Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

When it comes to irresistible appetizers and crowd-pleasing snacks, few dishes can compare to Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. These little bites of pure deliciousness combine everything you could ever want in a savory treat. They’re rich, cheesy, meaty, and packed with just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a holiday party, or looking for the perfect game-day snack, these sausage balls always hit the spot.

What sets these sausage balls apart from the classic version is the addition of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with creamy, luscious cream cheese. This twist adds a spicy, tangy kick that elevates the flavor to a whole new level. The cream cheese not only brings a decadent texture but also balances out the heat from the sausage and chilies, making each bite utterly satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps to create a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will rave about. From the moment they come out of the oven, golden brown and piping hot, you’ll be greeted with the irresistible aroma of sausage, cheese, and spices mingling together. It’s the kind of smell that immediately draws people to the kitchen, eagerly waiting for a taste.

I remember making these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for the first time during a holiday gathering. They were meant to be part of a larger appetizer spread, but as soon as they hit the table, they practically disappeared within minutes. Everyone was hooked. From that day on, they became a staple at our family gatherings and a go-to recipe for whenever I needed something quick, comforting, and delicious.

What’s even better is how versatile these sausage balls are. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or even customize the ingredients to suit your taste. They’re also perfect for serving with a variety of dips, from spicy queso to cool ranch dressing, making them a fantastic addition to any appetizer lineup.

So, if you’re ready to add a little spice and a lot of flavor to your next party or brunch, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are exactly what you need. Let’s dive into why you’re going to absolutely love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no doubt about it, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are pure comfort food. They have that savory, cheesy goodness that makes them perfect for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and only a few simple ingredients. You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to pull off these delicious sausage balls. Just mix, roll, and bake—it’s that simple.

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and the unmistakable tang of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and memorable. It’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as part of a breakfast spread, brunch buffet, or appetizer platter at a party, these sausage balls always fit right in. They’re also fantastic for game-day snacking or holiday gatherings.

Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Prefer a milder version? Use regular sausage instead of hot sausage. Want to add even more heat? Try adding shredded pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican cheese blend.

Great for Make-Ahead and Freezing: One of the best features of this recipe is that it’s freezer-friendly. You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time, freeze them, and bake them straight from the freezer whenever you need them. This makes them a convenient option for busy days or when you’re planning for a big event.

Versatile Dipping Options: While these sausage balls are delicious on their own, they’re even better when served with dipping sauces. Try them with salsa, queso, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha aioli for an extra kick.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Despite the spicy sausage and chilies, the cream cheese helps mellow out the heat, making these sausage balls enjoyable for all ages. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and just about any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something delicious.

Affordable and Accessible Ingredients: The ingredients for this recipe are easy to find and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a small batch for yourself, you won’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy this tasty treat.

Impressive Presentation: Despite their simplicity, these sausage balls look impressive when served hot from the oven. The golden-brown exterior with melted cheese peeking through creates a mouthwatering appearance that’s hard to resist.

With so many reasons to love this recipe, there’s no doubt that these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls will become a favorite in your household. But beyond their irresistible taste and simplicity, they also offer some surprising health benefits when made with a few thoughtful adjustments. Let’s explore what makes these sausage balls a little more nutritious than you might expect.

Health Benefits

Although Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an indulgent treat, there are certain nutritional aspects worth noting. Plus, with a few simple modifications, you can make this recipe a bit healthier without compromising its deliciousness.

Protein-Rich Ingredients: Sausage and cheese are both excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. Consuming adequate protein also helps you feel fuller for longer, which can be helpful if you’re trying to manage your appetite during social gatherings.

Calcium from Cheese: The Mexican cheese blend used in this recipe provides a good amount of calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Cheese also contains other important nutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B12.

Tomatoes and Chilies: The Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies offer a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Chilies, meanwhile, contain capsaicin, a compound known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Customizable for Health: If you’re looking to make this recipe a little lighter, there are several simple adjustments you can make. Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and use low-fat sausage instead of the full-fat variety. You can also increase the amount of Rotel to add more vegetables to the mix, enhancing the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

Portion Control: Since these sausage balls are made in small, bite-sized portions, it’s easier to enjoy them in moderation. Each ball offers a satisfying burst of flavor, making it possible to enjoy them without overindulging.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make mixing much easier.

3. Drain Rotel: Drain the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to your sausage balls.

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2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Use a Stand Mixer (Recommended):

   • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick, and shredded cheese.

   • Mix on medium speed until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky, but all the ingredients should be evenly distributed.

2. Mix by Hand (Alternative):

   • If you don’t have a stand mixer, no worries! You can mix everything by hand.

   • Use a large mixing bowl and clean hands to knead the mixture until well blended. It will be a bit messy, but it works just as well.

3. Check Consistency:

   • If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bring it together.

   • If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra Bisquick.

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3: Shape the Sausage Balls

1. Form the Balls:

   • Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. You should get about 35–40 sausage balls, depending on size.

2. Place on Baking Sheet:

   • Arrange the sausage balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.

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4: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake:

   • Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

   • The internal temperature should reach at least 165ºF (74ºC) if you want to be precise.

2. Cool Slightly:

   • Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving.

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5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the sausage balls on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces.

2. Dipping Ideas: Salsa, queso, spicy ranch, honey mustard, or even marinara sauce pair beautifully.

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How to Serve

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are fantastic as-is, but there are plenty of creative ways to serve them:

• Appetizer Spread: Place them on a charcuterie-style board with cheese cubes, pickles, crackers, and various dips.

• Breakfast Sandwiches: Tuck them into mini biscuits or croissants for a hearty breakfast bite.

