When it comes to comfort food with a touch of Southern charm, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a standout. These delicious bites combine the savory flavor of sausage, the creamy richness of cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped up in a fluffy biscuit mix. They’re the perfect appetizer for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in with family.
My first encounter with sausage balls was at a holiday party, where a friend brought a platter of these irresistible treats. They were an instant hit, vanishing within minutes. The combination of flavors was so delightful that I knew I had to recreate them at home. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to add cream cheese and Rotel, making them even more delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
1 pound ground sausage
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and develop a nice, golden-brown exterior.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Grease or Line the Sheet: Grease a baking sheet lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix the Ingredients
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 1 pound of ground sausage
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Mix Well: Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should be uniform, with the cheese and seasonings evenly distributed throughout the sausage and biscuit mix.
Shape the Sausage Balls
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This allows heat to circulate around each ball, helping them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read at least 160°F (71°C).
Cool and Garnish
- Cool Slightly: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve
- Serve Warm: Transfer the sausage balls to a serving platter and serve warm. They are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
Tips and Variations
Spicy Variation: For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture or use spicy sausage instead of regular.
Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack or a Mexican blend can add a unique flavor twist.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are more than just an appetizer; they’re a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these sausage balls hit all the right notes. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zest from the Rotel makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and ingredients.
The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous variations, ensuring it never gets old. Try different cheeses, add some heat, or even make a vegetarian version to suit your dietary needs. No matter how you make them, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of these delightful, cheesy, and savory treats!
