If you love appetizers with a little kick, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are about to become your new obsession. They’re bite-sized, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy — the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Made with spicy sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, these golden-brown bites are tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. I tried them once with jalapeño sausage for extra heat, and they were a total hit at game night! Whether for parties, brunch, or casual snacking, these sausage balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These spicy sausage balls are everything you want in an appetizer — creamy, flavorful, and packed with a little heat. The cream cheese keeps them moist and soft, while the Rotel adds just the right amount of spice and tang. They’re easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and no complicated steps. You’ll also love how versatile they are — serve them warm with dipping sauces or as a grab-and-go snack. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Spicy, Cheesy, and Addictively Good
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 sausage balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful! These bite-sized appetizers combine spicy sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and Rotel tomatoes for a creamy, zesty twist on the classic sausage ball — perfect for parties, game days, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy pork sausage (or mild, if preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick or baking mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or extra Rotel on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the Rotel well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- You can substitute spicy sausage with mild sausage and add a pinch of cayenne for controlled heat.
- These freeze beautifully — freeze unbaked sausage balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Bake frozen sausage balls for 3–5 extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Spicy Sausage – The base of the recipe, providing rich, savory flavor and a touch of heat. You can use mild if you prefer less spice.
Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and keeps the sausage balls soft and moist.
Rotel Tomatoes (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies) – Infuses a tangy, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the sausage and cheese.
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheese adds sharpness and helps bind the mixture together while adding gooey texture.
Bisquick (or Baking Mix) – The secret ingredient that holds everything together and gives the balls their fluffy structure.
Garlic Powder – Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor.
Onion Powder – Brings mild sweetness and savory balance.
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that tie the flavors together.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix well until fully blended — it’s easiest to do this with clean hands or a stand mixer. Add in the drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick, and seasonings. Stir or knead until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or cheese dip for the perfect appetizer experience.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30 sausage balls and takes 35 minutes total — 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or in the air fryer for a crispier texture. They also freeze well — store uncooked balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen for 5 extra minutes.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Sausage Balls: Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for more heat.
Mild Version: Use mild sausage and original Rotel for a balanced, flavorful bite.
Cheesy Overload: Mix in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the mix for smoky flavor.
Tex-Mex Style: Mix in a teaspoon of taco seasoning or cumin for a Southwestern vibe.
Low-Carb Option: Replace Bisquick with almond flour and a bit of baking powder.
Creamy Ranch Sausage Balls: Stir a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the mixture for added flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Version: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking for a sweet-heat combo.
Garlic Herb Blend: Add chopped parsley, chives, or Italian seasoning for extra freshness.
Stuffed Sausage Balls: Hide a small cube of cheese in the center of each ball for a melty surprise.
FAQs
Are these sausage balls very spicy?
They have a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice by choosing mild or hot sausage.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sausage balls and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Do I need to drain the Rotel?
Yes, drain it well to prevent the mixture from being too wet.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, just make sure it’s well-seasoned for full flavor.
Can I use gluten-free Bisquick?
Yes, it works perfectly for a gluten-free version.
What dipping sauces go best?
Ranch, spicy mayo, queso dip, or chipotle sauce pair beautifully.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped bell peppers or green onions work great.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are everything an appetizer should be — spicy, cheesy, and impossible to stop eating. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion, from game days to family get-togethers. The combination of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and tangy Rotel makes them truly irresistible. Serve them warm, pair them with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear in minutes. One bite, and you’ll see why these sausage balls are the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food.
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