A creamy, spicy, cheesy party appetizer that’s unbelievably easy—but disappears fast!

📝 Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that never fails at parties, game days, potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are exactly what you need. These irresistible little bites combine everything people love: creamy cheese, savory sausage, and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes. They’re tender on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with flavor in every single bite.

This recipe is a fun twist on traditional sausage balls, which are usually made with sausage, cheese, and baking mix. But this upgraded version takes things to a whole new level thanks to cream cheese and Rotel, giving the sausage balls more moisture, flavor, and richness. The cream cheese makes the mixture soft and velvety, while Rotel adds tiny bursts of tomato and green chilies that balance the savoriness perfectly.

Best of all, these sausage balls require only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. You can make the mixture ahead of time, store it, freeze it, or bake it right away. They’re convenient, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser no matter where you serve them.

Let’s dive into this simple but flavor-packed appetizer!

🍽️ Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Beef Sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups Bisquick or any baking mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup pepper jack cheese for extra heat
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup finely diced jalapeños

👩‍🍳 Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Drain the Rotel Well

Pour Rotel into a fine strainer and press out as much liquid as possible. This prevents the sausage balls from getting too wet.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sausage

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and raw sausage. Use clean hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings

Add shredded cheddar, drained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Mix until fully incorporated and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add the Bisquick

Sprinkle the baking mix over the sausage mixture and mix thoroughly. The dough will be thick; continue mixing until no dry pockets remain.

Step 6: Shape the Sausage Balls

Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls (about 1 to 1½ inches). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked in the center. The outside should be slightly crisp, while the inside stays moist and tender.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve the sausage balls warm with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or Cajun dip

🔄 Variations

Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls

Use hot sausage, pepper jack cheese, and Rotel Hot for an extra kick.

Cheddar Ranch Sausage Balls

Mix in 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning for a zesty ranch flavor.

Air Fryer Sausage Balls

Cook at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for an extra-crispy texture.

Turkey or Chicken Sausage Balls

Use ground turkey sausage for a lighter version. Add an extra ½ cup cheese to maintain moisture.

Gluten-Free Sausage Balls

Swap Bisquick for gluten-free baking mix.

🍳 Cooking Note

For the best texture, make sure the Rotel is drained extremely well. Too much liquid will make the mixture loose and prevent the sausage balls from forming properly.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm at holiday parties or game-day gatherings.
• Pair with dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha ranch, honey mustard, or queso.
• Arrange them on a charcuterie or appetizer board.
• Serve with scrambled eggs and biscuits for a breakfast version.
• Pack them for potlucks or school events—they travel well!

💡 Tips

• Use softened cream cheese. It mixes easier and helps prevent dry sausage balls.
• Don’t over-drain Rotel. Remove liquid but keep enough tomato bits to add flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded.
• Chill the mixture for 20 minutes if it’s too sticky to roll.
• Freeze before baking for easy make-ahead appetizers. Bake from frozen for 25–30 minutes.

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes

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📊 Nutritional Information (Approx. per 2 sausage balls)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 420mg

❓ FAQs

Can I make Rotel cream cheese sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.

Can I freeze sausage balls?

Absolutely. Freeze raw sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen.

Why are my sausage balls dry?

This usually happens from too much baking mix. Add a little more cream cheese or reduce the Bisquick next time.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes—mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby-Jack all work great.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes.

🧾 Conclusion

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory. They’re simple to make, incredibly versatile, and always one of the first dishes to disappear at any event. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday spread, or just looking for an easy appetizer, this recipe delivers flavor and convenience every time.

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