Savory, Spicy, and Irresistibly Cheesy
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate appetizer. Made with spicy sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, these bites are packed with flavor and always disappear fast. Perfect for game day, holiday spreads, or snack cravings, they’re easy to make and hard to resist.
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage Balls
Here’s everything you need:
- 1 pound spicy or mild breakfast sausage
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (drained well)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups Bisquick or baking mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, drained Rotel, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly. Add Bisquick and mix until evenly incorporated. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon—it will be thick.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Roll the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch balls. Place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Let cool for a couple minutes, then serve warm with ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
- Drain Rotel thoroughly to avoid soggy mixture
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing
- Choose spicy sausage for extra kick
- Add more Bisquick if mixture is too wet
- Double the batch—they freeze and reheat beautifully
Serving Ideas
Pair these cheesy sausage balls with:
- A side of ranch or sour cream
- Game day wings and sliders
- Fresh veggie platter for contrast
- A cold beer or sparkling soda
- Holiday appetizer platters
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Prepare and chill raw sausage balls up to 24 hours before baking
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooked balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze uncooked or cooked: Flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes
Final Thoughts
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Whether for parties, brunches, or easy weeknight snacks, they never disappoint. Quick to prep, packed with flavor, and totally crowd-approved—you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.
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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: A Bold, Cheesy Party Favorite
- Total Time: 35 mins
Ingredients
1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
Add the Bisquick baking mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 40 sausage balls
- Calories: 125 kcal per ball