Hot Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe For Gatherings

Rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring unexpected comfort to any gathering with their irresistible blend of savory ingredients.

Mixing simple pantry staples creates magic in your kitchen.

Soft cream cheese binds ground sausage and sharp cheddar into perfect bite-sized morsels.

Spicy green chiles from rotel tomatoes add a surprising kick that keeps people reaching for more.

One batch disappears faster than you can imagine these delectable appetizers cooling on the platter.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to devour, these sausage balls promise to be the star of your next party.

You will want to memorize this recipe for instant crowd-pleasing success.

Tasty Add-Ins For Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Gluten-Free Sausage Balls: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Balls: Swap Rotel tomatoes with fresh diced jalapeños and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use ground pork rinds instead of flour, increase cheese content, and select a high-fat breakfast sausage to create a low-carb friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute meat with plant-based sausage crumbles, use vegan cream cheese, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a similar savory taste and texture.

Good Pairings For Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Pair Spicy Sausage Jalapeño Poppers with Cool Beverages: Crisp, cold beer cuts through the richness and balances the spicy kick of these sausage balls.
  • Create Zesty Dipping Sauce Companions: Whip up a tangy ranch or creamy sriracha mayo to complement the savory, cheesy flavor profile of the sausage balls.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Side Salads: Prepare a light, crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, hearty sausage appetizer.
  • Match with Morning Breakfast Favorites: Pair these sausage balls with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a hot cup of coffee for a satisfying weekend brunch spread.

How To Keep Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Fresh

  • Place cooled sausage balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Arrange sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread frozen or refrigerated sausage balls on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Arrange sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls FAQs

  • Are these sausage balls spicy?

The mixture includes Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, which adds a mild, tangy heat. The spice level is moderate and enjoyable for most people.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork sausage with turkey sausage or hot breakfast sausage for varied flavor profiles and different heat levels.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a direct replacement.

  • How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

Check that they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through.

What Makes Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls A Crowd Pleaser

  • Conquer Cooking Complexity: Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, this recipe offers straightforward steps that anyone can master without advanced culinary skills.
  • Gather Around the Flavor: Packed with zesty Rotel tomatoes and rich cheeses, these sausage balls create an irresistible party treat that brings family and friends together instantly.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Mix ingredients quickly in one bowl, shape effortlessly, and bake with minimal kitchen cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for game days, potlucks, breakfast gatherings, or unexpected guests, these sausage balls adapt to any social occasion with delicious ease.

What You’ll Need For Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

For the Meat Base:
  • Ground Pork Sausage, Breakfast Sausage: Provide the primary protein and rich, savory flavor profile for the sausage balls.
For the Binding and Moisture:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Contributes additional flavor and helps create a melty, cohesive mixture.
  • Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces a tangy and slightly spicy element to enhance the overall taste.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create structure and enables the sausage balls to hold their shape.
  • Baking Powder: Provides light and airy texture to the sausage balls.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and aromatic seasoning to the mixture.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

Easy How-To For Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Meat Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine ground pork sausage and breakfast sausage. Break down the meat into tiny pieces using your hands or a fork until it looks perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream It Up

Toss in softened cream cheese and work it through the meat. Blend until the mixture looks smooth and totally combined.

Step 4: Cheese and Spice Explosion

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Mix everything so the flavors dance together evenly.

Step 5: Dry Ingredient Harmony

Add these dry ingredients to the mixture:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Stir until the dough comes together and looks consistent.

Step 6: Shape Sausage Balls

Using clean hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1-inch wide. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the sheet halfway through to ensure golden, crispy goodness on all sides.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Pull out the sausage balls when they’re golden brown and crisp. Make sure they hit an internal temperature of 160°F for safe eating.

Step 9: Let Them Rest

Let the sausage balls chill on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy these tasty morsels while they’re warm. Perfect for parties, game days, or just because!

Tips For Perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Prep Perfectly: Softened cream cheese is key to achieving a smooth, well-blended mixture that helps sausage balls stick together seamlessly.
  • Mix Masterfully: Break down sausage meat finely with a fork or hands to ensure even texture and prevent clumpy chunks in your final dish.
  • Spice It Right: Experiment with different cheese varieties or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor that elevates the basic recipe.
  • Freeze for Later: Uncooked sausage balls can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for quick future appetizers that bake straight from frozen.
  • Temperature Matters: Always check internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy, delicious sausage balls.
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Hot Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Hot Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cheesy, spicy rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring Southern comfort to party snacks with irresistible flavor. Packed with zesty peppers and rich cream cheese, these bite-sized treats promise to delight guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb ground pork sausage
  • 1/2 lb breakfast sausage

Dairy:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pantry and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for easy removal of sausage balls.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork sausage and breakfast sausage, breaking down the meat into fine, uniform pieces using a fork or your hands.
  3. Incorporate softened cream cheese into the meat mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive texture that helps bind the ingredients.
  4. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt – creating a consistent dough that holds together well.
  6. Using clean hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform browning and crispy exteriors.
  8. Remove from the oven when the sausage balls are golden brown and slightly crisp, with an internal temperature reaching 160°F for food safety.
  9. Allow the sausage balls to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them set and makes handling easier.
  10. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm as a delightful appetizer or game-day snack.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture without lumps.
  • Pat Rotel tomatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the sausage balls soggy.
  • For a leaner version, substitute ground pork with turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar.
  • Prep these ahead by forming balls and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which can enhance flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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