Crazy-Good Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are the kind of appetizer that instantly excites any crowd with their bold, savory flavors and creamy texture.

These bite-sized snacks bring together spicy sausage, tangy cream cheese, and zesty Rotel for a mouthwatering mix that’s impossible to resist.

Each bite is soft, flavorful, and seasoned just right, making them a favorite at parties, game days, or holiday spreads.

Southern cooks have been serving this classic snack for years, and it’s easy to see why – they disappear as quickly as they’re served.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a simple recipe that feels anything but ordinary.

These sausage balls are proof that easy appetizers can still deliver big flavor and bring everyone back for seconds.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for Party Snacking

• Rotel cream cheese sausage balls pack an incredible taste punch with spicy sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes.
• These sausage balls require minimal cooking skills, simple mixing technique, and just one bowl, making them perfect for novice cooks or busy weeknight meals.
• Compact bite-sized appetizers that work wonderfully for game day gatherings, holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family snacking with their handheld convenience and crowd-pleasing taste.
• Crispy golden exterior gives way to a soft, creamy interior, delivering a textural contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more bites.

What’s Inside Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Ground Sausage: Hearty meat base that provides rich flavor and protein core for the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that adds creamy texture and helps bind ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.

• Biscuit Baking Mix: Provides structure and helps create a tender, cohesive texture for the sausage balls.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Delivers mild, sweet onion essence throughout the mixture.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies that bring moisture and mild southwestern zest.

• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Bright, fresh herbs that add color and light herbal notes.

• Ranch Dressing: Classic, creamy dipping sauce.
• Spicy Mayo: Sour and heat-enhanced condiment.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet complementary sauce.

Making Rotel Sausage Balls in a Few Easy Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven for Perfect Cooking

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the ideal baking environment for delicious sausage balls.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 3: Blend Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground sausage
• Softened cream cheese
• Drained Rotel tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Biscuit baking mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive blend.

Step 4: Shape Delectable Morsels

Use your hands to craft 1-inch round balls from the mixture. Carefully place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each ball.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Present the warm sausage balls with an array of dipping sauces. Ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard make excellent accompaniments.

Sausage Ball Tips for the Creamiest, Spiciest Bites

• Soften Cheese Strategically: Take cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending without lumps.
• Mix Methodically: Use your hands to combine ingredients thoroughly, breaking up sausage and distributing cheese and spices evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Shape with Care: Roll balls gently and uniformly to promote even cooking and prevent cracking or falling apart during baking.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked sausage balls every time.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare and shape sausage balls ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze before baking for convenient party prep or quick snacks.

Best Way to Reheat Sausage Balls Without Drying Out

• Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully place cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll maintain quality for up to 2 months when frozen properly.
• Warm refrigerated sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Microwave works for quick reheating, but may slightly compromise texture – heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.

Serve Rotel Sausage Balls With These Favorites

• Pair with Ranch Dip: Elevate these sausage balls with a cool ranch dressing that cuts through the richness and adds a creamy contrast to the spicy, savory bites.
• Match with Crisp Amber Ale: The malty sweetness and light hoppiness of an amber ale complement the sausage's robust flavor.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Veggie Platter: Balance the heavy sausage balls with a colorful array of crisp cucumber, bell peppers, and carrot sticks to add freshness and provide a light, crunchy counterpoint.
• Complement with Spicy Honey Mustard: Drizzle a homemade honey mustard with a kick of cayenne pepper to enhance the sausage balls' already flavor profile and add a sweet-heat dimension.

Add-Ins and Variations for Sausage Ball Fun

• Spicy Southwest Bites: Add diced jalapeños and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Greek-Inspired Sausage Spheres: Replace sausage with ground lamb, mix in crumbled feta, and sprinkle dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.
• Breakfast Champion Balls: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and scrambled eggs into the mixture, perfect for morning gatherings.
• Veggie Protein Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based ground meat and add finely chopped spinach for a nutritious alternative.

FAQs About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

• How long will these sausage balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they’ll keep for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

• Can I freeze Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.

• What if I want to make them spicier?

Use hot breakfast sausage instead of mild, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra kick.

Tangy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory Rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring Southern comfort to appetizer tables with irresistible spicy charm. Packed with tons of flavors and easy preparation, guests will crave these bite-sized delights at gatherings and game day celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats and Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.
2. Activate the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking golden, savory morsels.
3. Protect your baking surface with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground sausage, velvety cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and biscuit mix, infusing with aromatic garlic and onion powders and a whisper of black pepper.
5. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the mixture.
6. Gently form the blend into uniform spherical portions, roughly one inch in diameter, placing them with strategic spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Transfer the tray to the heated oven, allowing the sausage balls to transform into crispy, golden-brown delicacies over 20-25 minutes.
8. Verify doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring complete and safe cooking.
9. Remove from oven and let rest momentarily, allowing the intense flavors to settle and the exterior to achieve optimal crispness.
10. Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or green onion snippets for a vibrant touch.
11. Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces, creating an irresistible appetizer or snack that promises to delight gathered guests.

Notes

• Prep ahead by softening cream cheese and letting sausage reach room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Drain Rotel tomatoes completely to prevent excess moisture that could make sausage balls soggy or fall apart.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can make the balls tough and dense.
• Use lean sausage for a less greasy result, and consider blending mild and spicy sausage for complex flavor.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking and prevent undercooked meat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg