These Easy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a total crowd-pleaser! Imagine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, all baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a delicious appetizer.
These bite-sized sausage balls are wonderfully tender on the inside, with a slightly crisp outside, and are bursting with cheesy, savory goodness.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy from the Rotel.
- Texture: Soft/tender inside, with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy—great for beginner cooks!
What You’ll Need
This simple recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll need savory sausage, cream cheese, a can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies for a flavor boost, shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness, Bisquick for binding the ingredients together, and a touch of salt and pepper to season.
Ingredient Notes
- – Sausage – Use your favorite kind of sausage, but I recommend a classic breakfast sausage or a mild Italian sausage.
- – Cream Cheese – Full-fat cream cheese will give you the best creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- – Rotel – This adds a delicious spice and zesty kick. Drain the excess liquid to avoid overly wet balls.
- – Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar is a great option for a more robust flavor, but mild or a blend of cheeses will work too.
- – Bisquick – This is the binding agent that helps the sausage balls hold their shape.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with other shredded cheeses, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a new flavor profile.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like chives or parsley add a lovely fresh note.
How to Make Easy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the sausage ball mixture, as this can make the balls tough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is softened, as it allows all the ingredients to combine easier.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the sausage balls while baking, and remove them from the oven when they’re golden brown.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
- Make them Bite-Sized or Larger: Adjust the size to your liking. Smaller balls will cook faster, while larger balls will need a bit more time.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a spicy sausage will all work great. Just make sure to adjust any added seasonings to complement the spice level of your sausage.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- How do I store leftover sausage balls? Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
- Can I freeze sausage balls? Yes! Bake the sausage balls, let them cool down, and then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat the frozen sausage balls from frozen at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy marinara sauce.
- Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw.
- On a Platter: Arrange on a platter alongside other appetizers for game day gatherings.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can assemble the sausage balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the sausage balls, let them cool, and then freeze them for future use.
Print
Easy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: Varies
Description
These Easy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a total crowd-pleaser! Imagine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, all baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
1 lb sausage,, uncooked
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1½ cups Bisquick
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer with the dough hook until fully mixed.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 1820 minutes, or until the sausage balls are browned.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is softened, as it allows all the ingredients to combine easier.
Keep a close eye on the sausage balls while baking, and remove them from the oven when they’re golden brown.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
Adjust the size to your liking. Smaller balls will cook faster, while larger balls will need a bit more time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
