Pan-Seared Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Zesty Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe for Game Day

Rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring incredible flavor to any gathering you’ll absolutely love.

Savory bites pack a serious punch of deliciousness with minimal preparation time.

Cheese and meat combine in perfect harmony, creating irresistible appetizers that disappear quickly from party platters.

Spicy sausage mingles with smooth cream cheese, delivering unexpected taste sensations.

Simple ingredients transform into crowd-pleasing morsels that spark conversation and excitement.

Minimal kitchen skills work magic with this straightforward recipe.

Crispy exterior and tender interior promise a delightful snacking experience you won’t want to miss.

What Makes Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls a Party Favorite

  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with bold flavors from sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel, these balls instantly become a party favorite that keeps guests coming back for more.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Party Companion: Great for game day gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or casual family snacking, these sausage balls adapt to any social occasion with delicious ease.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare a batch ahead of time, freeze uncooked balls, and bake directly from frozen for convenient make-ahead entertaining that saves precious preparation time.

What You Need to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Main Protein:
  • Sausage: A flavorful and savory meat that provides the primary taste and texture for the sausage balls.
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps bind the mixture and adds richness to the recipe.
Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that enhances the overall flavor and provides a golden, crispy exterior.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Bisquick Baking Mix: A convenient blend of flour, baking powder, and shortening that helps create a light and fluffy texture.
Moisture and Flavor Enhancer:
  • Rotel Tomatoes: A zesty combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds moisture and a slight kick to the sausage balls.
Preparation Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper, Cooking Spray: Helpful for preventing the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet and ensuring easy cleanup.

How to Bake Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

Toss the sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel into a big mixing bowl. Get your hands dirty and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 3: Bring In The Cheesy Goodness

Add these tasty ingredients to your mixing bowl:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Bisquick baking mix

Stir everything together until the mixture looks totally uniform and delicious.

Step 4: Shape Into Bite-Sized Delights

Roll the mixture into small balls, each about the size of a golf ball. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let these flavor bombs cook for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and look totally irresistible.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Give the sausage balls a few minutes to cool down. Serve them up and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Drain Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the sausage balls soggy.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Choose spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavor if you enjoy more heat.
  • Freeze uncooked sausage balls for quick future appetizers by placing them on a baking sheet and storing in a freezer bag.
  • Swap Bisquick with gluten-free baking mix to create a gluten-free version of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Variations to Enjoy with Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace Rotel with diced green chiles, add jalapeños, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap sausage for ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Ranch Remix: Stir in ranch seasoning mix and swap half the cheddar with parmesan cheese for a tangy, herbal flavor profile.
  • Bacon Cheddar Blast: Fold in crispy chopped bacon bits and use extra sharp cheddar for an intense, smoky taste sensation.

Pairing Recommendations for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Pair Perfect Zesty Beer Match: Grab a cold, crisp lager or amber ale that cuts through the rich, spicy sausage balls and complements their hearty flavor profile.
  • Refreshing Dipping Sidekick: Create a tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo dip that enhances the creamy texture and adds an extra kick to each bite.
  • Balancing Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light, crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, savory appetizer.
  • Complementary Cool Beverage: Enjoy with a chilled glass of sparkling white wine or hard cider that helps cleanse the palate between these rich, cheesy sausage bites.

How to Store Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
  • Place cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat to 350F. Spread sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. This method restores original crispiness.
  • Heat 30-45 seconds for immediate serving. Check internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs on Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • What are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?

A savory appetizer made with sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick, baked into bite-sized balls perfect for parties and gatherings.

  • Are these sausage balls spicy?

They can be mildly spicy depending on the type of sausage and Rotel tomatoes you use. For less heat, choose mild sausage and original Rotel.

  • Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sausage ball mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Roll and bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Print
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Pan-Seared Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Pan-Seared Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Savory Rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring Southern comfort to party appetizers with irresistible cheesy goodness. Packed with bold flavors and easy preparation, these bite-sized delights will have guests reaching for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of grease.
  2. Blend the sausage, softened cream cheese, and thoroughly drained Rotel in a spacious mixing bowl until the ingredients are completely integrated.
  3. Incorporate the sharp cheddar cheese and Bisquick mix into the meat combination, stirring carefully to ensure uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
  4. Shape the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking surface.
  5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
  6. Extract the tray from the oven and allow the savory morsels to rest momentarily, enabling them to slightly cool and stabilize before presenting as an appetizing snack or party offering.

Notes

  • Drain Rotel thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make sausage balls soggy and less crispy.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and better ingredient integration without lumps.
  • For spicier version, choose hot sausage or add red pepper flakes to boost heat level and flavor complexity.
  • Consider gluten-free adaptation by replacing Bisquick with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for celiac-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 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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