Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of sizzling sausage filled the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy Southern gathering. That’s when I knew I was onto something big—these Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls were about to steal the show! With their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy center, they deliver a taste experience that’s downright addictive. Not only are these crowd-pleasers incredibly easy to whip up, but they also offer the flexibility to customize flavors—whether you crave extra spice or a milder touch. Perfect for game day or a casual get-together, these delightful bites are sure to impress your family and friends. Are you ready to discover how to make this irresistible appetizer? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Sausage Balls a Must-Try? Flavor-Packed: The combination of zesty Rotel and creamy cheese creates a tantalizing taste explosion that bursts with every bite. Customizable Perfection: Whether you prefer mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit everyone’s taste. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sausage balls can be prepared in just a flash, making them an ideal option for last-minute gatherings. Crowd-Approved: They disappear quickly at parties, making them a guaranteed hit among guests—trust me, they’ll ask for the recipe! Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite dips, like ranch or spicy sriracha mayo, to elevate the experience even more. Need more snack ideas? Try Coconut Bliss Balls or enjoy a classic Bacon Grilled Cheese for a delightful twist. Enjoy these delicious bites warm, or make them ahead for an effortless appetizer that’s always a winner! Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Ingredients For the Sausage Mix • Ground Sausage – Provides hearty, savory flavor; choose spicy for extra kick or mild for a softer taste. • Cream Cheese – Adds rich creaminess; full-fat is ideal for flavor, but low-fat can work too. • Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies – Infuses spice and moisture; ensure they’re well-drained to maintain consistency in the mixture. For the Cheese & Binding • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Enhances flavor and binds the mixture; consider using pepper jack for more heat or Monterey jack for a milder touch. • All-Purpose Flour – Crucial for structure; alternative flours can be used, but textures will vary. For Extra Flavor • Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor; you may swap in fresh garlic, adjusting the quantity. • Onion Powder – Elevates overall taste; fresh onions can also be used when finely chopped and sautéed. • Salt, Black Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper – Essential for seasoning; cayenne can be reduced or replaced with mild chili powder for less heat. For Preparation • Cooking Spray or Oil – Helps grease the baking sheet for easy release of those delicious sausage balls. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Step 1: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground sausage. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to blend the two ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creamy and savory base will set the foundation for your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Step 2: Add Rotel Carefully fold in the well-drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, making sure that they are evenly distributed throughout the sausage mixture. This step infuses the mix with a zesty flavor and moisture, taking about 1-2 minutes. Ensure no excess liquid remains to maintain the right consistency for forming the balls. Step 3: Cheese Addition Next, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a rich flavor and help bind the mixture together. Take care not to overmix at this stage; a couple of minutes should suffice to incorporate the cheese without compromising the texture of your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. This step will only take about 2 minutes, but it’s crucial to evenly combine the dry ingredients for optimum flavor in your sausage balls. Step 5: Combine Mixtures Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, using a spatula to gently fold them together. Continue until the ingredients are just combined, which should take around 2-3 minutes. If the mixture appears too wet, you can adjust by adding a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency for forming balls. Step 6: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or oil. This ensures your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls won’t stick and will achieve that beautiful golden brown color during baking, which will take about 20-25 minutes. Step 7: Form Balls Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape using your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between them to allow for even cooking. This process will take around 5-10 minutes depending on how many you make, resulting in about 24-30 sausage balls. Step 8: Bake Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. To enhance their crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Step 9: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve them warm or at room temperature, paired with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Expert Tips for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Soften Your Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easily and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency in your sausage balls. Don’t Overmix: When combining the sausage and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and light. Drain Well: Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes properly before adding them to the mixture; excess liquid can lead to soggy sausage balls. Adjust for Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for mild sausage and use fewer cayenne or omit it altogether in your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Make-Ahead Magic: Feel free to prepare the sausage balls ahead of time; freeze uncooked balls and bake them fresh whenever needed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Even Baking: Space the balls out on the baking sheet for even cooking; crowding may cause steaming rather than browning, resulting in less crunchy bites. Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor these delicious bites to suit your unique taste preferences! Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños for an extra burst of heat. The more spice, the more flavor explosion! Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist or Monterey jack for a milder option. Mixing cheeses can yield exciting flavors. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. These alternatives introduce unique flavors and textures. Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish. They’ll surprise your taste buds! Savory Sliders: Transform these sausage balls into sliders by placing them on mini buns with your choice of toppings. Perfect for a fun twist on classic flavors. Veggie Burst: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or green onions into the mixture for added texture and a pop of color. Sweet Heat: Mix in a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the sausage. It’ll create a delightful harmony! Make-Ahead Options: Prepare these sausage balls ahead of time and freeze uncooked; pop them in the oven when guests arrive for fresh-baked goodness! If you’re looking more variety in appetizer options, consider giving these Coconut Bliss Balls a try or enjoy a comforting Bacon Grilled Cheese for a satisfying treat! What to Serve with Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Elevate your gathering with delightful pairings that complement the bold flavors of these savory bites. Creamy Ranch Dip: The cool, tangy flavor of ranch offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the spices perfectly. Guacamole Delight: The creamy avocado dip adds richness and a hint of zest, making each bite even more enjoyable. Spicy Sriracha Mayo: This fiery dip amps up the heat, catering to those who crave an extra kick with their sausage balls. Crunchy Veggie Platter: Fresh carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers add a crunchy texture, providing a light, crisp counterpoint to the rich sausage. Tortilla Chips: These pair beautifully, serving as a vessel for any leftover dip, or to nibble alongside the sausage balls for added crunch. Light Salad: A simple arugula or mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette offers brightness, balancing the heavier flavors of the sausage. Classic Mimosa: Light and bubbly, this fruity drink perfectly complements the hearty taste of the sausage balls. Sweet Tea: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, sweet tea embodies a Southern classic, blending seamlessly with the flavorful bites. Mini Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, they pair beautifully, echoing Southern comfort food traditions while adding delightful texture. How to Store and Freeze Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Fridge: Store leftover cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Bake frozen sausage balls directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown. Make-Ahead: Prepare the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them in the refrigerator before baking for a quick, stress-free appetizer. Make Ahead Options These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for those busy gatherings! You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking, making it easy to whip these up without the last-minute rush. For longer storage, consider forming the sausage balls and freezing them on a baking sheet; once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. By preparing ahead, you’ll ensure these delicious bites are ready to serve with minimal fuss, delighting your guests just as much as if made fresh that day! Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe FAQs What type of ground sausage should I use? Absolutely! You can use either spicy or mild ground sausage based on your preference. Spicy sausage will pack a punch, while mild sausage offers a softer flavor. It’s all about what suits your taste buds! How do I store leftover sausage balls? Very simply! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through for the best flavor. Can I freeze the sausage balls? Of course! For freezing, place uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer until they’re firm. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply cook them straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes. What if my sausage balls come out too dry? Great question! If your sausage balls are too dry, it could be due to overmixing or not having enough moisture from the ingredients. To prevent this, make sure to properly drain the Rotel tomatoes to avoid excess moisture. You can also add a touch more cream cheese or use extra fatty sausage to add richness. Are these sausage balls safe for pets? While the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are delicious for humans, it’s best to keep them away from pets. Ingredients like onion powder can be harmful to dogs. If you want to share a bite with your furry friend, consider cooking some plain meat without using spices or toppings just for them. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare your sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate before baking. This way, when you’re ready to serve, all you need to do is pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, delicious appetizer in no time! Delicious Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for Every Party These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an irresistible appetizer, perfect for parties with a flavor-packed, creamy, and customizable taste. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 24 ballsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: SouthernCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sausage Mix1 pound Ground Sausage Choose spicy for extra kick or mild for a softer taste.8 ounces Cream Cheese Full-fat is ideal for flavor, but low-fat can work too.10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies Ensure they're well-drained.For the Cheese & Binding1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Consider using pepper jack for more heat.1 cup All-Purpose Flour Alternative flours can be used.For Extra Flavor1 teaspoon Garlic Powder You may swap in fresh garlic.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can also be used.1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Black Pepper1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Can be reduced or replaced for less heat.For Preparationcooking spray or oil Cooking Spray or Oil For greasing the baking sheet. Equipment mixing bowlbaking sheetspatulaOven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage BallsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground sausage; blend thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes.Fold in the well-drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, ensuring even distribution over 1-2 minutes.Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese without overmixing, for around 2 minutes.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in about 2 minutes.Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, folding gently for around 2-3 minutes.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing lightly.Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape; place onto the baking sheet.Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for crispiness.Cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 100mgVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, ensure cream cheese is softened, and drain Rotel tomatoes well. Customize the heat level as desired. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
