Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
If you’re in the market for a snack that turns every get-together into a can’t-miss event, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine the creamy tang of cream cheese, bold sausage flavor, and zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies all wrapped into a golden-baked, cheesy bite. Each savory ball is bursting with melt-in-your-mouth goodness and just a touch of heat, making them the kind of treat that disappears fast at parties – trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch! Whether you’re hosting a game day, brunch, or just craving something fun and flavorful, these little bites hit every mark on the crave-worthy chart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients can create magic in a single bite. Each one in this list plays a starring role, delivering the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and cheesy satisfaction. Here’s everything you’ll need on your kitchen counter to whip up Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:
- Ground breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose mild for the classic flavor, or go spicy if you like a little heat – it’s the flavorful backbone of each bite.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This brings unbeatable creaminess, making the texture extra tender and rich.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can, drained): The secret to that signature tang and a mild kick; be sure to drain well for the perfect dough consistency.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Gives body and structure, holding all that cheesy, meaty goodness together.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Adds just enough lift so your sausage balls come out light and just a bit fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A sprinkle ties all the other flavors together and amps up the savory notes.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1½ cups): For gooey, melty pockets and big cheesy flavor – the sharper, the better!
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a big baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze and your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls won’t stick. Give yourself plenty of workspace – you’ll be mixing up a deliciously hearty batch!
Step 2: Combine Sausage Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, toss in the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix it all together until you’ve got a creamy, evenly dotted mixture. This is where the flavor journey begins!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This little trio transforms the texture of your sausage balls, ensuring they hold together while staying soft in the middle.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add your dry mix right into the sausage mixture. Stir until you don’t see any dry patches. The dough will be thick but trust the process – this is exactly what you want for hearty, satisfying bites.
Step 5: Fold in Cheddar Cheese
Now, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar over the top and gently fold it in. Don’t overmix – just enough to distribute that lovely cheddar throughout for maximum cheesy punches in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop (or just your hands), roll the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet with a little room in between. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown, slightly crisp outside, and cooked all the way through. Let them cool just a smidge before plating – that creamy cheese center is hot!
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar over hot sausage balls or scatter sliced scallions or fresh chopped parsley on top. For dipping, serve alongside classic ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or cool sour cream to let guests mix and match flavors.
Side Dishes
While these are the stars of any snack table, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls go fabulously with fresh veggie sticks, a crisp salad, or roasted potatoes for a heartier plate. They’re also fantastic tucked beside scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a brunch lineup everyone raves about.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a rustic platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking. Or, pair each one with a mini waffle for playful “sausage ball sliders.” For an extra-fancy twist, plate them with tiny skewers and a duo of colorful dipping sauces arranged in shot glasses on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extras in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The creamy, spicy flavors stay punchy, and they’re perfect for quick snacks or a heat-and-eat breakfast bite.
Freezing
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls freeze wonderfully after baking. Cool them completely, arrange on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their magic for up to 2 months and go straight from freezer to oven when you need a last-minute treat.
Reheating
Warm leftover sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for that just-baked texture. The microwave works too in a pinch, but the edges are best from the oven or air fryer – golden and a little crispy.
FAQs
What kind of sausage should I use for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Both mild and spicy breakfast sausage work beautifully. If you love a kick, go with spicy or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra zing. Turkey sausage also works if you want to lighten things up.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix everything up, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep a breeze and gives the flavors time to meld even more.
Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing?
Nope, there’s no pre-cooking required. Everything bakes together in the oven, so the sausage is perfectly cooked and juicy by the time your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are golden and ready to serve.
Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your baking powder is GF-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleaser.
Why are my sausage balls a little dry?
If they seem dry, it’s often because the Rotel wasn’t fully drained or the oven baked them a bit too long. Measure carefully and keep an eye on that timer – a little moisture and just-right baking are the keys to soft, tender sausage balls.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to bring the party to your table than with a batch of Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They’re so easy to make, ridiculously tasty, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Give them a try – you might just discover your new favorite, too.
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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect party appetizer or snack. With a flavorful mix of sausage, cream cheese, Rotel, and cheddar, these baked sausage balls are easy to make and always a hit!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the sausage mixture.
- Add cheddar cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Form and bake: Shape the mixture into balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- You can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- To add more heat, use hot sausage or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These sausage balls freeze well after baking; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
