Name: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487745H6M33S
Total time: PT-487745H6M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference); 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, since the sausage and cheese are salty); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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I love making these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls because they’re the perfect combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a little kick from the Rotel tomatoes. They’re ideal for any party, holiday gathering, or just as a tasty snack. These bite-sized morsels are easy to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I enjoy most about these sausage balls is how they’re packed with flavor. The sausage is juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the cream cheese keeps them nice and tender. The Rotel adds a spicy, tangy flavor that elevates them to a whole new level. They’re easy to make and bake, and they disappear fast when served!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, since the sausage and cheese are salty)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. The cream cheese helps bind the ingredients and keeps the mixture moist.
Add the dry ingredients:
- Add the shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture comes together and is evenly combined.
Shape the sausage balls:
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get around 24-30 sausage balls, depending on the size.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can test doneness by cutting one in half; the inside should be fully cooked with no pink.
Serve:
- Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or served with a side of ranch dressing or dipping sauce.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24-30 sausage balls, depending on size. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and bake time is 20-25 minutes.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Using spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Adding a teaspoon of hot sauce to the sausage mixture for more heat.
Mixing in some chopped green onions for a bit of freshness.
Using a combination of different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.

Storage / Reheating

I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can easily be reheated in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to warm them up and restore some of their crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I freeze these sausage balls?
Yes! These sausage balls freeze very well. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. You can also shape them into balls and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can easily make these mild by using a mild Rotel (or leaving out the Rotel altogether) and using a mild breakfast sausage.

Conclusion

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will love. With the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, freeze well, and are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a casual snack.