Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls – Cheesy, Spicy & Totally Addictive
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect party snack or easy appetizer, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are your answer. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a tailgate, holiday gathering, or a casual movie night, don’t expect leftovers—these will vanish fast.
The combo of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheddar wrapped up in a lightly crisp Bisquick shell hits every craving at once.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes these sausage balls truly special is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. The Rotel adds a gentle kick and moisture, while the cream cheese smooths everything out for a crave-worthy bite. They’re just as good fresh out of the oven as they are reheated the next day (if you have any left!).
And the best part? Everything mixes in one bowl, and they’re on the table in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild, spicy, or your favorite)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick mix (or your go-to baking/pancake mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional for serving: ranch dressing or hot sauce
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
- Add jalapeños for extra spice
- Swap Monterey Jack or pepper jack for cheddar
- Mix in a pinch of cayenne or onion powder for deeper flavor
- Use gluten-free baking mix to make it GF-friendly
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Mix Everything
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar, Bisquick, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mix thoroughly until fully combined (hands work best!).
3. Form Sausage Balls
- Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
- Place evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Rotel well to avoid soggy sausage balls.
- For easier mixing, soften cream cheese and bring sausage to room temp.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even cooking.
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked sausage balls—just bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These sausage balls are practically begging to be part of your snack spread. Serve with:
- A side of ranch dressing or spicy hot sauce
- On a platter with celery and carrot sticks
- As part of a party lineup with Beer Cheese Dip or Crockpot Nacho Dip
- Or go all out with Totchos and a Walking Taco Bar
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
- Freeze baked or unbaked: store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more cheesy, shareable bites and party favorites, check these out:
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- This Beer Cheese Dip
- These Totchos
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Walking Taco Bar
Final Thoughts
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are everything a great appetizer should be: bold, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. They deliver big flavor with minimal effort—and they’re always a hit. Keep this recipe bookmarked for game days, holidays, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack.
📢 Made them? Drop your twist in the comments, and follow for more easy comfort food with major flavor!
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