ROTEL Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that combines the savory flavors of sausage with the creamy tang of cream cheese and the spicy kick of ROTEL tomatoes. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, family gatherings, game day snacks, or holiday meals. They are rich in flavor, versatile, and can be made ahead of time, making them convenient for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
Sausage balls have been a staple in Southern cooking for decades, but the addition of cream cheese and ROTEL elevates them to a new level. The cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that balances out the spicy sausage, while ROTEL tomatoes, with their blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, add a flavorful, slightly spicy punch. The result is a perfectly moist and flavorful sausage ball that’s impossible to resist.
These sausage balls are also incredibly versatile. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even for breakfast alongside eggs and biscuits. Plus, they’re easy to freeze and reheat, making them a great option for meal prep or to keep on hand for unexpected guests.
Ingredients:
To make ROTEL Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb pork sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) ROTEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or any pancake and baking mix)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the pork sausage. It’s easiest to mix these ingredients using your hands or a sturdy spoon, ensuring that the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the sausage.
- Once the cream cheese and sausage are well combined, add the drained ROTEL tomatoes and green chilies. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the tomatoes and chilies throughout the sausage mixture.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bisquick
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture and stir to combine.
- Slowly add the Bisquick baking mix, about 1/2 cup at a time, and stir after each addition. The mixture will be thick, so you may need to use your hands to mix it thoroughly. Continue adding the Bisquick until everything is well incorporated and the dough holds together.
- If you’re using garlic powder and onion powder, sprinkle them in now, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the savory flavors of the sausage balls.
Step 4: Shape the Sausage Balls
- Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to roll the dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. You should be able to make about 30-40 sausage balls, depending on the size.
- Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one so they can cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for the sausage to be fully cooked.
- About halfway through the cooking time, you may want to rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the sausage balls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- You can serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: One of the best things about sausage balls is that they can be made ahead of time. You can roll the sausage balls and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding an additional 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
- Spice Level: If you want a milder sausage ball, use mild sausage and opt for the mild version of ROTEL tomatoes. If you prefer more heat, choose hot sausage and spicy ROTEL for an extra kick.
- Texture: The addition of cream cheese helps keep the sausage balls moist, but if you like your sausage balls a bit crispier on the outside, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes or broil them for a minute at the end of the baking time.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: These sausage balls are fantastic on their own, but they are even better when paired with a dipping sauce. Some popular options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a tangy honey mustard.
- Leftovers: Leftover sausage balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: To make these sausage balls gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick.
- Turkey Sausage: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey sausage for the pork sausage.
- Veggie Version: For a vegetarian take on this recipe, use a plant-based sausage alternative and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
ROTEL Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and ROTEL tomatoes creates a delicious bite that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a holiday brunch, or just as a snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit!
