Another reason to love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is how easy they are to make. You only need one bowl and five ingredients to whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. There’s no complicated prep — just mix, roll, and bake. These sausage balls can even be prepared ahead of time and baked right before serving, making them ideal for busy hosts. They freeze beautifully, reheat perfectly, and pair well with any dipping sauce, from ranch to spicy chipotle mayo.
Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as a party appetizer, or as part of your holiday spread, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls always steal the show. The combination of creamy cheese and a little heat from the Rotel creates a flavor profile that’s satisfying, indulgent, and just spicy enough to keep everyone reaching for more. Once you try this easy twist on the classic Southern sausage ball, you’ll never make them any other way again.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze: Place baked or unbaked sausage balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm baked sausage balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Summary
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls combine spicy sausage, smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Rotel tomatoes for a flavorful, tender, and easy appetizer. Perfect for parties, holidays, or snacking, they’re creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
Yield: 24–30 sausage balls | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wooden spoon or hand mixer
- Cookie scoop (optional for uniform balls)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups Bisquick or baking mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar, Bisquick, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until well combined.
- Shape the mixture: Roll into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve plain or with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy aioli.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the Rotel well to avoid excess moisture.
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melt and texture.
- For extra spice, use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne.
- You can use gluten-free baking mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Tips for Success
- Soften cream cheese fully before mixing for smoother blending.
- Don’t overmix — combine just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop for even baking and consistent size.
- To make ahead, shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Spicy version: Use hot sausage and add diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy upgrade: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Low-carb option: Swap Bisquick for almond flour and a pinch of baking powder.
- Mini sliders: Flatten slightly before baking and serve between mini buns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the balls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day. They’re great for prepping before parties.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely. Just note that turkey sausage is leaner, so adding a touch more cream cheese keeps them moist.
How do I prevent them from being greasy?
Use quality sausage and drain any excess fat on paper towels after baking.
Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
Conclusion
Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls combine the best of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness in one bite. Whether for breakfast, parties, or game days, these golden-baked morsels will disappear fast — so make extra! Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for any occasion that calls for comfort food and smiles.