Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

Looking to elevate your party spread or game day snack lineup? Look no further than these irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! A marriage of creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and zesty Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, these savory bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that disappears in a flash. The cream cheese keeps each morsel tender, while the mix of cheddar cheese and sausage delivers a flavorful punch that will have your guests begging for more.

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls have become a staple at my gatherings, whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a tailgate party. The bold flavors of hot sausage combined with the tangy kick from Rotel create a winning combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you prefer mild sausage with extra cheddar or like to spice things up with the hot version, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Make a double batch because trust me, there won’t be any left over!

For a make-ahead option, shape and freeze the unbaked sausage balls, then bake them straight from the freezer for a convenient and delicious appetizer anytime. Whether served as a brunch side, a party finger food, or even tucked into a slider bun for a unique twist, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a versatile and flavorful addition to any occasion. Get ready to impress your guests with these addictive bites that are guaranteed to be the star of the show!

Quick Benefits

  • Cream cheese adds tenderness to each bite
  • Bold flavor from the mix of cheese and sausage
  • Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies provide a zippy kick
  • Versatile – can be served as appetizers, brunch side, or snack

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer! Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor Combination: The mix of creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and zesty Rotel diced tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that is addictive and perfect for any gathering or game day spread.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences by choosing between hot or mild sausage, selecting different types of cheese or biscuit mix, and adding ingredients like bell peppers or scallions for extra flavor.
  • Party Favorite: These sausage balls are a guaranteed hit at any event, with guests always coming back for seconds. They disappear fast from the plate, making them the perfect party appetizer that everyone will love.
  • Convenient Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sausage balls in advance, freeze them unbaked, and then bake straight from frozen when needed. This makes them a convenient option for last-minute appetizers or a quick snack.
  • Southern Comfort Food: With its roots in Southern home cooking, these cream cheese sausage balls offer a comforting and hearty bite-size snack that is perfect for brunch, parties, or even as a lunchbox treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing and Easy to Reheat: Whether served fresh or reheated, these sausage balls maintain their delicious flavor and crispy texture. They can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave, making them a convenient option for any occasion.
  • Endless Serving Ideas: These sausage balls can be served in various ways, from being a brunch side dish to a party finger food. You can even get creative by turning them into a sausage ball sandwich or adding them to a lunchbox with celery and ranch dip for a tasty twist.

Ingredients for Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

Main Components

  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
  • 1 pound ground sausage, hot or mild
  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick or similar baking mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pro Tips for Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

For the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, try using hot sausage for a bold flavor punch, or opt for mild sausage and add extra cheddar for a milder version. Make sure to drain the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies really well to prevent a runny mixture and help the sausage balls hold their shape during baking. These sausage balls can be made ahead of time by shaping them and freezing them unbaked on a tray; then, you can bake them straight from frozen, just remember to add a few extra minutes to the oven time for thorough cooking.

To add extra flavor to your sausage balls, consider serving them with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or sriracha mayo. You can also experiment with different cheese options, such as pepper jack for a sharper taste, or add a dash of smoked paprika to the mix for a smoky kick. Get creative with the presentation by serving them as a brunch side, a party finger food, or even stuffed into slider buns for a fun sausage ball sandwich twist.

How to Make Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

Combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, shredded cheddar, and Bisquick baking mix in a large bowl until well mixed.

Step 3: Form Sausage Balls

Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, ensuring there is 1 inch of space between each ball.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the dish warm as a snack or appetizer. Optionally, pair with ranch dressing or spicy mustard.

Step 6: Storage

Store any remaining food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, storing any leftovers is simple. To keep them fresh for up to three days, place the sausage balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the sausage balls on a baking sheet in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy edges, or quickly warm them in the microwave.

If you find yourself with a surplus of sausage balls or want to save some for later, freezing them is a great option. Arrange the unbaked sausage balls on a tray and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a zip bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve them, bake the frozen sausage balls straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly heated through. This make-ahead option allows you to have a delicious appetizer ready to go whenever you need it.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe, you can swap out the ground sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These alternatives will still provide a flavorful base for the sausage balls.

If you prefer a milder version of this dish, you can substitute the hot sausage with ground beef or vegetarian sausage crumbles. This swap will tone down the heat level while still maintaining a delicious flavor profile.

Additionally, if you don’t have Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies on hand, you can use a combination of regular diced tomatoes and a small amount of diced green chilies or jalapeños to achieve a similar flavor profile. This substitution allows you to control the spiciness level based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try skewering these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls on toothpicks with a small dollop of spicy mustard or sriracha mayo on top. This presentation not only makes them easy to grab and enjoy as party appetizers but also adds a pop of color and flavor to each bite.

Another idea is to serve these sausage balls in a mini muffin tin, creating individual portions that are perfect for brunch gatherings or potluck events. Drizzle a little ranch dressing over the top before serving for a creamy and tangy twist that will elevate the flavors even more.

FAQs for Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

Can I use either hot or mild sausage in this recipe?

Yes, either hot or mild sausage works well. Choose based on your desired heat level.

Should I drain the Rotel before adding it to the mixture?

Absolutely. Drain Rotel thoroughly to prevent a runny mixture and help the balls hold their shape.

What are some recommended dipping sauces for these sausage balls?

Popular choices include ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

Can I prepare the sausage ball mixture ahead of time?

Yes. Form the raw balls and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake fresh before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and sharing these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls as much as I do! Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for breakfast, or packing them for a snack, these sausage balls never disappoint. The combination of cream cheese, Rotel, and flavorful sausage creates a winning appetizer that is sure to be a crowd favorite wherever you go.

Remember, you can always customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the heat level, cheese variety, or even adding extra spices. Get creative in the kitchen and make these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls your own signature dish. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear in minutes – they’re just that good!

Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls: Easy and Delicious Appetizer!

“Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: A zesty blend of creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and Rotel tomatoes for a crowd-pleasing party bite that disappears fast!”
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time25 min
Total Time45 min
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings24 Servings (Approximately 24 sausage balls)

Ingredients

Main Components

  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
  • 1 pound ground sausage, hot or mild
  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick or similar baking mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Prepare the Mixture: Combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, shredded cheddar, and Bisquick baking mix in a large bowl until well mixed.
  3. Form Sausage Balls: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, ensuring there is 1 inch of space between each ball.
  4. Bake: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve: Serve the dish warm as a snack or appetizer. Optionally, pair with ranch dressing or spicy mustard.
  6. Storage: Store any remaining food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.