Introduction
Get ready to meet your new favorite party appetizer: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! These savory, cheesy, and incredibly addictive bites are a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a burst of flavor in every tender morsel. Imagine a perfect blend of seasoned ground sausage, creamy melted cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, all baked into golden-brown perfection. They’re the kind of snack that disappears from the platter almost as quickly as you can make them, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
What makes these sausage balls so irresistible? It’s the magical combination of ingredients that creates a texture that’s both moist and slightly crisp, with a rich, savory taste that satisfies every craving. The cream cheese is the secret weapon here, ensuring each ball stays wonderfully tender and prevents them from drying out, while the Rotel adds a subtle warmth and tang that elevates the classic sausage ball to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a holiday brunch, or just need an easy, delicious snack, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are guaranteed to be a hit with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Beyond their deliciousness, these sausage balls are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy cooks. They can be whipped up in under an hour, from mixing bowl to oven, and are fantastic served warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or even a quick grab-and-go snack, their simplicity belies their incredible flavor. Prepare to fall in love with these cheesy, meaty, and slightly spicy bites – they’re about to become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values, based on 36 small balls):
- Calories: 110-130 kcal
- Protein: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Fiber: 0.5-1g
- Sodium: 250-300mg
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or similar biscuit/pancake mix)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the entire can of Rotel (undrained). Using a sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula, mix these two ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The cream cheese should be soft enough to blend smoothly with the liquid from the Rotel.
- Add the ground breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix to the bowl. If using, also add the optional garlic powder and cayenne pepper at this stage.
- Now comes the fun part! Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until a uniform dough-like consistency is achieved. It’s important not to overmix, but ensure all ingredients are well combined so that the flavors are evenly distributed. The mixture will be quite thick and sticky.
- Once the mixture is ready, begin forming the sausage balls. For best results and uniform cooking, use a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch in diameter) or roll the mixture into 1-inch balls by hand. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one to allow for even baking.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your sausage balls and your oven. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This allows them to set up slightly and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or salsa. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls!
Cooking Tips and Variations
Achieving the perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Ball is simple with a few helpful tips. First and foremost, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is crucial for easy and even mixing, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, cohesive dough. A softened cream cheese will blend effortlessly with the other ingredients, creating that signature tender texture.
When mixing, use your hands! While a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can work, your hands are the best tools for thoroughly combining the ingredients without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls, so mix just until everything is incorporated and no dry spots of Bisquick remain. For uniform size and consistent baking, a cookie scoop is your best friend. This ensures each sausage ball cooks evenly and looks great on the platter. Always grease your baking sheet or use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. To adjust the spice level, simply choose your preferred Rotel variety: mild, original, or hot. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the mixture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese; Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack can all add unique flavors. A sprinkle of dried herbs like chives, oregano, or a touch of onion powder can also enhance the savory profile. For a lighter touch, you can use turkey sausage, though the fat content will be lower, potentially affecting the moisture. If going gluten-free, simply swap the regular Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls perfectly to your taste.
Storage and Reheating
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are fantastic for making ahead and storing, making them an ideal appetizer for parties or meal prepping. To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. They taste just as delicious, if not more so, the next day!
For longer storage, these sausage balls freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. You can also freeze them unbaked: form the balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place frozen unbaked balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating is simple. From the refrigerator, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave them in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warm, though the oven method will help maintain their crisp exterior. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to use the oven. Place frozen cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Avoid high heat in the microwave when reheating from frozen, as it can make them rubbery. Enjoy the convenience of these delicious bites whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage (pork) is traditional and provides a rich flavor, you can certainly experiment. Ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used for a leaner option, though you might find the texture slightly less moist due to lower fat content. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned, or add extra seasonings like sage, thyme, or a touch of fennel to mimic breakfast sausage flavors. Avoid pre-cooked sausages as they won’t bind as well.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Cooked Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, make sure they are completely cooled before storing. They are delicious reheated or even served cold as a quick snack.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the regular Bisquick baking mix with a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix (such as a gluten-free Bisquick alternative). The texture and binding properties of gluten-free mixes can vary, so you might need to adjust the amount slightly or add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too dry or crumbly. Always check the ingredients of your chosen gluten-free mix to ensure it’s suitable for your dietary needs.
What if I don’t have Rotel?
If you don’t have Rotel, you can create a similar flavor profile by combining 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (drained well) with 1-2 small cans of diced green chilies (drained). The key is to get both the tomato flavor and the mild heat from the green chilies. You could also add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies for extra spice. However, the convenience and specific flavor balance of Rotel are hard to beat.
