If you’re craving a snack that brings bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture together in every bite, the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. This crowd-pleasing appetizer marries spicy, cheesy, and savory notes perfectly, making it ideal for game days, parties, or even casual family gatherings. Once you try these golden, flavorful sausage balls, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe whenever you want something easy, delicious, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe uses simple but powerful ingredients that work in harmony to deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component adds its own magic to the mix, ensuring you get that rich, cheesy goodness with a little kick from the Rotel and a tender bite from the sausage and cream cheese.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage: The juicy, savory base that brings all the flavors together.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy texture and slight tanginess that balances the spices.
- 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Provides a refreshing kick and vibrant color.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Injects sharp, cheesy flavor and helps bind everything.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough and ensures the perfect bite.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Lightens the texture so the sausage balls don’t feel dense.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sausage.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides just enough spice to keep things interesting.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green for presentation.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep those sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked bites every time.
Step 2: Combine the Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Rotel
In a large bowl, toss together the raw breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and the drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Mixing them thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with that signature spicy, creamy flavor you’re chasing in this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar and Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until a sticky dough forms. This is where your sausage balls start coming to life, with all these flavors mingling beautifully.
Step 4: Chill if Needed
If the mixture feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough and makes it so much easier to roll into uniform balls with your hands or a cookie scoop.
Step 5: Form the Sausage Balls
Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Using a cookie scoop helps keep them consistent in size, which means even baking. These little spheres of deliciousness are almost ready to meet your oven!
Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the sausage balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This spacing helps them bake evenly and develop those perfectly crispy edges that everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through. Using a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F ensures they’re safe and juicy inside.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the sausage balls cool slightly once out of the oven, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. This finishing touch adds color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to complement the rich flavors inside.
How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your sausage balls and make them look as festive as they taste. Think freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra sharp cheddar. For a spicy kick, you could even drizzle a little hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad for balance, creamy ranch or blue cheese dips for extra indulgence, or even a tangy coleslaw to refresh the palate. They’re versatile enough to complement many flavors, making them a hit alongside any meal or party platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe into a showstopper by serving them in mini muffin tins for an easy grab-and-go option, or skewer a few onto toothpicks with a slice of pickle or cherry tomato for a fun appetizer. You could even serve them with a variety of dipping sauces artfully arranged for a DIY snack station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick snack or reheating for a late-night craving.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked sausage balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, giving you a ready-made snack anytime you want a taste of this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though you might lose a bit of that glorious crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a nice, tangy bite, you can experiment with pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Just keep the same quantity to maintain the dough’s consistency.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, draining the Rotel helps prevent the dough from becoming too wet and sticky, which could make forming the sausage balls tricky. You want just the right amount of moisture for binding without sogginess.
Can I make these vegetarian?
While the traditional recipe centers on sausage, you could substitute with plant-based sausage alternatives and follow the same method. Just be mindful of moisture content and adjust the flour if needed.
What can I serve with Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a party?
These sausage balls are perfect alongside dips like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. Finger foods like veggie sticks, crackers, or even deviled eggs create a well-rounded and crowd-pleasing spread.
How do I make sure the sausage balls cook evenly?
Uniform size is key—use a cookie scoop or measure with your hands to keep the balls consistent. Also, giving each ball enough space on the baking sheet ensures hot air circulates for even baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a festive, savory snack that’s easy to whip up yet impresses every single time, you simply have to try this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and comforting all rolled into one bite-sized treat. Once you’ve tasted these, they’ll undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection, ready to please any crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls made with spicy Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and flavored with garlic and onion powders. These flavorful sausage balls are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Rotel: In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix thoroughly until well blended into a consistent mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the sausage mixture. Stir to form a sticky dough that holds together well.
- Chill the Mixture: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Form Sausage Balls: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into uniform balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for even heat circulation.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure safety.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For spicier sausage balls, use hotter varieties of Rotel or add cayenne pepper.
- These sausage balls freeze well; freeze them before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage is safely cooked.