• Game Day Platter: Serve alongside chips, wings, and jalapeño poppers for the ultimate party platter.

• Pasta Topping: Slice them up and toss them into creamy pasta dishes for a spicy, cheesy boost.

• Taco Night: Chop them up and sprinkle them over nachos or tacos for extra flavor.

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Pairing Suggestions

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are bursting with flavor, so you’ll want sides and drinks that complement their spicy, cheesy goodness.

Drinks

• Iced Sweet Tea or Lemonade: The cool, refreshing sweetness helps balance out the savory spice.

• Beer: A light lager or crisp IPA pairs perfectly for game day gatherings.

• Smoothies: For breakfast or brunch, serve with a creamy avocado or berry smoothie.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and coolness contrast beautifully with the rich, spicy sausage balls.

• Fruit Platter: Pineapple, grapes, and melon offer a refreshing, juicy pairing.

• Cheesy Grits: Serve for a Southern-inspired brunch spread.

• Vegetable Tray: Crisp veggies with ranch or blue cheese dip add a nice, cooling touch.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place them in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.

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Freezing

1. Freezing Unbaked Sausage Balls:

   • Arrange the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1–2 hours.

   • Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

2. To Bake From Frozen:

   • Bake at 400ºF for 22–25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

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Reheating

• From the Refrigerator: Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for 10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds.

• From the Freezer (Pre-Cooked): Bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are simple to make, a few common pitfalls can mess with their flavor, texture, or appearance. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Using Cold Ingredients:

   • Trying to mix cold cream cheese with sausage and other ingredients will be a nightmare. It won’t blend properly, and you’ll end up with chunks of cream cheese instead of a smooth, creamy mixture.

   • Solution: Let your cream cheese and sausage come to room temperature before mixing. About 30 minutes on the counter should do the trick.

2. Overmixing the Dough:

   • Mixing for too long can make the sausage balls tough and dry, especially if the Bisquick is overworked.

   • Solution: Mix just until all the ingredients are evenly combined. A stand mixer with a dough hook is helpful, but keep an eye on it!

3. Making Balls Too Large or Too Small:

   • Making sausage balls of inconsistent sizes means some will be undercooked while others are overcooked.

   • Solution: Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to ensure even sizing for perfect cooking.

4. Not Draining the Rotel Properly:

   • Leaving too much liquid in the Rotel will make the mixture soggy and difficult to shape.

   • Solution: Drain the Rotel thoroughly. For best results, press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

5. Baking on a Bare Sheet Pan:

   • Without parchment paper, the sausage balls can stick to the pan, making cleanup a mess.

   • Solution: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy removal.

6. Overbaking:

   • Cooking the sausage balls too long can make them dry and crumbly.

   • Solution: Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re golden brown and cooked through.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Want to make these sausage balls absolutely irresistible? Here’s how:

1. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor:

   • If you want to boost the flavor even more, try adding chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even cilantro. About 2 tablespoons mixed into the dough will add a pop of freshness.

2. Experiment with Different Cheeses:

   • While the Mexican cheese blend is fantastic, feel free to switch it up. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda can add a unique twist. Want it extra spicy? Try habanero cheese!

3. Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity:

   • For evenly cooked sausage balls, use a small cookie scoop to shape them. This also helps them bake evenly and makes portioning a breeze.

4. Pre-Chill the Mixture:

   • If your mixture feels too soft to roll into balls, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the balls hold their shape while baking.

5. Make Them Gluten-Free:

   • Swap the Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.

6. Bake From Frozen:

   • Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked sausage balls. They bake up beautifully straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 3–5 minutes to the baking time.

7. Serve with Dipping Sauces:

   • While these are delicious on their own, serving them with queso, salsa, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli takes them to a whole new level.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

   • Yes! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. They also freeze beautifully for long-term storage.

2. How do I freeze them properly?

   • Place uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

   • It’s best to use raw sausage so it mixes well with the other ingredients and cooks properly in the oven.

4. Can I substitute the Bisquick with something else?

   • Sure! You can use self-rising flour or make your own Bisquick substitute by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and butter.

5. How do I keep the sausage balls moist and not dry?

   • The cream cheese helps a lot with moisture, but make sure not to overbake them. Also, using freshly shredded cheese (not pre-packaged shredded cheese) adds extra creaminess.

6. What if I want them even spicier?

   • Use spicy sausage, add some crushed red pepper flakes, or even chop up jalapeños and mix them into the dough.

7. How do I reheat leftovers?

   • Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes, or microwave for about 30 seconds.

8. Can I use turkey sausage instead?

   • Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you prefer a lighter option. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different.

9. Why are my sausage balls falling apart?

   • This usually happens if the mixture is too dry. Make sure the Rotel is well-drained but not bone-dry, and don’t add extra Bisquick.

10. Can I make these dairy-free?

    • Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture may differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

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Conclusion & Call to Action

You’re all set to make these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls the hit of your next party or brunch! They’re spicy, cheesy, and packed with so much flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for more every time. Plus, with all the tips and tricks I’ve shared, you can customize them exactly how you like—extra spicy, gluten-free, dairy-free, or even made-ahead for convenience.

The best part? These sausage balls are so versatile! Serve them with a creamy queso dip, fresh salsa, or even a tangy ranch dressing. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a holiday brunch, or a casual family breakfast.

Now, it’s your turn! I’d love to see how your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls turn out. Share your delicious creations on social media with the hashtag #PlainChickenSausageBalls. And if you came up with your own fun variation, be sure to drop it in the comments—I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Ready to make some unforgettable sausage balls? Let’s do this! 💪🔥🧀

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