The Perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe For Any Occasion

Savory rotel cream cheese sausage balls dance with zesty flavors that promise pure comfort on any gathering table.

Irresistible aromas will fill your kitchen as these golden-brown bites come together effortlessly.

Spicy sausage mingles with tangy cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend that screams party appetizer.

Crispy exteriors give way to soft, cheesy centers that melt in your mouth.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical, surprising even seasoned home cooks.

Guests won’t be able to resist these addictive little morsels that vanish faster than you can plate them.

Prepare to become the ultimate snack hero at your next potluck or game day celebration.

Why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Are Full Of Flavor

• Savor Quick Prep: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create delicious sausage balls with ease.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Packed with zesty Rotel tomatoes, rich cream cheese, spicy sausage, and melted cheddar, these bite-sized treats deliver an explosion of complementary tastes that will impress guests.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or casual family snacking, these sausage balls transition seamlessly between casual and more formal entertaining scenarios.
• Meal Prep Champion: Can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and baked when needed, making them an excellent option for busy households seeking convenient and delicious nibbles.

What Goes Into Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Ground Sausage: A savory and flavorful base that provides richness and depth to the sausage balls.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creates a melty, gooey element in the sausage balls.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Provide structure and help the sausage balls rise and maintain their shape.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with a balanced seasoning mix.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Contribute a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the sausage balls.

How To Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls With Ease

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the entire surface is covered for even baking.

Step 2: Create the Sausage Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and ground sausage. Break down the meat and mix until you have a smooth, consistent mixture.

Step 3: Handle the Tomatoes

Completely drain Rotel tomatoes. Use paper towels to gently remove any extra moisture. Carefully fold the tomatoes into the sausage-cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Sift these ingredients together to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the sausage blend. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Form the Balls

Roll the mixture into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through cooking. Look for a golden brown color and crispy exterior.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set and become easier to handle.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sausage balls to a serving platter. Serve warm and savor these delightful appetizers or snacks.

Tips To Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Extra Tasty

• Drain Tomatoes Thoroughly: Pat Rotel tomatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, ensuring crispy and well-textured sausage balls.
• Blend Ingredients Gently: Mix sausage and cream cheese slowly to create a uniform consistency without overworking the dough, maintaining a tender texture.
• Consistent Ball Size: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized 1-inch balls for uniform cooking and professional presentation.
• Temperature Check: Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F for ground sausage to ensure food safety and perfectly cooked sausage balls.
• Cheese Distribution Trick: Shred cheese by hand and fold gently to prevent clumping, guaranteeing delicious cheese in every single bite.

Tasty Twists on Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Gluten-Free Sausage Balls: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use coconut flour instead of regular flour, increase cheese content, and choose a high-fat sausage to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

What to Serve with Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, savory flavors of these cheesy sausage balls, creating a perfect balance of malty and spicy notes.
• Zesty Cocktail Pairing: Mix a classic bloody mary with extra spice, using its tangy tomato base and subtle heat to complement the sausage's robust seasoning.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to refresh the palate and lighten the dense, creamy texture of the appetizer.
• Sparkling Sidekick: Serve with a chilled prosecco or sparkling white wine, whose effervescence will cleanse the mouth between bites and add a touch of elegance.

How to Store Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls the Smart Way

• Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual sausage balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Preheat to 350°F, spread balls on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Zap sausage balls for 30-45 seconds, checking every 15 seconds to prevent overcooking and maintain their original texture.

Common Questions About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Are these sausage balls spicy?

The heat level depends on the sausage type. Using spicy breakfast sausage will create a zesty kick, while mild sausage keeps the flavor more subtle.

• Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form balls in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes party prep easier.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special tools required. Just a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic measuring tools are enough to create these delicious sausage balls.

• Are these sausage balls gluten-free?

Not traditionally, since the recipe uses regular flour. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour for a similar texture and taste.

Smoldering Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring Southern comfort to appetizer tables with irresistible charm. Savory sausage, zesty rotel, and creamy cheese combine in bite-sized morsels that spark party excitement and satisfy snack cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even coverage for consistent baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ground sausage, breaking down the meat and blending thoroughly until a uniform mixture forms.
3. Drain Rotel tomatoes completely, gently patting with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then fold into the sausage-cream cheese blend.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, lump-free dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the sausage mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly to prevent overworking the dough.
6. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in each bite.
7. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the sausage balls turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to set and become easier to handle.
10. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Prep Ahead for Convenience: Mix the sausage, cream cheese, and dry ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate to save time on party day.
• Customize Spice Levels: Swap regular sausage for spicy varieties or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat that’ll wake up taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make these sausage balls celiac-friendly without losing texture.
• Storage and Reheating Trick: Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time for perfect appetizers anytime.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg