🧀 Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe – Cheesy, Spicy, and So Easy

There’s just something irresistible about the combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of Rotel tomatoes baked into golden, bite-sized perfection. This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe is one of those appetizers everyone loves — perfect for parties, game days, or lazy weekends when you crave something quick and comforting.

They’re cheesy, savory, a little spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside. You only need a few simple ingredients and less than an hour to make a batch that disappears fast.

🕒 Time & Servings

🧈 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps the sausage balls bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Get all your ingredients ready before mixing — it makes the process smooth and quick.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until smooth. The mixture should feel creamy and stick together nicely — that’s what keeps the sausage balls soft inside.

Step 3: Add Rotel & Cheese

Drain your Rotel tomatoes with green chilies well to remove extra liquid. Add them to the bowl along with shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until everything looks evenly mixed. The tomatoes add a little heat and color that makes these sausage balls extra flavorful.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more Bisquick. If it feels too dry, you can add a spoon of cream cheese. The texture should hold its shape easily.

Step 5: Shape the Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until you use all the dough — you should get around 25 pieces.
Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the sausage balls are golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
If you’re unsure, cut one open — it should be fully cooked with melted cheese inside.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They taste best warm — soft inside, cheesy, and full of that spicy Rotel flavor.
Serve them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

These sausage balls are versatile — serve them as:

• A snack with ranch dressing or honey mustard dip
• A side with scrambled eggs or grits for breakfast
• A party appetizer with cold drinks 🍻
• A fun finger food next to tomato soup or chili

💡 You can also skewer them with toothpicks and serve on a platter for gatherings — easy, neat, and always a hit.

🧂 Recipe Notes

• Use spicy sausage for a bold flavor or mild for a family-friendly version.
• Drain Rotel properly — extra liquid makes the dough soft.
• For a stronger cheese pull, add a little mozzarella with the cheddar.
• Freeze raw sausage balls for up to 2 months and bake when needed.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes
• Air fryer: 325°F (160°C) for 5–6 minutes
• Microwave: 20–30 seconds (softer texture)

⚖️ Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Sausage Ball)

🛠️ Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or hand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

💡 Extra Tips to Make It Perfect

• Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if it feels too soft.
• Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
• If using low-fat cream cheese, add 1 extra tablespoon to keep it creamy.

🥗 Health Benefits

While it’s definitely a comfort food, this recipe offers some nice perks:

• Protein-rich thanks to the sausage and cheese.
• Low-carb friendly if you use almond flour instead of Bisquick.
• Contains calcium and vitamin B12 from dairy.

Pair it with a salad or veggies for a balanced snack or meal.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining Rotel: makes the dough too wet and soggy.
• Overbaking: dries out the texture.
• Using cold cream cheese: harder to mix evenly.
• Skipping parchment paper: causes sticking and uneven browning.

🧠 FAQs About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes! Turkey sausage works great if you want a lighter version — just reduce baking time slightly.

2. Can I make them without Bisquick?
You can use self-rising flour or mix 1 cup flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt as a substitute.

3. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

4. How do I keep sausage balls moist?
Make sure the cream cheese is fully blended and don’t overbake them.

5. Are they spicy?
They have a mild kick from Rotel and sausage, but you can use mild sausage for a softer taste.

✨ Final Thoughts

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the kind of easy snack everyone remembers. They’re warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy — a little messy to mix, but totally worth it when you bite into that soft, flavorful center.

Whether it’s a party, brunch, or lazy weekend craving, this recipe never fails. Try it once, and you’ll probably keep a batch in the freezer for next time.