The bold flavors of pork sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies combine to make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls the perfect appetizer or snack with just the right amount of kick. These sausage balls are sooooo cheesy and you better pack them with flavors like garlic, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. They are perfect for gatherings, game days, or holiday parties — with only a few ingredients and no prep. Serve warm and with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo, and watch them go!
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls:
Simple: These sausage balls are all in one bowl and made with basic ingredients, so they come together in minutes — perfect on a busy day or a last-minute party.
Ideal for any affair: From holiday bashes to game-day spreads, these sausage balls are good enough for any occasion.
Big, Soothing Flavors: The sausage plus cream cheese plus cheddar plus spicy Rotel (the canned tomatoes) makes these sausage balls so delicious and addictive, a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Freezer-Friendly: You can batch them, freeze some, and have them on hand to bake whenever you want a snack.
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Key Ingredients:
Sausage: A good ground sausage adds richness and a touch of spice. A sweet or breakfast sausage is fine for most, but if you’re into heat, go with a spicy or hot sausage.
Cream Cheese: The secret to making these sausage balls nice and creamy and moist are softened cream cheese. Be sure all of it is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chili: The secret ingredient! This can of diced tomatoes and chilies is the hot secret behind why these sausage balls are so spicy and juicy. Drain them well, or you will have too much liquid in the mixture.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar adds that classic, gooey cheesiness. Freshly ground cheese melts more evenly, though if you’re not doing well timewise, pre-shredded will do, too.
Biscuit Baking Mix (e.g., Bisquick): The baking mix adds structure to the sausage balls and a little buttery flavor. Bisquick is old school, but any biscuit mix will work.
Seasonings
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: They provide richness without stealing the show from the sausage flavor.
Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
Full list of ingredients with amounts and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for maximum cooking and a golden brown exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly grease the sheets with one or line them with parchment or silicone baking mat.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Pasta Salad: Mix It UpIn a large mixing bowl, combine:
1 pound ground sausage
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix It Up: Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the cheese and season mingle with the rest of the seasonings.
Step 4: Form the Sausage Balls
In each hand, roll the mixture into 1-inch ball to the best of your ability for even cooking.
Baking Sheet: Holding the balls 1 inch apart and loosely place them on the newly lined baking sheet, so the heat can circulate.
Step 5: Bake
Oven-Bake: 20-25 minutes (until golden brown and cooked through) For confirmation that it is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Let Your Balls Cool: Let your sausage balls sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.
Optionally add: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve Warm: Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm. Serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy mayo or honey mustard for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a great all-around appetizer that go with tons of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to really sell your spread:
Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch dressing, spicy mustard or a creamy sriracha mayo to take things to the next level of flavor.
Veggie Platter: Make a smack-your-momma platter with c osbailery, carrot sticks and bell peppers — a refreshing contrast to the rich sausage balls.
Bread Basket: Serve with a generous side of mini rolls or crostini to slop up the juicy, cheesy flavors of the sausage balls.
For a bigger gathering, serve these in conjunction with traditional appetizers like buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks or a cheese platter to make a well-rounded spread.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
These sausage balls are good for making ahead, storing and even freezing. Here’s how to maintain them fresh and prepared for any occasion:
Refrigerator: Leftover sausage balls will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven .. 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
Freezer: You can prepare a large batch and freeze any sausage balls that you don’t cook for later. Place the balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. After that, move to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to 2 months.
To Bake from Frozen: Arrange the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Delicious Variations:
Want to make your sausage balls special? Here are some ideas for fun and tasty ways to make this recipe your own:
Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage and stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture for extra zap.
Southwestern Variation: Use Mexican blend cheese in place of cheddar and include a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to emphasize the southwestern notes.
Herb & Cheese Sausage Balls: For a more savory flavor profile, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary. You can also use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls: Toss in some crumbled cooked bacon for a lovely smoky flavor that complements the cheddar and sausage.
Conclusion:
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an easy-to-make, something cheesy and spicy appetizer because of the Rotel tomatoes and chilies that pack a ton of flavor. Whether you’re throwing a large game-day party or just need a make-ahead snack, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser. The savory sausage, creamy cheese and biscuit mix combine beautifully for a comforting, bite-size treat that is sure to please everyone. These sausage balls barely take any prep and explode with flavor, so they just might be gone before you know it — double batch, anyone?
So happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious mouthful of these sausage balls!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies 10 ounces, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix such as Bisquick
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Allow sausage balls to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard. Enjoy!