If you love cheesy, spicy, and ridiculously easy appetizers, then Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are about to become your new obsession. These little bites of goodness are flavor-packed, soft on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside—making them the perfect snack for game days, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
What Makes These Sausage Balls So Good?
At the heart of this recipe is Rotel tomatoes, which add a tangy, slightly spicy kick to every bite. Combined with savory sausage, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, you get an appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The addition of Bisquick helps bind everything together, creating a perfect balance of fluffiness and crispiness.
Nutritional Breakdown of Key Ingredients
- Sausage – A great source of protein and fat, making these bites extra satisfying.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a smooth, creamy texture and a dose of calcium.
- Rotel Tomatoes – Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants for an extra kick.
- Cheddar Cheese – Provides rich, cheesy goodness and protein.
- Bisquick Mix – Gives these sausage balls their perfect soft yet crispy texture.
If you’re a fan of easy, cheesy snacks, you should also try this Creamy Mac and Cheese—another comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
There’s a reason why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a party favorite—they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick snack, a game-day appetizer, or a holiday crowd-pleaser, these cheesy, spicy bites always hit the spot.
1. The Perfect Combination of Flavors
These sausage balls bring everything you love in one bite—savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the bold kick of Rotel tomatoes. The cheddar melts into every bite, while the cream cheese keeps them soft and moist. The Rotel adds just the right amount of spice and tanginess, making these way more flavorful than your average sausage ball.
2. Super Easy to Make
No complicated steps here—just mix, roll, and bake! With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, these sausage balls come together in under 30 minutes. They’re also great for making ahead, so you can pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick snack.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday gatherings and Super Bowl parties to brunch spreads and quick breakfasts, these sausage balls fit any occasion. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in minutes.
4. Freezer-Friendly & Meal Prep Approved
You can make a big batch and freeze them for later. Just bake straight from frozen, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them!
If you love easy, cheesy comfort food, you might also enjoy this Creamy Mac and Cheese—another classic that’s always a hit!
Ingredients for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is all about simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a cheesy, slightly spicy, and totally addicting bite-sized snack. Each ingredient plays a role in binding, flavor, or texture, making these sausage balls perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious.
1. Sausage – The Savory Base
The star of the show! Use pork sausage for a rich, savory flavor. If you want something lighter, try turkey or chicken sausage—just make sure it’s uncooked and fresh.
2. Cream Cheese – The Secret to Softness
Unlike regular sausage balls, this recipe includes cream cheese, which keeps them moist, creamy, and tender inside. No dry, crumbly bites here!
3. Rotel Tomatoes – The Flavor Kick
This is where the magic happens. A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) adds spice, tang, and juiciness, making these sausage balls way more flavorful than your standard recipe.
4. Bisquick – The Perfect Binder
Bisquick baking mix helps hold everything together while giving the sausage balls a fluffy, slightly crisp exterior. If you don’t have Bisquick, a simple mix of flour and baking powder works too.
5. Cheddar Cheese – That Gooey, Cheesy Goodness
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and melty deliciousness in every bite. Want a little more spice? Try pepper jack cheese instead!
6. Seasonings – The Final Touch
A little garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes take these sausage balls from good to next-level delicious.
Looking for another cheesy, comforting snack? Try this Cheesy Baked Ziti—it’s just as indulgent and easy to make!
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls couldn’t be easier! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have cheesy, spicy, and savory sausage bites ready to serve in no time.
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 lb uncooked pork sausage
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (drained well)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky, but that’s what makes them so delicious!
3. Roll into Balls
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the baking sheet, leaving space between them so they cook evenly.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese will be bubbly, and the outside will have a slight crisp.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
If you love cheesy appetizers, check out Cheesy Baked Ziti—another warm and comforting dish!
Swaps and Substitutions for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
One of the best things about Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is how easy they are to customize. Whether you need a healthier option, a gluten-free alternative, or just want to switch up the flavors, there’s a swap for everything!
1. Meat Substitutes
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage – A leaner option that still adds plenty of flavor.
- Spicy Sausage – If you love heat, try hot Italian sausage or chorizo.
- Meatless Crumbles – A great vegetarian alternative—just add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese to help bind the mixture.
2. Cheese Swaps
- Pepper Jack Cheese – Adds an extra kick of spice.
- Mozzarella – Creates a milder, gooier texture.
- Dairy-Free Cheese – Works well if you need a vegan option—just be sure to use a dairy-free cream cheese as well.
3. Gluten-Free Alternative
- Almond Flour + Baking Powder – Instead of Bisquick, use 1 ¾ cups almond flour + 1 tsp baking powder for a gluten-free version.
- Gluten-Free Baking Mix – Many store-bought options work just as well.
4. Different Rotel Options
- Hot Rotel – If you love spicy food, go for the hot variety.
- Mild Rotel – Great if you prefer less heat.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
5. Extra Add-Ins for More Flavor
- Chopped Jalapeños – For extra spice.
- Crumbled Bacon – Because bacon makes everything better.
- Diced Bell Peppers – Adds a little crunch and sweetness.
For another easy, cheesy recipe, check out Creamy Mac and Cheese—it’s just as comforting and simple to make!
What to Serve with Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and sauces makes them even better. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or breakfast, here are some great options to complete your meal.
1. Classic Dipping Sauces
The best way to enjoy sausage balls is with a bold and creamy dipping sauce. Some favorites include:
- Ranch Dressing – A cool, herby contrast to the spicy sausage.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy, balancing out the richness.
- Spicy Mayo – A creamy dip with a little heat.
- Buffalo Sauce – For an extra spicy kick!
2. Side Dishes for a Full Meal
If you’re serving these as part of a larger spread, pair them with:
- Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns – Makes a hearty breakfast.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese – A cheesy, comforting combo.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – Adds a light and refreshing contrast.
- Biscuits or Cornbread – Soft, buttery sides that go perfectly with sausage balls.
3. Drinks That Pair Well
Whether it’s breakfast or game day, these drinks make great pairings:
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing and slightly sweet.
- Cold Beer – A classic game-day pairing with sausage and spice.
- Mimosas or Bloody Marys – Great for brunch gatherings.
These sausage balls are so versatile that they go with almost anything! If you love easy, cheesy recipes, you might also enjoy Cheesy Baked Ziti—another warm, crowd-pleasing dish.
FAQs About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Are sausage balls better with cream cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese makes sausage balls extra soft, moist, and creamy. Traditional sausage balls can sometimes be dry, but adding cream cheese helps them stay tender on the inside while still crisping up on the outside.
Why did my sausage balls come out dry?
Dry sausage balls are usually caused by too much baking mix (Bisquick) or overbaking. To fix this:
Use softened cream cheese to keep them moist.
Drain Rotel tomatoes well, but don’t squeeze them completely dry—you need some moisture.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes—any longer, and they can dry out.
What’s a good dipping sauce for sausage balls?
Sausage balls taste even better with a great dip! Some of the best options include:
Ranch Dressing – Cool and creamy.
Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy contrast.
Buffalo Sauce – Spicy and bold.
Spicy Mayo – A creamy, slightly hot option.
What kind of cheese for sausage balls?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice because it adds a bold, cheesy flavor. However, you can also use:
Pepper Jack – For a little extra heat.
Mozzarella – For a gooier texture.
Colby Jack – A milder, slightly sweet cheese.
How to soften cream cheese?
To soften cream cheese quickly:
Microwave it for 15-20 seconds (cut into cubes first).
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Should sausage balls be frozen before or after cooking?
You can freeze them both ways!
Before baking – Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
After baking – Let them cool, then freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For another easy, cheesy recipe, check out Cheesy Baked Ziti—it’s just as comforting and full of flavor!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 sausage balls 1x
Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors. Made with Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick, they’re easy to make and always a hit. Perfect for parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or even breakfast, these bite-sized sausage balls are delicious, freezer-friendly, and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Add Bisquick, garlic powder, and black pepper, then mix until the dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can freeze unbaked sausage balls and bake them later—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sausage balls, Rotel sausage balls, cream cheese sausage balls, easy appetizers, game day snacks, spicy sausage recipe, breakfast bites
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If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, snack, or breakfast bite, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a must-try. With a cheesy, slightly spicy, and savory flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and sausage creates a moist, tender texture inside while keeping a golden, slightly crisp outside.
What makes these sausage balls even better? They’re super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and can be prepped ahead of time. You can freeze them before or after baking, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. Plus, they go with just about everything—from classic dips like ranch and honey mustard to side dishes like mac and cheese or biscuits.
If you love customizing recipes, you can easily switch things up by using different cheeses, adding extra spice, or swapping out the sausage for turkey or plant-based crumbles. No matter how you make them, they’re always a hit!
So, what are you waiting for? Make a batch today, and watch them disappear in minutes! Whether you’re serving them at a football party, brunch, or holiday gathering, these sausage balls will become a go-to favorite.
For another warm, cheesy comfort food, check out Cheesy Baked Ziti—it’s just as easy and packed with flavor!