Are you ready to discover the secret to the most addictive, crowd-pleasing appetizer you will ever make? Look no further than this incredible recipe for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. This is a superior twist on the classic sausage ball, taking a beloved party snack and infusing it with a zesty, creamy moisture that is simply unmatched. The standard sausage ball recipe, while good, can sometimes be dry or a little dense. Our introduction of two key ingredients solves that problem completely: cream cheese and Rotel. The softened cream cheese melts into the mixture during baking, ensuring every single bite is tender, rich, and incredibly moist—you’ll never have a dry sausage ball again! But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there. The inclusion of the famous Rotel blend, a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies, provides a fantastic, zesty counterpoint to the rich, savory sausage and cheese.1 This burst of Tex-Mex flavor elevates these from a simple bite into a sophisticated and exciting appetizer that keeps everyone reaching for just one more.
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Elevate Your Appetizer Game with Creamy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Whether you are planning a game day party, a holiday gathering, or simply need an easy, make-ahead breakfast option, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are your answer. They are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just one bowl and a few minutes of mixing, making prep time a breeze. Furthermore, they are fantastic for meal prepping—you can freeze them unbaked and pop them into the oven whenever you need a quick, satisfying snack. The combination of hot breakfast sausage, melted cheddar, the tang of cream cheese, and the subtle heat from the Rotel chilies creates a flavor explosion that consistently wins rave reviews. Make this recipe for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls your go-to appetizer and prepare for the compliments!
Zesty, Moist, and Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
This recipe delivers the absolute best in bite-sized appetizers, creating moist and flavorful Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.2 By integrating softened cream cheese and well-drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, we overcome the common issue of dry sausage balls, resulting in a tender, cheesy interior with a perfect golden-brown exterior. The heat from the hot sausage and chilies is perfectly balanced by the creamy richness, making these a truly addictive snack.3 These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect for game day, holidays, or a delicious weekend brunch.
rotel cream cheese sausage balls
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
- Colander (for draining Rotel)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- 1-inch cookie scoop (optional, for uniform size)
Ingredients
- 1 10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, Drained Very Well8
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage hot or mild breakfast sausage, uncooked9
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, fully softened to room temperature10
- cups baking mix such as Bisquick11
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese12
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 13 (14).15 Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
- Drain Rotel: Place the can of Rotel in a fine-mesh colander.16 Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Excess liquid will make the dough too wet.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, fully softened cream cheese, and the well-drained Rotel.17 Use your hands, a spoon, or a stand mixer (with the paddle attachment) to mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Add Binder and Cheese: Add the baking mix and shredded sharp Cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture.18 Mix again until all ingredients are just combined into a uniform, moist “dough.” Do not overmix or the sausage balls may become tough.
- Form Balls: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms into a uniform 1-inch ball. Tip: Wetting your hands slightly can help prevent sticking.19 Place the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.20
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 21/22).23
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Storage Options
- Refrigeration (Uncooked): Form the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Refrigeration (Cooked): Store leftover, cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven/air fryer until warmed through.
- Freezing (Uncooked): This is an excellent make-ahead option.4 Place the formed, uncooked balls on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time, or until the internal temperature reaches 5
(6
).7
Tips for Success
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before mixing. If short on time, microwave it in the wrapper on a low setting for 15-20 second intervals until pliable.
- The Mixing Method: A stand mixer makes this task incredibly easy and ensures a smooth, consistent mixture.25 If mixing by hand, wear food-safe gloves for easier combining.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the same size. This guarantees even cooking, so none are undercooked or overbaked.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Cheese Swap: Substitute the sharp Cheddar with Pepper Jack for an extra spicy kick, or use a Mexican blend cheese for added complexity.26
- Herb Boost: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for a touch of freshness and color to your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls.27
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, a spicy queso, or a simple creamy remoulade sauce for dipping.
- Red Lobster Biscuit Mix: For an added layer of garlic-herb flavor, substitute the Bisquick with one box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix.28
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
A: Yes, you can. Turkey sausage will result in a leaner product, but the texture of the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls may be slightly drier, so ensure you don’t overbake them.
Q: What do I do if my mixture seems too sticky?
A: If the mixture is too sticky to roll easily, you can add an extra tablespoon of baking mix at a time until it is manageable. Alternatively, refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Q: Can I bake these at a lower temperature?
A: Baking at 29375∘F (30190∘C) is recommended to cook the sausage thoroughly without drying out the batter.31 Lower temperatures may lead to a greasy finish.
Conclusion
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a genuine game-changer in the world of appetizers. By adding cream cheese for supreme moisture and Rotel for a vibrant, zesty flavor, this recipe elevates a classic into a memorable culinary treat. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion, these delicious, savory, and moist sausage balls will quickly become the most requested snack at all your gatherings. Enjoy the incredible flavor of your new favorite party bite!