Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer! These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate party food – incredibly flavorful, perfectly tender, and ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking about a savory blend of spicy sausage, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a kick from Rotel tomatoes, all baked into golden-brown, bite-sized morsels of perfection. Whether you’re planning for game day, a holiday gathering, or just a weekend snack, this simple recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget dry, crumbly sausage balls; this recipe ensures they are moist and delicious every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
This isn’t just another appetizer recipe; it’s a game-changer for your party menu. Here’s why this recipe stands out from the rest and will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Incredibly Moist: The combination of cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes adds a fantastic amount of moisture and flavor, preventing the dry texture that plagues so many other sausage ball recipes.
- Packed with Flavor: We use a simple but powerful list of ingredients. Spicy pork sausage, sharp cheddar, and zesty Rotel create a bold, unforgettable taste in every single bite.
- Super Easy to Make: With just 5 main ingredients and a straightforward process, this is a perfect recipe for both beginner and experienced home cooks. It’s a simple “mix, roll, and bake” situation.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These make-ahead-friendly sausage balls are ideal for holiday parties, Super Bowl spreads, or as a tasty breakfast treat. They are true crowd-pleasers like my famous Taco Ranch Bites.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create these addictive Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.
- Ground Pork Sausage: A 1 lb roll of hot pork sausage is recommended for the best flavor, but mild or sage sausage works great too.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient for the best texture! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: One can, drained well, provides a signature zest and a little heat.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own cheese from a block for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the balls greasy.
- Baking Mix: Use your favorite all-purpose baking mix, like Bisquick, to bind everything together perfectly.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls (Step-by-Step)
Making these cheesy sausage balls is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or your hands to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Form the Balls: Scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
Want to guarantee your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the best on the block? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can result in tough sausage balls.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest texture and best melt, always shred a block of cheese yourself. It makes a huge difference.
- Drain Rotel Thoroughly: To prevent the mixture from being too wet, make sure you drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies very well.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized sausage balls that cook evenly, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it! For a different kind of savory snack, you might also love these easy Glazed Pigs in a Blanket.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack for an extra kick, or use a Colby Jack blend.
- Change the Sausage: Try using Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Mix in some finely diced jalapeños for more heat or some chopped green onions for a fresh, savory note.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
These sausage balls are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. Here’s how to handle leftovers or prepare for a party in advance.
- To Store: Keep leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze (Unbaked): Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- To Freeze (Baked): Let the baked sausage balls cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps them crispier.
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
These savory bites are delicious on their own, but a good dip takes them over the top! Serve them warm with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy queso dip. They’re a perfect addition to a larger spread, fitting in nicely alongside other party favorites like Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls and store them unbaked in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the original baking time.
Yes, any all-purpose baking mix will work as a substitute for Bisquick. You can also make your own by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter.
To avoid greasy sausage balls, make sure to use a good quality sausage and shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make the final product greasier. Also, letting them rest on a paper towel after baking can help absorb any excess grease.
For the best flavor, a hot or spicy ground pork sausage is recommended. However, you can easily substitute it with mild, sage, or even Italian sausage depending on your preference.
Sausage balls often turn out dry from using too much baking mix or not having enough fat. This recipe solves that problem by using cream cheese and Rotel, which add moisture and guarantee a tender, never-dry result.
Share Your Creations!
We are absolutely sure you and your guests will love these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls (The Only Recipe You'll Need)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Tip 2: Use a small cookie scoop to create uniformly sized sausage balls for even cooking.
Tip 3: Do not overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to tough and dense sausage balls.
