Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer that’s packed with flavor. The combination of spicy Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, sausage, and a crunchy exterior makes these sausage balls an irresistible treat for parties or gatherings.
Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (16 oz) breakfast sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix the ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together, as the mixture will be thick.
- Form the sausage balls:
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F (71°C).
- Serve:
- Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can make the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate the uncooked balls for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just place them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust the spice: If you want less heat, you can use mild Rotel tomatoes or opt for regular sausage.
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy!