Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate party snack, combining a rich creaminess from the cream cheese, savory depth from the sausage, and just the right amount of heat from the Rotel. They’re simple to prepare and packed with flavor, offering a satisfying bite in every mouthful. The best part? These sausage balls are always a hit at gatherings, and they are guaranteed to disappear quickly! They are versatile, too—enjoy them for a casual snack, appetizer, or part of a holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. It may be easiest to use your hands to knead the mixture together.
- Once the mixture is evenly mixed, form it into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 sausage balls.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 18-20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Jalapeños: If you love extra heat, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy boost.
- Use Different Cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combination for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked sausage balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, just pop them into the oven without thawing—add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place sausage balls on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
How can I make these sausage balls spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the mixture to increase the heat level.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, or even turkey sausage if you prefer.
Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking, or even freeze them for later use.
How do I keep these sausage balls from being too greasy?
Make sure to drain the sausage well before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps remove any excess grease.
Can I make these sausage balls without Rotel?
Yes, you can substitute Rotel with a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies or any other canned tomato product.
Can I bake these sausage balls on a rack?
Yes, using a wire rack on your baking sheet allows the heat to circulate around the sausage balls, helping them crisp up on all sides.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used in this recipe, though the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to serve these sausage balls?
Sausage balls are perfect for serving with a side of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha dip.
How long will these sausage balls last in the fridge?
They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze cooked sausage balls?
Yes, you can freeze cooked sausage balls. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an irresistible snack that combines savory flavors, a creamy texture, and a spicy kick. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just want something delicious to snack on, these sausage balls are sure to impress. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they are the perfect addition to any occasion. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of these sausage balls today!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate savory appetizer, combining sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel for the perfect spicy kick. Easy to prepare, these bite-sized snacks are a must for any gathering, offering a rich, flavorful taste with a satisfying texture. Whether for parties, holidays, or a casual snack, these sausage balls will disappear quickly and leave everyone asking for more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.