Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cheesy spicy sausage balls studded with creamy cheese and juicy Rotel are my go to for parties brunch tables and anytime snacking This easy crowd pleaser is crave worthy and comes together in a snap using familiar pantry favorites

I tried this first for a holiday brunch and everyone raved It instantly landed on my must make list for every game day and potluck

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite mild or hot The sausage gives savory flavor and juicy texture Fresh is best but a good quality frozen brand works too if you thaw fully
• Cream cheese: Adds silky creaminess Be sure it is softened for easy mixing Full fat cream cheese tastes richest
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: This brings that signature zesty tang Drain extremely well so the balls hold together I like to press them gently in a fine mesh strainer
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor but any melty cheese works Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre shredded
• Bisquick or baking mix: Binds everything together and adds fluffy bite Aim for a reliable baking mix with a fresh best by date
• Garlic powder: Use if you love a hint of extra savoriness Select fresh and fragrant powder for the best result
• Onion powder: Lends a sweet aromatic note Taste your powder before using to ensure it is vibrant
• Black pepper: Finely ground makes the flavor more even Fresh cracked is worth using here

Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and ready a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a thin layer of oil so the sausage balls will not stick

Drain the Rotel:

Open your can of Rotel and pour everything into a fine mesh strainer Push gently with a spoon then use layers of paper towel to wick away as much moisture as possible This step is critical for texture

Mix Ingredients:

In a spacious bowl place the raw sausage cream cheese drained Rotel shredded cheddar Bisquick and if using garlic and onion powder plus a generous grind of black pepper With clean hands knead together until you have a homogenous mixture do not leave streaks of cream cheese

Shape the Balls:

Pinch off portions about the size of a walnut and roll lightly between your palms to make round balls Try to keep each ball the same size so they bake evenly You should get around 24

Bake:

Arrange balls snug but not crowded on the prepared baking sheet Place in the hot oven on a middle rack Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown outside and cooked through inside Watch for cheese bubbling at the edges

Cool and Serve:

Let the sausage balls cool slightly on the pan as they firm up They will be softer fresh out of the oven Enjoy warm or at room temperature

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I have such fond memories of my kids sneaking these off the plate when I set them out for gatherings Cheddar is always my personal favorite cheese to use since the sharpness pops alongside the savory sausage

Storage Tips

Once fully cooled place leftovers in an airtight container They keep well in the fridge for four days For longer storage freeze on a baking sheet until firm then transfer to a zip top bag You can reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of Bisquick try mixing one cup flour with one and a half teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt Mozzarella or Monterey Jack make great cheese swaps If you need more heat add chopped pickled jalapenos

Serving Suggestions

Serve these on a platter with toothpicks for easy party munching I love pairing them with honey mustard or ranch dip They also make a hearty addition to a breakfast plate with eggs or sliced over salad for lunch

Cultural Context

Sausage balls are an American Southern favorite known for showing up at potlucks church socials and holiday gatherings This twist with Rotel and cream cheese is a modern upgrade that adds moisture and tang in every bite

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These cheesy sausage balls are always the first to vanish at gatherings Give them a try and they may well become your family’s favorite too

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure sausage balls stay moist?

Drain Rotel thoroughly and mix cream cheese in well. Avoid overbaking to keep interiors tender.

→ Can I use spicy sausage for extra heat?

Yes, choose hot breakfast sausage or add extra black pepper for more kick.

→ How do I prevent sausage balls from sticking?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it before baking.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and chill until ready to bake. Reheat leftovers gently for best texture.

→ Are there substitutes for Bisquick?

You can use any baking mix or make your own with flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of fat.