Quick & Zesty Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Crispy rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring a zesty twist to your party snack lineup.

Packed with bold flavors, these bite-sized treats promise to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Spicy sausage mingles with creamy cheese, creating an irresistible combination that keeps people coming back for more.

Each morsel bursts with a perfect balance of heat and richness.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy depth that complements the savory meat.

Mixing takes just minutes, making these a go-to appetizer when you need something quick and delicious.

Tips to Achieve Perfect Sausage Balls Every Time

• Let sausage sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure easier blending with other ingredients.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat to prevent sausage balls from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Gently combine ingredients until just mixed to maintain a tender texture and prevent dense, tough sausage balls.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother integration and more even distribution throughout the mixture.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown color and consistent crispiness on all sausage balls.

Variations to Refresh Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Spicy Fiesta Balls: Replace regular sausage with spicy chorizo and add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Balls: Swap pork sausage for lamb sausage and mix in crumbled feta cheese with fresh oregano and thyme.
• Breakfast Scramble Balls: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and scrambled eggs into the mixture for a morning-inspired version.
• Smoky Cheese Fusion Balls: Use smoked gouda instead of cream cheese and add crumbled bacon for a rich, smoky flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well with Sausage Balls

• Sip and Savor Coffee Companion: Rich, dark roast coffee perfectly complements the warm, spiced cake notes, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Dollop vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to create a luxurious contrast between the warm cake and cool, smooth dessert, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Enhance with Nutty Beverage Boost: Serve a smooth hazelnut latte that mirrors the cake's nutty undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile that intensifies the dessert's depth and warmth.
• Complement with Spiced Tea Blend: Brew a chai tea with similar warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, which will echo the cake's intricate flavor palette and provide a delightful sensory connection.

Best Ways to Store Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy later.

Wrap individual or grouped sausage balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months.

Warm refrigerated sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure they’re heated through without becoming dry.

Spread cold sausage balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, restoring their original crispy texture and warmth.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in these sausage balls?

The key ingredients are ground sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, baking mix, and shredded cheese, which combine to create a flavorful and cheesy appetizer.

• Are these sausage balls gluten-free?

No, traditional Rotel sausage balls are not gluten-free because they typically use baking mix containing wheat flour. To make them gluten-free, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free baking mix.

• Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the preheated oven until golden brown and heated through.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls That Impress Crowd

• Capture Comfort Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delightful recipe that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Designed to delight everyone from kids to adults, this dish offers a universally appealing taste that brings families and friends together around the table.
• Versatile Serving Solution: Adaptable for multiple occasions like potlucks, game day gatherings, holiday parties, or casual weekend snacking without requiring complex preparation techniques.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic mixing skills and standard kitchen tools, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels without intimidating steps.

Ingredients for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

• Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and savory taste to the recipe.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies that provide a zesty kick.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth dairy product that helps bind ingredients and adds creamy texture.

• Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and lightly spray or grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cheese and Meat

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sausage. Use your hands to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even mixture.

• Cream cheese
• Sausage

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the baking mix and shredded cheese. Continue mixing until all components are well incorporated.

• Baking mix
• Shredded cheese

Step 4: Roll Into Balls

Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to create uniform balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 5: Bake Sausage Balls

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls turn golden brown and look crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while warm.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring Southern comfort to party appetizers with irresistible cheesy goodness. Packed with zesty flavors and simple ingredients, these bite-sized treats will disappear quickly from any gathering table you bring them to.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and Rotel tomatoes, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Use your hands to knead the mixture until it forms a consistent and compact texture, breaking down any large chunks.
4. Roll the mixture into uniform golf ball-sized portions, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten, which helps create a more even cooking surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform browning.
7. Remove from the oven when the sausage balls develop a golden-brown exterior and appear crispy around the edges.
8. Allow the sausage balls to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them set and makes them easier to transfer.
9. Serve warm as an appetizer or game day snack, optionally accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

• Adjust the sausage ball consistency by using leaner or fattier sausage, which impacts moisture and density.
• Experiment with different cream cheese varieties like reduced-fat or flavored options to suit dietary preferences.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to prevent overworking the mixture, ensuring tender and moist sausage balls.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked sausage balls up to one month in advance for convenient entertaining or quick snacks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg