Name: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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)

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You know how some foods don’t just get eaten — they cause a small scene? That’s what these sausage balls do. Every single time. Someone wanders into the kitchen “just to see what smells so good,” another person suddenly needs a snack right now, and before you know it, the baking sheet is surrounded like it’s a campfire.

I’ve been making versions of these for years, usually when I want something warm and comforting but don’t feel like babysitting a complicated recipe. They started as a game-day thing, then turned into a holiday thing, and now they’re more of an “any excuse will do” thing. Honestly, I’ve made them just because it was raining and the house felt quiet. No regrets.

They’re cheesy. They’re a little spicy. They’re the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect, even when you swear you made plenty.

Why You’ll Love These (And Why You’ll Make Them Again)

Let’s keep this real. These sausage balls aren’t trying to impress anyone — and that’s exactly why they work.

One bowl, no nonsense. You’re not juggling five mixing bowls and a prayer.
Creamy meets melty. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar do some very good work here.
A gentle kick. Enough warmth to be interesting, not enough to scare anyone away.
Universally liked. Kids, adults, picky eaters — they all come back for more.
Future-you friendly. Freeze extras and feel smug about it later.

They’re dependable in the best way. The kind of recipe you don’t have to think about, which is sometimes exactly what we need.

Timing, Yield, and Real-Life Math

Here’s how it usually plays out in my kitchen:

Prep time: about 10 minutes (maybe 12 if you’re chatting)
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Makes: around 30–35 sausage balls

That sounds like a lot until it suddenly isn’t. If you’re feeding more than a handful of people, doubling the batch is never a bad idea.

Ingredients (Plus a Few Helpful Thoughts)

Nothing fancy here, which I appreciate more and more as the years go on.

1 lb ground pork sausage – Hot or mild. I usually go mild and let everyone add heat later if they want.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Please don’t skip the softening. Cold cream cheese is stubborn.
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained very well – I press mine in a sieve. Extra liquid causes trouble.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar – Freshly shredded melts better, but use what you have.
2 cups biscuit baking mix – This gives structure without fuss.
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Chopped parsley or green onions – Optional, but nice if you like a little color.

This is one of those recipes where “close enough” is actually good enough.

Let’s Make Them (No Stress, I Promise)

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. I always do this first so I don’t forget and wonder later why nothing’s browning.

In a large bowl, add everything: sausage, cream cheese, Rotel, cheddar, baking mix, and seasonings. Now here’s my honest advice — use your hands. A spoon will give up halfway through, and your hands do a better job anyway. The mixture should feel cohesive and slightly tacky, not wet.

Roll the mixture into about 1-inch balls. They don’t have to be perfect, but keeping them roughly the same size helps them cook evenly.

Place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, giving them a little space. They won’t spread much, but they appreciate not being crowded.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and lightly crisp around the edges. The cheese will bubble, the kitchen will smell amazing, and someone will probably ask how long is left.

Let them rest for a few minutes before moving them. They firm up just enough to hold together, which makes serving easier — and safer for impatient fingers.

Variations (Because You’ll Want to Play Around)

Once you’ve made these once, you’ll start thinking of tweaks. That’s normal.

Kid-Friendly Version
Skip the Rotel and add a small handful of corn. Mild, slightly sweet, and very popular.

Southwestern Style
Add a teaspoon of cumin and use pepper jack instead of cheddar. Serve with sour cream if you’re feeling generous.

Herby and Cozy
Chives, parsley, or even a tiny bit of rosemary with Monterey Jack gives a softer, more brunch-friendly feel.

Bacon Cheddar
Add cooked, crumbled bacon. Smoky, rich, and absolutely unnecessary — which is exactly why it’s good.

Storage, Reheating, and Planning Ahead

If you somehow end up with leftovers, here’s what works:

Fridge: Airtight container, up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Good for about 2 months.
From frozen: Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. No thawing, no thinking.

I keep a bag in the freezer for surprise guests or nights when cooking feels like too much.

A Few Questions I Get All the Time

Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes. It’s leaner, so I usually add a pinch more seasoning.

No biscuit mix — now what?
You can make a quick substitute with flour, baking powder, salt, and a little fat. It won’t be identical, but it works.

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Mix everything and refrigerate up to a day before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mine came out a little softer than I expected — did I do something wrong?
Probably not. These sausage balls are meant to be tender inside, especially with the cream cheese in the mix. If they’re holding together and cooked through, you’re fine. Sometimes draining the Rotel a little more aggressively makes a difference, but softness on day one isn’t a failure — it’s kind of the point.

Can I mix everything ahead of time, or does that mess with the texture?
You can absolutely mix it ahead. I’ve done it the night before more times than I can count. The mixture firms up a bit in the fridge, which actually makes rolling easier. Just give it a quick stir before shaping if it looks uneven.

I forgot to soften the cream cheese and already started mixing — now what?
Honestly, I’ve been there. If it’s really fighting you, let the bowl sit on the counter for 10 minutes and try again. Worst case, it blends as it bakes, and nobody has ever complained about a slightly uneven sausage ball.

Can these sit out during a party, or do they need to stay piping hot?
They’re best warm, but they hold up better than you’d think. I’ve left them out for a while during game day, and people kept eating them anyway. If you want to refresh them, a quick trip back into the oven perks them right up.

Mine browned faster on the bottom than the top — is that normal?
Yep, that happens depending on the pan and oven. A light-colored baking sheet helps, but even when they get a little extra color underneath, they still taste great. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

Do they taste super spicy with the Rotel?
Not really. There’s warmth, but it’s mild and friendly. If you’re sensitive to heat, they’re still very approachable. And if you love spice, you might find yourself adding a little extra next time.

Can I freeze them after baking, or is it better before?
Both work. I’ve frozen them baked when that’s what life allowed, and they reheated just fine. Unbaked is great too, but don’t stress — this recipe is more forgiving than it looks.

If something came up that I didn’t cover here, you’re probably not the only one wondering. Leave a comment or send a note. I read them all, usually with a cup of coffee nearby and something baking in the oven.

One Last Thing Before You Go

These sausage balls aren’t fancy food. They’re comfortable food. The kind you make when you want people to feel welcome, fed, and happy without making a big production out of it.

If you make them, I hope they disappear quickly — that’s how you know they did their job. And if you tweak the recipe, burn your tongue sneaking one too early, or decide to double the batch next time, you’re in good company.

Let me know how they turn out. I’m always happy to talk snacks.