First of all — thank you for being here! Whether you’re prepping for a holiday brunch, hosting game day snacks, or just want something hearty and finger-lickin’ good, you’re in for a treat. These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, a little spicy, and downright addictive.
They’re everything you love about a Southern sausage ball… with a creamy, zesty twist. The Rotel adds a flavorful punch of tomatoes and green chilies, and the cream cheese makes them unbelievably soft and moist on the inside. They’re perfect straight from the oven, easy to reheat, and even easier to devour.
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What Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
These are bite-sized, baked sausage and cheese balls made with breakfast sausage, cream cheese, baking mix (like Bisquick), and a can of classic Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies). They’re creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite — perfect as an appetizer, brunch snack, or game-day favorite.
Think of them as the spicier, cheesier cousin of traditional sausage balls — and once you try them, you’ll never go back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Only 6 ingredients
- ✅ Make-ahead & freezer-friendly
- ✅ Perfect party or brunch bite
- ✅ Zesty, creamy, cheesy, and spicy in every bite
- ✅ Always the first thing to disappear on a platter!
What Do They Taste Like?
These sausage balls are:
- Cheesy from sharp cheddar
- Creamy thanks to the softened cream cheese
- Savory and hearty from the browned sausage
- Zesty with that classic Rotel kick of tomatoes and green chilies
- Perfectly golden and slightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
They’re flavorful without being too spicy (unless you want them to be — see below!), and they pair beautifully with dips or sauces.
Benefits of This Recipe
- 🧀 One-bowl mix, one pan bake — easy cleanup
- 🌶️ Customizable heat level with mild or spicy sausage
- 🥣 No fancy tools or techniques needed
- 🧊 Great for freezing and reheating later
- 🥳 Perfect for entertaining — just mix, roll, and bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz / 284g) Rotel, drained well
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
Optional but tasty: A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (to brown sausage)
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or clean hands for mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Tablespoon or small cookie scoop (for even portions)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Make them your own:
- Sausage: Use spicy, maple, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for added heat or creaminess
- Mix-ins: Add chopped green onions, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for a fresh twist
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or sriracha cream
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned and crumbled.
Drain off any excess grease and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked sausage
- Softened cream cheese
- Drained Rotel
- Shredded cheddar
- Baking mix
Mix everything together thoroughly until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
(Tip: Using clean hands is often easiest for this step!)
Step 3: Form the Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
What to Serve With Sausage Balls
These are delicious on their own but even better with:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy chipotle mayo
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Jalapeño jelly or pepper jam (a Southern favorite!)
Great for breakfast spreads, tailgating, holiday parties, or served with eggs and grits for a full Southern brunch.
Tips for Sausage Ball Success
- Drain the Rotel well to prevent soggy balls
- Let the sausage cool slightly before mixing so the cheese doesn’t melt too early
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking
- Chill the mixture for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to roll
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the balls a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Can I make them without cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be firmer and less creamy. You can substitute with more shredded cheese or a spoonful of sour cream.
Can I use gluten-free baking mix?
Definitely — just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking mix substitute like GF Bisquick.
Are they spicy?
That depends! Use mild sausage and original Rotel for less heat, or spicy sausage and hot Rotel for a fiery version.
In Summary…
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate Southern snack — bold, cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a party, or game day, they’re sure to steal the show.
✨ Just six ingredients. One pan. Zero stress. All flavor.
More Party-Perfect Snacks You’ll Love:
- Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
- Ranch Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels
- Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Cheesy Sausage Crescent Rolls
Let’s Get Social!
If you make these sausage balls, I’d LOVE to see your take on them!
📸 Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your cheesy creations.
💬 And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to share how they turned out!
Nutrition Information (Per Sausage Ball – Approximate, yields about 36)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
Here’s to cheesy bites, Southern spice, and the kind of snack that disappears before the party even starts! 🧀🔥
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