There’s something irresistibly comforting about bite-sized snacks that pack a punch of flavor, and these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are no exception. A perfect blend of spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cream cheese, and savory sausage, these little balls are easy to make, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, holiday get-together, or just craving something tasty, these sausage balls will quickly become your go-to appetizer. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a snack that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite

Flavorful: The combination of spicy Rotel tomatoes, tangy cream cheese, and savory sausage creates layers of bold, irresistible flavor in every bite.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or add herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness. It’s endlessly adaptable to suit your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like ground sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. No need for expensive ingredients to create an impressive appetizer.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. These sausage balls are bite-sized, easy to eat, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Ground Sausage: The base of our recipe. Choose your favorite type pork, turkey, or chicken sausage works well. Its savory flavor pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and Rotel.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and binds everything together. Use full-fat for maximum creaminess.
Rotel Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies bring heat and tanginess to the mix. Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works perfectly for melting into gooey perfection. Adds extra flavor and texture to each ball.
Flour: Acts as a binding agent to hold the mixture together. All-purpose flour works best, but gluten-free options can be used if needed.

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and drained Rotel tomatoes. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Add Sausage and Cheese: Crumble the cooked or raw ground sausage into the bowl, followed by shredded cheese. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or serve with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for added flair. Enjoy warm!

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120

How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These sausage balls pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience

Ranch Dressing: Serve with a side of creamy ranch dressing for dipping. It complements the spiciness beautifully.
Hot Sauce: Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top for an extra kick of heat.
Cocktail Sauce: Offer cocktail sauce as an alternative dipping option for a tangy twist.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these sausage balls are perfectly delicious on their own. Simply plate and enjoy!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of sausage? Yes! Pork, turkey, or chicken sausage works well. Just ensure the sausage is seasoned for optimal flavor.
What type of cheese should I use? Cheddar or Monterey Jack are classic choices, but pepper jack adds extra heat if desired. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Form the balls and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I store leftover sausage balls? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze these sausage balls? Yes! Freeze individual balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Not as written, but you can omit the flour or reduce it significantly for a lower-carb option. Bind the mixture with extra egg if needed.
Can I skip the Rotel tomatoes? You can, though they add unique flavor and spice. For a milder version, substitute with diced tomatoes or omit entirely.
Do I need to cook the sausage first? No, raw sausage works fine and simplifies the process. However, cooking it beforehand reduces moisture and speeds up baking time.
Can I add other ingredients to the mix? Absolutely! Finely chopped onions, garlic, or jalapeños would all pair beautifully with the sausage balls. Feel free to experiment!

Conclusion

There you have it a delicious and crowd-pleasing Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With their perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply indulging in a tasty snack. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make something amazing together! Your guests and your taste buds will thank you.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: About 24 sausage balls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or holiday gatherings! Serve them with ranch dressing or spicy mustard for an extra kick.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound ground sausage (hot or mild, depending on preference)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups Bisquick or another baking mix

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine raw sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until well combined.
Shape the sausage balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm as a snack or appetizer. Pair with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Store leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, bake the sausage balls on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack if you want more spice.
Make ahead: Freeze unbaked sausage balls, then bake directly from frozen (add 5-7 extra minutes).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 pieces
Calories: ~230 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg