Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Introduction

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Combining spicy Rotel tomatoes with creamy cheese and savory sausage, these bite-sized treats always disappear quickly. They’re simple to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork sausage, mild or spicy
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 g) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) Bisquick baking mix, or similar biscuit mix
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated.
3. Step 3: Add the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture. Stir to distribute them evenly.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the Bisquick mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture becomes thick and uniform.
5. Step 5: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
7. Step 7: Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mixture.
• Use spicy sausage and Rotel for a bolder kick or mild versions for a gentler taste.
• Substitute Bisquick with your favorite baking mix or a homemade biscuit mix if preferred.
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mustard for added variety.

Storage

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and bake just before serving for best freshness.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken sausage works well as a leaner alternative, though the flavor and fat content may be slightly different.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 97 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect savory appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Made with ground pork sausage, creamy cheese, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and a biscuit mix, these bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 sausage balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage Mixture

• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork sausage, mild or spicy
• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 10-ounce (283 g) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) Bisquick baking mix, or similar biscuit mix
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine sausage and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sausage.
3. Mix in Rotel and cheddar cheese: Add the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture. Stir to ensure the tomatoes and cheese are evenly incorporated.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the Bisquick baking mix along with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Continue mixing until a thick, consistent mixture forms that holds together well.
5. Form the sausage balls: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll each portion into approximately 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow even cooking.
6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
7. Cool and serve: Once baked, let the sausage balls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
• You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
• For easier portioning, chill the mixture briefly before rolling into balls.
• Leftover sausage balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• If Bisquick is unavailable, a similar biscuit or baking mix can be used.

Keywords: Rotel sausage balls, cream cheese sausage balls, party appetizers, game day snacks, baked sausage balls, easy appetizer recipe