Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
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These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect make-ahead appetizer any time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing bite. Made with just a few simple ingredients like spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and a can of Rotel, these golden bites bake up fluffy, flavorful, and totally addictive!
The Perfect Appetizer (With a Kick!)
You’ve probably seen some version of these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls on a bunch of other recipe sites, and heck, maybe even on social media. There’s a reason they’ve gone viral; these little bites check every box! They’re creamy, savory, and just a little spicy, thanks to those classic green chilies in the Rotel and the hot sausage.
Whether you’re making them for Christmas Eve, a small get-together, or a cozy night in, they’re a real shoo-in. You don’t even need anything fancy to make ’em; just one large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a little chill time, and you’re good to go.
Living that low-carb lifestyle? Check out my Keto Sausage Balls!
Ingredients for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Hot sausage or mild sausage (use your preferred level of heat!)
- Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
- Shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese blend
- Bisquick baking mix (or another biscuit mix)
Optional: Swap in pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! If you want to lighten things up a bit, turkey sausage or chicken sausage works great here. You’ll still get that hearty texture and flavor with a slightly leaner bite.
How to Make Your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheese, and Bisquick. Use a spoon or your hands (honestly, hands work best) to fully mix ingredients until the sausage mixture is evenly blended.
Tip: If it’s feeling too sticky to shape, add more Bisquick, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to roll.
2. Chill Before Rolling
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the sausage mixture so your bite-sized balls hold their shape while baking.
3. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. You can also use a mini muffin pan if you want each one to be perfectly round.
4. Scoop and Roll
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out 1½ inch balls. Roll between your palms until smooth and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the internal temp hits 160°F. The best part is usually that cheesy crust on the bottom!
Tip: Use a meat thermometer if necessary, just to make sure they’re fully cooked.
That’s it! Serve ’em warm and watch ’em disappear!
Make Ahead, Store, or Freeze
These mouth-watering apps are just as easy to store for later as they are to make.
- To prep and freeze: Roll your sausage balls and place them on a tray to freeze. Once solid, store in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
- Found yourself with some leftovers? Store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy texture!
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot or mild sausage uncooked
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheese, and Bisquick. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix ingredients until fully combined. If the mixture feels too sticky or wet to roll, add more Bisquick 1 tablespoon at a time until the texture is firm and scoopable.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to help the mixture firm up.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out and roll into 1½ inch balls. Place them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
