Crispy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Crunchy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe: Tasty Magic!

Savory sausage balls with creamy Rotel cream cheese take appetizers to a whole new level of deliciousness.

These bite-sized morsels pack a serious punch of flavor and texture.

Loaded with sharp cheddar, spicy sausage, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, they deliver a mouthwatering combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Each golden-brown ball offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.

The unexpected blend of ingredients creates an irresistible snack that disappears quickly at parties and gatherings.

Guests won’t be able to resist these addictive little bites that are sure to become your new go-to party favorite.

Prepare to be the star of any potluck or game day spread with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 20

Sausage Ball Ingredient Breakdown

For Protein Base:
  • Uncooked Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture that anchors the entire dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy smoothness and helps bind ingredients together with luxurious richness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Brings zesty southwestern kick with bright, tangy notes and subtle heat.
  • Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Introduces melty, complex cheese flavor with authentic southwestern character.
For Binding and Structure:
  • Bisquick Baking Mix: Creates light, crispy exterior and helps hold sausage balls together with perfect consistency.

Tools That Help You Mix the Perfect Batch

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and creating the sausage ball mixture.
  • Electric Stand Mixer: Helps mix ingredients quickly and evenly, with dough hook attachment making blending easier.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for cooking sausage balls evenly and catching any drips.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Scoop or Spoon: Helps form uniform-sized sausage balls.
  • Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking sheet.

Bake Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Today

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees, getting it ready for some delicious action.

  • Mix and Mingle

Grab a big bowl and toss in the sausage, cream cheese, zesty Rotel, Bisquick, and cheese. Use your hands or a mixer to blend everything into a unified party of flavors.

  • Roll into Bite-Sized Treats

Shape the mixture into small, irresistible balls about the size of a golf ball. Pro tip: slightly chilled mixture makes rolling easier.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the sausage balls on a parchment-covered baking sheet, giving them some breathing room. Pop them in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through to the center.

Tips for Making Sausage Balls Soft and Flavorful

  • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent sticky hands and create more uniform sausage balls.
  • Use an electric stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for effortless blending of ingredients, ensuring even distribution of cheese and Rotel.
  • Replace Bisquick with gluten-free baking mix or almond flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets while maintaining the recipe's delicious texture.
  • Opt for mild Rotel for less heat or choose the hot version to add an extra kick, allowing personalization of the spice profile to suit different taste preferences.
  • Prepare sausage balls ahead of time and freeze uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage and quick preparation when unexpected guests arrive.

How to Serve Sausage Balls at Any Gathering

  • Zesty Party Platter: Arrange sausage balls on a large wooden board with toothpicks, creating an inviting appetizer spread that encourages guests to grab and enjoy.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve with ranch, spicy marinara, or tangy chipotle sauce to enhance flavor complexity and provide multiple taste experiences for guests.
  • Game Day Companion: Perfect for sports gatherings, pair with cold beer, crisp celery sticks, and create a casual, relaxed dining atmosphere that keeps everyone munching and enjoying.
  • Breakfast Twist: Transform these sausage balls into a morning meal by serving alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a light mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying breakfast option.

Keep Sausage Balls Fresh for the Next Party

  • Store sausage balls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual sausage balls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chilled or frozen sausage balls in preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Arrange on baking sheet in single layer to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.
  • Prepare raw sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate before shaping and baking. This technique helps ingredients meld and intensifies flavor profiles.

FAQs

  • Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls spicy?

Yes, the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies add a mild to moderate kick of spiciness to the sausage balls, giving them a zesty flavor profile.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute the original sausage with hot sausage for extra heat, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or breakfast sausage for a different taste.

  • Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?

Yes, it’s crucial to drain the Rotel tomatoes completely to prevent excess moisture from making the sausage balls too wet and affecting their texture.

  • Can these sausage balls be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance, then refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake them fresh for the best taste and texture.

Print
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Crispy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Crispy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 21 1x

Description

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls bring savory southern charm to party appetizers. Cheesy, spicy bites deliver irresistible flavor that guests will devour quickly and enthusiastically.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (hot or mild)
  • 2 cups (200g) Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) Bisquick baking mix
  • 1 can (10 oz/283g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
  2. Mixture Creation: In a voluminous mixing bowl, vigorously combine raw sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, Bisquick baking mix, and Mexican cheese blend until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and cohesive.
  3. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the unified mixture for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and composition to solidify, which enhances shaping precision.
  4. Forming and Positioning: Craft uniform spherical morsels approximately 1-inch in diameter, strategically arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with modest intervals between each ball to facilitate optimal browning.
  5. Baking Process: Slide the prepared sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 18-20 minutes until sausage balls transform into golden-brown delicacies with a crisp exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, ensuring a safe and delectable result.

Notes

  • Chill Before Shaping: Refrigerating the mixture prevents sticky hands and helps ingredients bind better, making ball formation easier and more uniform.
  • Check Meat Temperature: Ensure sausage reaches internal temperature of 160°F for food safety, using a meat thermometer to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Swap regular Rotel for mild or hot versions to adjust heat intensity according to personal or guests’ spice preferences.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare sausage balls in advance and freeze uncooked, allowing quick baking directly from frozen state for convenient entertaining or meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 21
  • Calories: 152
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 361mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 29mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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