Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Transform your snack table with these irresistibly cheesy Rotel cream cheese sausage balls. Bursting with a savory combination of spicy sausage, sharp cheddar, and tangy Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for game days, holiday parties, or any casual gathering. With their creamy interior and crisp exterior, these sausage balls are a reminder that comfort food can still pack a flavorful punch. Plus, they’re ready in just 40 minutes, making them as simple to prepare as they are delicious to devour.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A balanced blend of creamy cheese, smoky sausage, and slightly spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Texture: A crisp, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with a soft, cheesy interior.
- Aroma: The savory scent of baked cheddar and sausage will fill your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden, bite-sized morsels with pops of red and green from the Rotel for a festive touch.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners with simple steps and minimal effort.
- Special Equipment: A baking sheet and parchment paper or silicone baking mat for non-stick ease.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy enough for a novice cook, with a hands-on mixing step that requires no special techniques.
- Category: Finger food, appetizer, party snack.
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired, comfort food with Tex-Mex influences.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, with ingredients easily available at most grocery stores.
- Season: Perfect year-round, but especially popular in the holiday season and during sports events.
- Occasion: Tailgates, cocktail parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are not just another appetizer—they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of melted cheddar and cream cheese makes them rich and indulgent, while the Rotel adds just the right amount of zest to keep each bite interesting. You’ll love how quick and convenient it is to prepare these bite-sized treats, using only one bowl for mixing and one baking sheet for cooking. Their versatility makes them suitable for everything from potluck dinners to afternoon snacking. Plus, they’re affordable to make, with most of the ingredients likely already stocked in your pantry. Whether served warm out of the oven or reheated the next day, their flavor and texture remain top-notch.
The Recipe
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Serves: 24 balls
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula (or use your hands for mixing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel, softened cream cheese, and baking mix. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Pinch off small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the sausage balls cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful touch, if desired.
Recipe Notes
- For spicier sausage balls, use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make ahead tip: Prepare and roll the sausage balls in advance, then freeze them raw. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cook time.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Dry Sausage Balls: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to create a more cohesive and moist texture.
- Flat Sausage Balls: Avoid over-mixing the ingredients; this can lead to a dense or uneven texture.
- Sticky Dough: Use slightly damp hands when rolling the sausage balls to prevent sticking.
- Undercooked Centers: Check for doneness by cutting into a sausage ball—there should be no pink remaining.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Share your feedback, variations, and photos in the comments below or tag us on social media. Let’s keep the foodie conversation going! #RotelSausageBalls #PartyAppetizers #ComfortFood