Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delightful combination of ingredients that results in a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy snack or appetizer. The cream cheese keeps the sausage balls moist and rich, while the shredded cheddar adds a creamy texture. The addition of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies gives the dish a zesty kick, making it stand out from regular sausage balls. Easy to make, these sausage balls bake up perfectly golden and delicious in just under 30 minutes. Whether served at a party or as a quick snack, these are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 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 ½ cups Bisquick or another baking mix
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 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 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 dipping sauces like ranch dressing or spicy mustard if desired.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 sausage balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based sausage substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an added spice boost.
- Cheese Variations: Switch out cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorite cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap out Bisquick with a low-carb baking mix for a keto-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 30-45 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use either hot or mild sausage depending on your preference, or you could also use a turkey sausage for a leaner option.
2. How do I make these sausage balls spicier?
To make the sausage balls spicier, try adding diced jalapeños, a bit of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before rolling into balls.
3. Can I freeze these sausage balls?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Just shape the balls and bake when ready to serve.
5. How do I know when the sausage balls are done?
The sausage balls are done when they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. You can cut one open to check if it’s fully cooked.
6. What should I serve with these sausage balls?
Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for added flavor.
7. Can I use a different baking mix?
Yes, you can substitute Bisquick with any other baking mix, such as Jiffy or a gluten-free baking mix.
8. How can I make these sausage balls lower in fat?
Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and a leaner sausage, such as turkey sausage, to reduce the fat content.
9. How long will the sausage balls stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the sausage balls will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the sausage balls in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through for desired crispness.
Conclusion
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate savory snack, full of cheesy, spicy goodness. Perfect for any gathering, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a party or as a snack during the game, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy these deliciously flavorful sausage balls with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear in no time!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a deliciously savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy snack that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with ground sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and the zesty kick of Rotel’s diced tomatoes and green chilies, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, game days, or casual snacking. They are easy to make and bake up golden and crisp in under 30 minutes, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
- 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 ½ cups Bisquick or another baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the sausage mixture: In a large bowl, combine the raw sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm as a snack or appetizer, with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or spicy mustard if desired.
- Store leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- For a lower-carb version, swap Bisquick with a keto-friendly baking mix.
- To freeze, place unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
