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These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic sausage ball. Packed with zesty flavor from Rotel tomatoes, creamy richness from cream cheese, and the perfect bite from sausage and cheddar, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack. They come together easily and can be made ahead or frozen for convenience.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 24–30 balls (depending on size)
🧰 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing spoon or hands
- Small cookie scoop (optional)
- Cooling rack (optional)
🥫 Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or hot, uncooked)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), well drained
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups Bisquick baking mix
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sausage: Use pork breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean). For less grease, use turkey sausage.
- Rotel: Drain thoroughly to avoid soggy dough. You can use original, mild, or hot.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Bisquick: Can substitute with homemade biscuit mix if desired (flour, baking powder, salt, butter).
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Drain Rotel
Open the can of Rotel and drain it thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer or pressing with paper towels. - Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine raw sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheddar, and Bisquick. Mix until fully combined — hands work best here! - Form Balls
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. - Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F / 71°C). - Cool Slightly & Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Ball – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
Note: Values will vary based on exact ingredients and size of sausage balls.
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips:
- Drain the Rotel really well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- Room temperature cream cheese makes mixing easier.
- Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–28 minutes.
🔄 Variations:
- Spicier version: Use hot sausage and hot Rotel.
- Add herbs: Mix in chopped green onions or parsley for freshness.
- Make mini sliders: Serve inside small biscuits or rolls with a dollop of ranch or spicy mayo.
