These Rotel Sausage Balls are the perfect combo of spicy sausage and creamy cheese! It’s a fun, tasty snack that’s great for parties or just munching at home.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix everything together, roll them into balls, and bake! These little bites always disappear fast—who can resist them? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: You can choose between mild and spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you want a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these balls a great flavor, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you can use a blend of cheeses for variety.
Rotel Tomatoes: If you can’t find Rotel, you can use regular diced tomatoes mixed with jalapeños. Just drain them to avoid excess moisture!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, try reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also swap with sour cream for a different texture.
Biscuit Baking Mix: If you don’t have biscuit mix, you can use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder (1 cup flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder) as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in These Sausage Balls?
Mixing the ingredients just right is key to achieving a great texture. Start with ground sausage that’s not overly fatty. If your mixture seems too dry, add more cream cheese to help bind it.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the sausage balls tender.
- Space them out on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Watch them closely towards the end of baking to prevent overcooking.
How to Make Rotel Sausage Balls With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Sausage Balls:
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 to 30 minutes to bake, making the total time around 45 minutes. Perfect for when you want a quick and tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add your ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, the drained can of Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, and the biscuit baking mix. If you’d like a boost of flavor, sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks like one big, yummy mixture.
3. Shape the Balls:
Now it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Take a small amount of the mixture (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and roll it into a ball. Place each shaped ball on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can cook evenly.
4. Bake the Sausage Balls:
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on top and cooked all the way through.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, you can garnish them with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy mustard!
Enjoy these delicious, cheesy, and slightly spicy sausage balls as an appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but make sure to thaw it completely before mixing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Just ensure it’s fully heated before cooking the sausage balls.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sausage mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just roll them into balls and proceed with the baking instructions!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites. Just keep the total amount around 2 cups for the best texture.
