Zesty Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: Snack Magic

Savory aromas fill the kitchen when you mix Rotel cream cheese sausage balls into a delightful appetizer that promises pure comfort.

Every bite delivers a spicy, cheesy explosion of flavor that keeps guests coming back for more.

These irresistible golden-brown morsels blend zesty sausage with creamy cheese and a hint of southwest kick.

Folks at potlucks and game day gatherings will devour these bite-sized treats faster than you can plate them.

The simple combination of just a few ingredients creates a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears in minutes.

Warm, hearty, and packed with robust flavors, these sausage balls guarantee smiles around the table.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen with each delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 246 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes in Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Ground Sausage: Provides robust, hearty flavor and primary protein foundation for the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind ingredients with smooth, tangy richness.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, melty depth and increases overall cheesiness.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Delivers zesty southwestern kick with subtle heat and bright tomato notes.

• Biscuit Baking Mix: Creates structure and helps hold sausage balls together with light, crispy consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth and classic savory undertone.
• Onion Powder: Contributes balanced, mild sweetness without chopping fresh onions.
• Black Pepper: Offers gentle spiciness and rounds out overall seasoning profile.

• Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Provides fresh color and light herbal accent.

Equipment Checklist for Sausage Balls with Rotel and Cream Cheese

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Used to arrange and bake sausage balls evenly.
• Parchment paper or oil: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Hands: Best tool for mixing and shaping sausage balls.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for initial mixing of ingredients.
• Meat thermometer (optional): Confirms internal temperature for food safety.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for these savory morsels.

• Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and give it a light coating of oil or spread parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.

• Flavor Fusion

Dive into a mixing bowl and combine the sausage, cream cheese, Rotel, cheddar, biscuit mix, and seasonings. Get your hands dirty and blend everything until it’s perfectly mixed.

• Ball Crafting

Gently roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres. Arrange them on the baking sheet with a little breathing room between each ball.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the balls turn a gorgeous golden brown, typically taking 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when they reach a safe internal temperature.

• Cool Down and Dress Up

Let the sausage balls rest for a moment. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

• Serving Sensation

Plate these delectable treats while they’re warm. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Flavor Tips for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Spice Swap Magic: Experiment with different sausage flavors like spicy Italian, chorizo, or turkey sausage to create unique taste profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the sausage ball mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked balls for up to a month, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap biscuit mix with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour to make these sausage balls accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for better binding.
• Cheesy Flavor Boost: Mix in different cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese to elevate the classic recipe. Grated parmesan can add an extra layer of savory depth to the balls.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who love a serious spice challenge.

Ideas for Serving Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning appetizer spread with these sausage balls as the star attraction, surrounded by colorful dipping sauces and fresh herb garnishes.
• Game Day Touchdown: Serve these bite-sized delights during sports watching parties, placing them on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing and sharing.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair these savory sausage balls with a light mixed green salad and fresh fruit to create a complete breakfast or brunch experience that will impress your guests.
• Tailgate Champion: Pack these portable treats in a thermal container for outdoor events, keeping them warm and providing a delicious protein-packed snack that travels perfectly.

Best Storage for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Batch Prep Power: Whip up double batches and freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future snacks. Perfect for game day or unexpected guests.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and tender inside.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare raw mixture up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then shape and cook when ready to serve. Keeps ingredients fresh and saves precious party prep time.
• Portable Party Bites: Pack cooled sausage balls in lunch boxes or picnic containers. They taste delicious at room temperature, making them ideal for potlucks, road trips, and workplace gatherings.

Crispy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rotel cream cheese sausage balls deliver zesty flavor for party appetizers or game day snacks. Cheesy, spicy bites combine sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes in simple, irresistible finger food you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (240 g) biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)
• 1 can (10 oz/283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Mixing Mastery: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Shaping Stage: Roll the mixture into compact, one-inch spheres, positioning them with slight separation on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisp exteriors.
4. Baking Brilliance: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and allow brief resting period to stabilize flavors, then garnish with optional fresh herbs or green onion snippets for visual appeal and added zest.
6. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately with complementary dipping sauces, creating an enticing appetizer that promises to captivate taste buds and impress guests.

Notes

• Precision Mixing: Thoroughly blend ingredients to distribute flavors evenly, preventing dry or uneven sausage balls.
• Temperature Control: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture consistency.
• Sizing Matters: Keep sausage balls uniform (1-inch) to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Moisture Management: Drain Rotel tomatoes completely to prevent excess liquid that could make mixture too wet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 552 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg