These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack! With just five ingredients—spicy sausage, Bisquick, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and a Mexican cheese blend—this dish comes together in no time. Perfect for any occasion, from a holiday party to a casual brunch, these bite-sized balls pack a punch of flavor.
What’s more, they can be made ahead and frozen, so they’re ready whenever you need them. Serve them warm with your favorite dip—whether it’s salsa, queso, or a creamy jalapeno ranch—for a snack that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb hot sausage, uncooked
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1½ cups Bisquick
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine sausage, cream cheese, Bisquick, Rotel, and shredded cheese.
- Use a cookie scoop to form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with parsley, and pair with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes | Total Time: 33-35 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 5 dozen balls
Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with the spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and the subtle heat and acidity of the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. The Mexican cheese blend adds a cheesy richness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatility: The sausage balls can be served hot, at room temperature, or even made in advance and frozen for later use. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for parties or busy mornings.
- Customization: You can easily modify the recipe by using different types of sausage (mild, spicy, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version) or cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or a three-cheese blend). You can also choose between different varieties of Rotel, such as mild, original, or hot, depending on your heat preference.
- Dietary Options: To make these sausage balls gluten-free, simply substitute the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix. You can also experiment with lower-fat versions by using turkey sausage or reduced-fat cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- These sausage balls are great on their own but really shine when paired with dipping sauces. Some popular options include salsa, queso, ranch dressing, or a jalapeño dip for extra spice.
- Serve them as a breakfast side dish, alongside scrambled eggs, or make them the star of your appetizer spread for parties and gatherings.
Preparation Tips
- Handling Sticky Dough: The sausage mixture can be sticky to work with. Using a cookie scoop helps to form evenly-sized balls and prevents the dough from sticking to your hands.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze the sausage balls, form them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Interesting Facts:
- Rotel: The Rotel brand of diced tomatoes and green chilies adds a unique Southwestern flair to the dish. It’s often used in queso dips, Tex-Mex dishes, and casseroles, providing a distinct flavor that enhances many recipes.
- Sausage Balls History: Traditional sausage balls, often made with sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, have been a popular dish in Southern U.S. cuisine for decades. This recipe kicks up the flavor by adding the creaminess of cream cheese and the zing of Rotel.
History and Popularity of Sausage Balls
Sausage balls have been a staple of Southern cooking for decades, making their first widespread appearance in the 1970s as a popular finger food at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and tailgate parties. Traditionally made with sausage, Bisquick, and shredded cheese, they were simple to prepare and required only a few ingredients that most people already had in their pantry. Over time, cooks began adding their own twists, including herbs, spices, and different types of cheese.
What makes Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls stand out from the traditional version is the addition of cream cheese, which makes them richer and moister than the original recipe, as well as the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, which give them a nice, spicy kick. This upgrade to the classic recipe is a great example of how regional ingredients, like Rotel, can transform a simple dish into something truly special.
Why These Sausage Balls Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These sausage balls are incredibly versatile and are often seen as a “go-to” recipe for a variety of occasions. Here’s why they’re a crowd favorite:
- Perfect for Parties: Their bite-sized format makes them ideal for serving as an appetizer at large gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday party, Super Bowl spread, or a potluck dinner, these sausage balls are always a hit.
- Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly: You can make a large batch of sausage balls, freeze them, and bake as needed. This makes them a convenient option for those who want to plan ahead for events or just have a tasty snack ready in the freezer.
- Any Time of Day: While often served as an appetizer, these sausage balls work great as a breakfast item, especially when paired with eggs, biscuits, or fruit. They also make a quick and satisfying snack.
How to Make Them Even More Special
There are plenty of ways to elevate this simple recipe to suit your tastes or to cater to specific occasions:
- Custom Dipping Sauces: While salsa or ranch are common pairings, you can elevate the sausage balls by serving them with a variety of unique dips. Consider trying a smoky chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. You could also try a sweeter accompaniment, like a maple-mustard dip, which adds a nice contrast to the savory, spicy sausage.
- Add Extra Ingredients:
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added to brighten up the flavor. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the Mexican cheese blend for other varieties such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta or blue cheese for a completely different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to the sausage mixture for an added texture and nutritional boost.
Pairing Ideas
Pairing foods and drinks with these sausage balls can enhance the experience even more:
- Beverages: A cold beer, especially a light lager or an IPA, pairs well with the spicy and savory notes of the sausage balls. If you’re hosting a brunch, a mimosa or a Bloody Mary would complement the dish nicely.
- Side Dishes: These sausage balls can be served alongside lighter options such as a crisp salad, fruit platter, or even some roasted vegetables. For a more hearty spread, pair them with a cheesy dip, sliders, or even a warm soup like tomato or chicken tortilla soup.
Nutritional Considerations
The basic Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe provides about 150 kcal per serving, but you can adjust the nutritional value by making a few substitutions:
- Lower-Fat Options: Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, and low-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat shredded cheese to cut down on fat and calories.
- Gluten-Free Version: As mentioned earlier, swapping regular Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix will make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Adaptations: These sausage balls can also be made keto-friendly by replacing the Bisquick with a low-carb baking mix or even almond flour. This will reduce the carb count and make them perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Fun Fact: The Secret Behind Rotel
Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes and green chilies, originally made by the Ro-Tel company in Texas. The product gained popularity in the mid-20th century as an ingredient in Tex-Mex dishes like queso dip, casseroles, and chili. Its unique blend of tangy tomatoes and zesty green chilies adds a distinct flavor and spice to any dish.
Fun fact: Rotel became a household name thanks to Velveeta Queso dip, which became a Super Bowl favorite, especially in Southern homes. This widespread use has made Rotel a beloved pantry staple, not only in Tex-Mex dishes but in creative, crowd-pleasing recipes like these sausage balls.
Troubleshooting & Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
Here are a few common issues and their solutions to ensure your sausage balls come out perfect every time:
- Sausage Balls Flattening: If your sausage balls tend to spread out or flatten during baking, it may be due to too much moisture in the mixture. Be sure to thoroughly drain the Rotel tomatoes before mixing them in. You can also lightly squeeze them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Too Sticky? The dough for sausage balls can be quite sticky, but resist the urge to add more Bisquick, as this can make the sausage balls too dry. Instead, use a cookie scoop or lightly oil your hands before forming the balls to handle the mixture more easily.
- Even Cooking: To ensure even baking, make sure that your sausage balls are roughly the same size. Using a cookie scoop helps with this. Also, space them evenly on the baking sheet so they have room to cook properly.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a versatile, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. With just five ingredients, these savory bites pack a flavorful punch, thanks to the spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy Rotel tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal-prepping, or looking for a quick snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with options for customization and dietary adjustments, they can easily fit into any menu. Give them a try for a delicious and effortless addition to your recipe collection!