This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe is a flavorful party appetizer—savory sausage mixed with cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar, baked into golden, cheesy bites everyone will love! It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or any time you want a crowd‑pleasing finger food that disappears fast.
My Nonna believed that the best appetizers were those you could pop into your mouth with one hand and still talk with the other. These sausage balls are exactly that—warm, spicy, creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, zesty flavor from Rotel tomatoes and green chilies
- Creamy texture with cream cheese and melted cheddar
- Easy to make ahead and freeze if needed
- Perfect appetizer size—bite‑sized and easy to serve
- Great crowd‑pleaser with minimal effort
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 10 oz / 283 g can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 8 oz / 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1½ cups (180 g) Bisquick baking mix (or similar biscuit mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Cream Cheese & Sausage
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add Rotel & Cheese
Stir in the drained Rotel and shredded cheddar until evenly incorporated.
4. Add Dry Mix & Seasonings
Gradually add the Bisquick (or similar mix), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until the dough is thick and well combined.
5. Shape the Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll mixture into 1‑inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or snack.
Make It Your Own
- Use hot sausage for spicier version or mild for mellow flavor
- Substitute cheddar with pepper Jack or Mexican blend
- Mix in fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for freshness
- Freeze unbaked balls for later—bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
Tips for Success
- Drain the Rotel well so the sausage ball mixture isn’t too wet
- Soften cream cheese fully to make mixing easier
- Chill the rolled balls briefly if they’re too sticky before baking
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli
- Pair with fresh vegetable sticks to balance richness
- Offer alongside crackers or soft bread rolls
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3‑4 days
- Reheat in the oven to restore crisp exterior; microwave works but may soften edges
- These freeze well—freeze on tray first, then bag; bake from frozen
Final Thoughts
These sausage balls are pure party gold—zesty, cheesy, warm, and endlessly addictive. They bring together comfort and flavor in every bite. For any gathering or spontaneous snack session, they’re always a hit.
Share Your Comfort Dish!
Made these? Tag @yourhandle and use #RotelSausageBalls so I can see your cheesy bites and share in the joy!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 10 oz / 283 g can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies well drained
- 8 oz / 225 g cream cheese softened
- 2 cups 200 g shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1½ cups 180 g Bisquick baking mix (or similar biscuit mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon onion powder optional
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Cream Cheese & Sausage
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add Rotel & Cheese
- Stir in the drained Rotel and shredded cheddar until evenly incorporated.
Add Dry Mix & Seasonings
- Gradually add the Bisquick (or similar mix), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until the dough is thick and well combined.
Shape the Balls
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll mixture into 1‑inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or snack.
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