Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

There’s something magical about the combination of sausage, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice wrapped in one delicious bite. These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are savory, slightly spicy, and the kind of comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a casual brunch, or just need a cozy snack, this recipe is your new go-to.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I made these sausage balls, it was a chilly Sunday morning. The kind of morning where you just want something warm and indulgent. I had a leftover can of Rotel in the pantry, cream cheese in the fridge, and a roll of sausage that needed using. What started as a wing-it experiment quickly turned into a family favorite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sausage balls are a Southern staple, loved for their simplicity and heartiness. The twist in this version is the addition of Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese, which gives it a creamy texture and bold flavor. Rotel, a brand of diced tomatoes and green chilies, was first introduced in the 1940s in Texas and has been a Southern pantry hero ever since.

Why You’ll Love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These bites are more than just tasty. They’re versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or parties. They fit any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, pantry staples, and they make a big batch.
Quick and Easy: Mix, roll, bake. That’s it. No fancy techniques required.
Customizable: Add different cheeses, spices, or even herbs to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: These disappear fast. Make double if you’re hosting.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the mixture the night before and bake the next day.
Great for Leftovers: Store in the fridge and reheat anytime for a quick snack.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get the best batch every time, here’s what I recommend:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
2. Drain the Rotel well to avoid extra moisture making the dough too wet.
3. Don’t overmix once the flour or biscuit mix goes in. Just combine until everything is together.
4. Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and consistent baking.
5. Bake on parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easier cleanup.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need is the basics, but they do make the job easier:

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining everything.
Rubber Spatula or Your Hands: For mixing the dough thoroughly.
Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: To portion out evenly sized balls.
Baking Sheet: To bake everything evenly.
Parchment Paper: Keeps the balls from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients in Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Each ingredient plays a role in bringing texture, heat, and richness. Here’s what you need:

1. Ground Pork Sausage: 1 pound — Provides the savory, meaty base.
2. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened) — Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
3. Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: 1 can (10 ounces), well-drained — Delivers that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
4. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup — Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection.
5. Baking Mix (like Bisquick): 2 cups — Acts as the binder and gives them their structure.
6. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon — Enhances the savory flavor.
7. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon — Adds a little kick.
8. Optional Paprika or Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon — For extra color and a smoky note.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something. Here are some easy swaps:

Ground Pork Sausage: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Cheddar Cheese: Try Colby Jack or pepper jack for added spice.
Rotel: Use diced tomatoes and green chilies separately.
Baking Mix: Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Ingredient Spotlight

Rotel Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies add flavor, moisture, and a little heat, giving the sausage balls their unique kick.
Cream Cheese: This soft cheese helps keep the texture creamy and moist without making it greasy.

Instructions for Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the fun part. Here’s how to bring this cheesy magic to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ground sausage until fully blended. Add the drained Rotel, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Sprinkle the baking mix over the sausage mixture and gently fold it in until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly and the tops lightly crisped.
6. Finishing Touches:
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