These balls are my husband’s ultimate weakness. He can finish the entire tray by himself!

 

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These simple, crowd-pleasing bites are perfect for game days, parties, or a quick snack. Zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and savory sausage come together in a rich, satisfying appetizer.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Yield: About 24–30 balls

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1½ cups Bisquick or self-rising flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix ingredients – In a large bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, pepper). Mix until well blended. Using clean hands works best.

3. Shape the balls – Roll mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C if using a thermometer).

5. Serve – Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce).

Tips & Variations

• Drain Rotel well – Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet to roll. Press the drained tomatoes with a spoon or paper towel.

• Soften cream cheese – Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

• Make ahead – Mix and shape the balls, then refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. Add 2–3 minutes to bake time.

• Freezer friendly – Bake, cool completely, and freeze in a bag for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

• Spicier version – Use hot sausage and add ¼ tsp cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Bisquick substitute – Use 1½ cups self-rising flour + 2 tbsp cold butter (cut in) OR 1½ cups all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave in 20-second bursts.

• Freezer: Freeze baked balls in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

Enjoy these cheesy, zesty, no-fuss sausage balls at your next gathering!