These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make them irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack, or bringing something to a potluck, these sausage balls will steal the show.
Ingredients (Makes ~40 Sausage Balls)
1 lb (16 oz) ground pork sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, for added depth)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until well blended.
Add the drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick mix, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls (about the size of a ping pong ball).
Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color, if desired.
Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
Tips for Success
Drain Rotel Well: To avoid a soggy mixture, ensure that you drain the Rotel thoroughly before mixing it in.
Keep Cream Cheese Softened: Soft cream cheese mixes more easily with the other ingredients.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked sausage balls for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though they may lose a bit of their crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Sausage Ball)
Calories: ~80
Protein: ~4g
Carbs: ~3g
Fat: ~6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or even breakfast.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and easy to make in large batches.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
Enjoy these creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls—a guaranteed hit for any occasion! 🧀🌶️✨
