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rotel cream cheese sausage balls

Prep TimeBake TimeTotal TimeYield10 minutes20-25 minutes30-35 minutesAbout 30-35 balls
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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

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy and even blending. Hard cream cheese will result in a lumpy mixture.
Draining the Rotel is NON-NEGOTIABLE.24 Squeeze out all excess liquid to ensure your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls have the correct texture.
For less heat, use mild pork sausage and a mild variety of Rotel (if available).