Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are these little bites that taste reаl good , and since they got ground saussаge , soft creаm cheese , and those zingy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies mixed in , peоple always go nuts for them . They’re easy to make and somehow they just vanish at every get-together .
You can eat them as finger food at a family dinner or bring them to a big game day party . They work warm right out of the oven or even cool on the counter . If you want them spicier , just add more chilies ; if you like mild , use less .
These sausage balls are so popular because the recipe is super simple and you only need a few things from the grocery store , even a kitchen newbie can make them . Below you’ll find what goes in them , how to mix , bake , and some fun twists to try .
What Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
They’re bite-sized snacks that mix savory ground saussаge with rich creаm cheese and the bright flavor of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies . Each ball packs a punch of taste in a small package , making them perfect for munching at any time .
Main parts of this recipe:
- Rotel tomatoes: Diced tomatoes plus green chilies give a tangy kick .
- Cream cheese: Helps hold everything together and makes it smooth .
- Breakfast sausage: Brings in the seasoning and meaty flavor .
- Shredded cheese: Usually cheddar , but you can sub pepper jack if you like heat .
- Baking mix: Bisquick or another all-purpose mix for the right texture .
Ingredients
Grab these items to whip up a batch of sausage balls :
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or your fav brand )
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is classic )
- 1 cup Bisquick or similar baking mix
- Optional: garlic powder , onion powder , black pepper to taste
Better-quality ingredients usually mean better flavor and texture , so pick fresh stuff if you can .
Directions
Follow these steps to get perfect sausage balls :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper .
- In a big bowl , mix the sausage , creаm cheese , and Rotel tomatoes until kinda blended .
- Stir in shredded cheese and Bisquick , mix just until all is combined .
- Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a tablespoon .
- Place them on the sheet , leaving a little space between each .
- Bake for 20–25 minutes , or until they’re golden brown and cooked through .
- Let them cool a bit before serving so they hold their shape .
Ovens can differ , so keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning or undercooking .
Tips for Serving and Pairing
- Dips: Ranch , spicy mustard , or a cheesy dip go great .
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top .
- Drinks: Try beer , iced tea , or a light cocktail alongside .
- Events: Perfect for birthdays , holidays , game days , or casual hangs .
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm .
Nutritional Information
One serving gives you about 200 calories , with plenty of protein from the sausage and cheese . If you want to cut fat , swap regular cream cheese for reduced-fat or use turkey sausage . For gluten-free , pick a GF baking mix .
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and vegan cream cheese .
- Cheese swaps: Pepper jack , mozzarella , or any cheese you like .
- Seasoning twists: Add chili powder , cumin , or Italian herbs .
- Cooking hacks: Try an air fryer or slow cooker for different textures .
Common Mistakes
- Wrong proportions: Too much baking mix makes them dry ; too little makes them fall apart .
- Overmixing: Can make the balls tough — mix only until just combined .
- Overbaking: Watch the time so they don’t get hard and dry .
If unsure , use a meat thermometer ; they’re done at 160°F (70°C) inside .
FAQs
- What are sausage balls made of? Sausage balls usually have ground sausage , cream cheese , shredded cheese , baking mix , and seasonings .
- Can I freeze them? Yes , freeze before or after baking in an airtight bag ; reheat when you want to snack .
- How do I know they’re done? They should be golden and reach 160°F inside .
- What if I don’t have Rotel? Use diced tomatoes plus chopped jalapeños or any tomato-chili mix .
- Are they gluten-free? Not with regular Bisquick , but you can swap in a gluten-free mix .
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper or cooking spray
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 fork or spoon for mixing
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained For a milder flavor, use original Rotel tomatoes instead of the spicy variety.
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the softened cream cheese for about 30 seconds to make it easier to mix.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add the Bisquick mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until a dough forms and all ingredients are combined.
- Use your hands to roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
