These Rotel sausage balls are super tasty and oh-so-easy to make! With flavorful sausage, cream cheese, and a little heat from the Rotel, they’re perfect for parties or snacking.
Whenever I make these, I can’t stop popping them in my mouth. They’re like little bites of happiness! Serve them warm, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage works well, too. It might be slightly less rich but still flavorful!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and makes the balls soft. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using a vegan cream cheese. It will still give a nice texture without the dairy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a great flavor. Feel free to use a different cheese like pepper jack for some extra spice, or even mozzarella for a milder taste.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: If you can’t find Rotel, you can use any canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will give a similar tang. You can also add some chopped fresh jalapeños for added heat!
Biscuit Baking Mix: Bisquick is a common choice, but you can substitute with self-rising flour and a bit of baking powder. Just up the flour amount to 1¾ cups.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shaped Sausage Balls?
Shaping the sausage balls is a key step, and it can be tricky to get them just right. To make it easier, use a cookie scoop or your hands for uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly!
- Wash your hands with cold water before handling the meat to keep it from getting too warm.
- Keep the mixture slightly chilled before shaping, which helps hold the balls together better.
- Use a non-stick pan or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking while baking.
Lastly, remember to space the balls well on the baking sheet. This helps them brown nicely without steaming each other!
How to Make Rotel Sausage Balls With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- Optional: ranch dressing or dipping sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll be enjoying these delicious sausage balls in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, drained Rotel, and biscuit baking mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well until it forms a thick and well-combined dough.
3. Form the Sausage Balls:
With your hands, shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and feel free to turn the sausage balls halfway through for golden-brown perfection on all sides.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once they are golden brown and cooked through, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm for the best flavor! You can enjoy them plain or with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
These cheesy, savory, slightly spicy sausage balls make for the perfect party appetizer or snack any time you’re craving something delicious. Enjoy!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit milder, so consider adding extra seasoning or spices if you want a stronger taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time! Just shape the sausage balls and place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows you to pop them in the oven whenever you’re ready!
Can I Freeze the Sausage Balls?
Definitely! After shaping, freeze the sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just bake from frozen, increasing the bake time by about 5-10 minutes.
