Rotel Sausage Balls

Rotel Sausage Balls: Quick, Delicious in 3 Steps!

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The Absolute Best Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Table of Contents

Welcome, fellow food lovers! If you’re searching for the ultimate easy appetizer recipe, you’ve found it. These incredible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion, from game day tailgates to elegant holiday parties. They are cheesy, savory, have a little kick, and are ridiculously simple to make.

This isn’t your average sausage ball recipe. The addition of cream cheese makes them incredibly moist and tender, while the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies add a zesty flavor that cuts through the richness. Get ready for your new go-to party food!

1. Why These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Are a Must-Try

What makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? It’s the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. They are the ultimate sausage appetizer that everyone will be raving about long after the party is over.

These baked sausage balls are packed with flavor but require minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious snack that feels gourmet. They are also wonderfully versatile and perfect for making ahead of time.

2. What You’ll Need: Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to create these flavor-packed bites. Here’s your shopping list:

  • 1 lb Ground Pork Sausage: You can use hot, mild, or sage-flavored sausage depending on your preference for spice.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. We recommend a quality brand like Philadelphia Cream Cheese for the best results.
  • 10 oz Can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Be sure to drain it very well to avoid soggy sausage balls!
  • 2 cups Bisquick Baking Mix: This is the classic binder that gives the sausage balls their wonderful texture.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild or a Monterey Jack blend works well too.
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Green Onions (optional): For a fresh, mild onion flavor.

3. How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Ready to get cooking? Follow these three simple steps for perfect, golden-brown sausage balls every time. It’s almost too easy!

3.1. Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, let’s get your oven and baking sheet ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the bottoms from getting too brown and keeps them from sticking.

3.2. Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel, Bisquick baking mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sausage balls tough.

3.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

4. Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sausage Balls

Want to ensure your cheese sausage balls are absolutely flawless? Here are a few pro tips:

  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can result in tough, dense sausage balls.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized sausage balls that cook evenly, use a small cookie scoop. This also makes the rolling process much faster and less messy.
  • Drain Rotel Well: This is crucial! Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the Rotel tomatoes and chilies. Excess moisture will make your sausage balls soggy and prevent them from browning nicely.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your cream cheese and even the sausage to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes will make them much easier to mix.

5. Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun variations to spice things up:

  • Extra Spicy: Use hot pork sausage and add a finely diced jalapeño (with seeds for more heat) to the mixture.
  • Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack for an extra kick, or try a smoked Gruyère for a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh sage or parsley to the mix for an earthy, fresh flavor that complements the sausage.

6. Serving and Dipping Suggestions

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are fantastic on their own, but a good dipping sauce can take them to the next level! Serve them warm with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy comeback sauce. They make a wonderful addition to any appetizer platter. See others recipes here for more party food inspiration!

7. Storing and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help them crisp up again better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Rotel sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage ball mixture, roll the balls, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze Rotel cream cheese sausage balls?

Yes, this recipe is very freezer-friendly. You can freeze them either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. To freeze baked sausage balls, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven until warm.

My sausage balls came out greasy. How can I fix this?

Greasy sausage balls are often caused by the type of sausage used. Some brands have a higher fat content. To prevent this, you can lightly brown the sausage first and drain off the excess grease before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, be sure to let the baked sausage balls rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute after they come out of the oven to absorb any surface grease.

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