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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Updated on 3 min read

Quick Description

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor from seasoned sausage and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and incredibly easy to make, they’re perfect for parties, game days, holidays, or a quick snack that everyone devours.

Servings & Timing

Serves: 24–30 sausage balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or baking mix if preferred)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Mix the Base
    In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage until evenly blended.
  3. Add Flavor
    Stir in drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  4. Bind the Mixture
    Add flour and mix until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
  5. Shape the Balls
    Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake
    Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Cool & Serve
    Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (per ball – approximate)

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Fat: 9g

Benefits

  • High-Protein Snack: Sausage and cheese provide satisfying protein
  • One-Bowl Recipe: Minimal cleanup
  • Crowd Favorite: Perfect party food
  • Custom Heat Level: Adjust spice easily

Additional Notes

  • Drain Rotel extremely well to prevent soggy sausage balls.
  • If mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before rolling.
  • Use a cookie scoop for even sizing.

Dietary Info

  • Keto-Friendly Option: ❌ (use almond flour for low-carb)
  • Gluten-Free Option: ❌ (use gluten-free flour)
  • High-Protein: ✔️

Brief Introduction

These sausage balls are one of those “make once, crave forever” recipes. They’re bold, cheesy, and disappear fast no matter where you serve them — breakfast, brunch, or appetizer trays.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

  • Mix: Sausage + cream cheese first
  • Fold: Cheese + Rotel + seasonings
  • Roll: Small, even balls
  • Bake: Until golden and bubbling

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Ground Pork Sausage: Mild or spicy both work beautifully
  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat gives best texture
  • Rotel: Choose original, mild, or hot
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor
  • Flour: Helps hold everything together

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Variations:

  • Add jalapeños for extra heat
  • Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
  • Add cooked bacon crumbles

Serve With:

  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • Spicy aioli

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
  • Freeze (Unbaked): Up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Roll and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Why are my sausage balls greasy?
Very fatty sausage — drain on paper towels after baking.

Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Optional Personal Story

These are one of those recipes I make “just to have around” — and somehow they’re always gone within hours. Every single time.

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