Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

If you need a warm and crowd-pleasing appetizer that always disappears first from the tray, these Rotel cream cheese sausage balls deliver rich flavor and a little kick of spice. They come together with just a handful of ingredients and disappear almost as fast as they bake, making them my reliable go-to for football parties and cozy family nights.

The first time I made these was for a game day snack plate and now even my pickiest eaters race to grab them before the platter is gone.

Ingredients

• Spicy breakfast sausage: brings heat and meaty flavor and choose a fresh bulk sausage with visible spices for the best punch
• Cream cheese: softened to blend everything smoothly and look for full fat blocks for luscious texture
• Rotel tomatoes and green chilies: for zesty flavor and a touch of moisture and I always drain them well to prevent soggy sausage balls
• Shredded cheddar cheese: for sharp salty bite and meltiness and I like to hand grate for best melt
• Bisquick baking mix: binds everything together and creates a fluffy tender bite and check the freshness for best rise

Instructions

Prepare to Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking

Mix the Main Ingredients:

Place the uncooked breakfast sausage softened cream cheese and well drained Rotel tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to massage and fold everything together until you have a mostly uniform mixture with no large patches of cream cheese

Add Cheese and Bisquick:

Mix in the shredded cheddar and Bisquick by folding thoroughly until every scoop looks evenly speckled with cheese and baking mix and be sure to scrape the bottom so no dry pockets remain as this helps keep your sausage balls fluffy

Shape the Balls:

Using a tablespoon or small scoop gather heaping spoonfuls of the mixture and roll gently into tight one inch balls and arrange them on your baking sheet leaving space so air can circulate for even browning

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes until the tops are golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen and if unsure check one for doneness before pulling the whole tray

Cool and Serve:

Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to firm up making them easier to transfer and pile onto your favorite serving platter with toothpicks or simply stacked up for sharing

I have an ongoing debate in my house about whether it is the sharp cheddar or the creamy filling that makes these addicting but either way no one ever leaves leftovers for round two.

Storage Tips

Pop any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days They reheat well in a low oven or even a toaster oven so they crisp back up without drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use mild or maple sausage to tone down the heat For gluten free needs swap in a gluten free baking mix Any melty cheese works so pepper jack adds smoky kick

Serving Suggestions

These sausage balls are perfect with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo To round out a party tray I love pairing them with crisp veggie sticks or tangy pickled jalapenos

Cultural Note

This recipe is rooted in classic Southern sausage balls but the addition of Rotel and cream cheese gives a Tex-Mex twist I grew up at holiday tables stacked with these and now they show up for Super Bowl Sundays bridal brunches and any get together where you want comfort with a little fun

Seasonal Adaptations

Add minced chives or green onion for spring freshness Swap the sausage for turkey in the summer for a lighter spin Sprinkle chopped jalapenos before baking for extra holiday heat

Success Stories

I never fail to get recipe requests after parties and once even doubled the batch for a breakfast potluck only to come home with an empty tray again Friends love taking home a few for next day snacking

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape the balls and freeze them raw on a tray Once frozen store in a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven They are a lifesaver for last minute gatherings

These sausage balls are sure to become a repeat favorite at your gatherings and are delicious straight from the oven or reheated the next day.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy?

Absolutely, mild breakfast sausage works well and adjusts the heat level to your preference.

→ What is the best way to mix the ingredients?

Combine sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel first, then mix in cheddar and baking mix for even texture.

→ Can these be made ahead and frozen?

Yes, roll and freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Ranch, spicy aioli, or honey mustard complement the cheesy and zesty flavors beautifully.

→ How do I keep them moist?

The cream cheese helps with moisture, but avoid overbaking and serve soon after baking for best texture.