If you’re on the lookout for an appetizer that’s sure to steal the show, look no further than Rotel cream cheese sausage balls! These delectable bites bring together spicy ground sausage, zesty Rotel diced tomatoes, and creamy cheese, creating a flavor explosion that your guests won’t be able to resist. Perfectly sized for any gathering, they make a fantastic snack or party food that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Bold, Zesty Taste: The combination of hot sausage mixed with tomatoes and green chilies delivers a savory and slightly spicy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Simple Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is uncomplicated and straightforward, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Creamy & Cheesy: The addition of cream cheese and shredded Mexican cheese blend creates a creamy texture that’s rich and delightful.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the mixture in advance, and bake when it’s time to entertain. This takes the stress out of last-minute cooking!

Ingredients

• Hot Pork Sausage: Ground pork that comes spiced to perfection, providing both flavor and heat.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Ensure you drain these well to avoid excess moisture in your mixture.
• Cream Cheese: This adds a delightful creaminess, making the sausage balls rich and hearty.
• Bisquick Baking Mix: The quickest solution to create a light and airy texture without the fuss of traditional flour, shortening, and leavening agents.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A harmonious mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Asadero cheese melts beautifully and enhances flavor.
• Green Onions: Freshly chopped for a pop of color and a mild crunch that complements the savory filling.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Whether for an after-school treat or a festive gathering, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit! Here’s how you can whip them up:

1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give it another go until it’s totally lump-free!
3. Mix in the Sausage: Add in the hot sausage and incorporate it by hand until it’s mostly combined. Following that, stir in the Rotel, Bisquick, cheese, and green onions. Mix gently until everything is well blended.
4. Portion the Mixture: Take a scoop of the mixture and shape it into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut) before placing them on your lined baking sheets.
5. Bake: Pop your baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until they become a beautiful golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes before serving them warm, alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy every bite!

Tips for the Best Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

After trying countless recipes for sausage balls, I’ve picked up a few tips that make all the difference. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions:

• Tone it Down: If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using mild or breakfast sausage instead of hot. You could even swap in turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Set the Cream Cheese Out Early: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften, which ensures it blends well.
• Drain the Rotel Well: Since Rotel can hold quite a bit of moisture, make sure to drain it thoroughly to keep your mixture from becoming too wet.
• Mixing Options: For the best consistency, mix with your hands to avoid over-mixing, or use a stand mixer on low speed. Avoid electric whiskers for the meat to prevent overworking it.
• Shape the Balls Uniformly: Use a cookie scoop or weigh your portions to keep them uniformly sized, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Chill Before Baking: If the mixture feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for a short while before shaping the balls.
• Prepare Ahead of Time: You can make the mixture, shape the balls, and store them in the fridge covered until you’re ready to bake. They’re also great for freezing!
• Incorporate Add-Ins: Enhance the flavor with chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or diced bell peppers. These fun mix-ins can elevate your sausage balls and pair deliciously with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.

How to Store

One of the best aspects of these sausage balls is their flavor retention! If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

To Store: Allow the sausage balls to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Lay the sausage balls out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months.

To Reheat: To warm up refrigerated sausage balls, microwave for 30-45 seconds, or bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. For frozen sausage balls, bake them for an extra 3-5 minutes.

More Party Appetizers Your Family Will Love

• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Mac and Cheese Bites
• Beef Empanadas
• Turkey Pinwheels

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