These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious twist on the classic sausage ball recipe. Packed with savory sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game-day snack, or just want a tasty appetizer, these sausage balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Sausage balls have long been a popular dish for gatherings, but adding Rotel and cream cheese takes them to a new level of deliciousness. The Rotel tomatoes and green chilies add a slight kick, while the cream cheese makes each bite extra creamy and satisfying. The cheddar cheese adds that rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves, and the baking mix holds it all together in a fluffy, tender bite. These sausage balls are not only delicious but also easy to make, with only a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer, these sausage balls can also be a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the sausage balls in advance and either refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This flexibility makes them ideal for busy days when you want to have something ready to pop in the oven without much fuss.
Whether you’re serving these sausage balls at a party, a holiday gathering, or just enjoying them as a snack, they’re always a hit. Let’s get started on this simple and flavorful recipe!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheating the oven ensures that your sausage balls cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until everything is well combined. The mixture will be thick, but ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.
- Tip: It may help to use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, as the cream cheese can be a bit challenging to fully incorporate with a spatula alone. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 3: Form Sausage Balls
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This should yield about 40-45 sausage balls, depending on the size.
- Tip: Using a small cookie scoop can help keep the sausage balls uniform in size, which ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
- Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Serving Suggestion: These sausage balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce. Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for easier incorporation. If you’re short on time, microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it.
- Mixing Tip: Using your hands to mix the ingredients helps to ensure everything is evenly combined. This also helps incorporate the cream cheese more thoroughly.
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also freeze the sausage balls for longer storage—just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great option for when you’re preparing for a gathering and want to minimize the work on the day of the event.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with pepper jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor. You could even mix in a bit of mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy bite.
- Herb Addition: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also add a wonderful aroma and enhance the flavor profile of the sausage balls.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of the traditional baking mix to make these sausage balls gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them an excellent make-ahead appetizer for busy days.
Q: Can I freeze these sausage balls? A: Absolutely. Place the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Yes, you can use ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You can also experiment with different levels of spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot sausage.
Q: How do I prevent the sausage balls from becoming too dry? A: The cream cheese in this recipe helps keep the sausage balls moist, but it’s important not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Q: What can I serve with these sausage balls? A: These sausage balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup. They’re also great served alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With the combination of sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, each bite is packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or just want a delicious snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. They’re versatile, easy to prepare ahead of time, and loved by everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear in no time!
The blend of creamy cheese, zesty Rotel, and savory sausage creates a unique flavor profile that’s truly irresistible. Plus, the ease of preparation makes these sausage balls a go-to recipe for busy days or when you want something that’s guaranteed to impress without much hassle. Make them once, and you’ll be making them again and again!