These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a deliciously savory and cheesy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or even breakfast! Packed with flavorful breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re ready in under an hour!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 20–25 minutes
Total Time
- 35–40 minutes
Servings
- About 24 sausage balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups Bisquick or any baking mix
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- 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 breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be sticky but should hold together when formed into balls.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool.
- Serve warm with extra dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or hot sauce if desired.
Pro Tips
- Drain the Rotel Well: Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture, which can make the sausage balls soggy.
- Use Your Hands: Mixing the ingredients by hand ensures everything is evenly distributed and helps create a cohesive dough.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage balls ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 24 sausage balls)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or use hot sausage for an extra kick of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick to make this recipe gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are packed with bold flavors—savory sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes—all wrapped up in a perfectly bite-sized package. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cheesy snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ready to whip up a batch of these cheesy, zesty delights? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plate of irresistible sausage balls!
