switch cheeses, or make them keto—customize to your heart’s content.

Ingredients 🧀🌶️

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, spicy or mild)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), well drained

  • 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick or a homemade version)

  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (for extra spice)

  • Pinch of black pepper

Directions 🧑‍🍳

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage and the softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Rotel

Drain the Rotel very well. Press out as much liquid as possible using a fine mesh sieve or paper towels. Too much moisture will make the dough soggy.

Add the drained Rotel to the sausage-cream cheese mixture and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Add any optional seasonings now (garlic powder, onion powder, etc.).

Mix until a thick, uniform dough forms. The mixture will be sticky—chilling it for 15–20 minutes can make rolling easier.

Step 5: Roll the Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly crisp and the bottoms deeply golden.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly, then serve warm. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.

Serving Information 🍽️

  • Yield: Makes about 24–30 sausage balls

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: ~45 minutes

Perfect for:

  • Appetizers

  • Party trays

  • Breakfast bites

  • Game day snacks

  • Holiday brunches

Variations & Customizations 🛠️

🔥 Spice It Up

  • Use hot sausage instead of mild.

  • Add chopped jalapeños.

  • Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

🧀 Change the Cheese

  • Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

  • Use cream cheese with herbs or jalapeños for added flavor.

🍅 Go Homemade

  • Make your own Rotel by mixing diced tomatoes and green chilies.

  • Use homemade baking mix if you prefer from-scratch cooking.

🥓 Add Extras

  • Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor.

  • Add a little green onion or chives for freshness.

🥩 Swap the Protein

  • Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

  • Try vegetarian sausage if you want a meatless option.

🥚 Breakfast Version

  • Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit for a full brunch spread.

Make Ahead & Storage 🧊

Refrigerate

  • Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Freeze (Unbaked or Baked)

  • To Freeze Unbaked: Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

  • To Bake from Frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

  • To Freeze Baked: Let cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 10–15 minutes.

Meal Prep Tip

Double the batch and freeze half—you’ll always have a quick appetizer on hand.

Dipping Sauce Ideas 🥣

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are delicious on their own, but even better with dipping sauces! Here are a few ideas:

  • Ranch Dressing: Classic and cooling

  • Honey Mustard: Sweet meets tangy

  • Spicy Aioli: Mayo + sriracha + garlic

  • Queso Dip: Over-the-top cheesy

  • Buffalo Sauce: For extra heat lovers

  • Marinara: A pizza party twist

Troubleshooting & Tips ✅

Why are my sausage balls too dry?

Dryness usually means too much baking mix or not enough moisture. Make sure the Rotel is well-drained but not bone dry, and don’t overbake.

Why are they greasy?

Using very fatty sausage or not draining the Rotel properly can lead to excess grease. You can place them on a paper towel after baking to absorb any extra.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After baking, keep the sausage balls warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

Q: Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing it?
A: No, use raw sausage— it cooks as the balls bake. Pre-cooking would make the texture dry.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just swap the baking mix for a gluten-free alternative. Several brands make gluten-free biscuit mixes.

Q: What’s the best sausage to use?
A: Pork breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean) is classic, but turkey sausage works well too. Choose spicy or mild based on your heat preference.

Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: Not as written, but you can make a low-carb version by using almond flour or a keto baking mix instead of Bisquick.

Q: Can I serve these at room temperature?
A: They’re best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temp—perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

Fun Serving Ideas 🎉

  • Game Day Platter: Serve with toothpicks, dipping sauces, and celery sticks.

  • Breakfast Board: Pair with mini muffins, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruit.

  • Holiday Tray: Add to a spread of mini quiches, pigs in a blanket, and deviled eggs.

  • Brunch Skewers: Thread sausage balls onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and cheese cubes.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: In Summary 📝

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the kind of recipe that brings people together. They’re bite-sized bundles of comfort—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with savory sausage and spicy Rotel goodness.

Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these sausage balls never disappoint. They’re flexible, easy to make, freezer-friendly, and utterly addictive.

So grab a bowl, crank up the oven, and get ready to make the most satisfying little bites you’ll ever eat. Trust me—your family, your friends, and your taste buds will thank you.

Final Thoughts ❤️

Recipes like this remind us why we love comfort food. They’re simple, satisfying, and meant to be shared. Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls hit all the right notes—cheesy, spicy, hearty, and just a little indulgent.

Make them once and you’ll see why they’ve earned a permanent spot in Southern kitchens—and now, hopefully, yours too.

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