A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and lightly spicy thanks to Rotel and sausage. Perfect for parties, breakfast bites, and snack platters.
Description
These sausage balls combine ground sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and Rotel for an irresistible flavor. They bake up golden, soft on the inside, and slightly crisp on the outside.
Introduction
This recipe delivers a perfect blend of creamy cheese, tender sausage, and the bold flavor of tomatoes and green chilies. Whether mild or spicy, they’re flavorful and extremely easy to make—no special equipment needed.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground sausage (mild or spicy) | 1 lb |
| Rotel (10 oz can), drained | 1 can |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional) | 1 cup |
Instructions — Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Sausage Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Add Dry Mix to Wet Mix
Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese last.
Step 5: Shape the Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If you’d like, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm.
Tips for Best Results
- For creamier texture, don’t skip softening the cream cheese.
- If mixture is sticky, chill for 15 minutes before forming balls.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked or cooked sausage balls for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls are great with:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
- Creamy garlic dip
FAQ
1. Can I use canned sausage or pre-cooked sausage?
No — this recipe works best with raw ground sausage so it can bind with the cheese and flour as it cooks.
2. Can I use sausage that is already spicy?
Yes! Spicy sausage makes the sausage balls even more flavorful. You can skip the cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can shape the sausage balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze the sausage balls?
Yes. Freeze them raw on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen — just add 5 extra minutes.
5. Why did my sausage balls turn out dry?
This usually happens if too much flour was added or the sausage was very lean. Make sure to use softened cream cheese and full-fat sausage for best results.
6. Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. What dipping sauces go well with them?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or garlic aioli are all great options.
Conclusion
Irresistibly cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect for any event. One bite and they’ll become a favorite!