Introduction:
Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. This savory dish combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese, the spiciness of Rotel tomatoes, and the heartiness of sausage into a perfectly seasoned, bite-sized snack.
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a tailgate, or looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, these sausage balls will become a favorite. The delicious flavor, tender texture, and ease of preparation make them a must-try recipe.
Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups Bisquick or other baking mix
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare sausage: In a large mixing bowl, use your hands or a spoon to combine the breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until fully blended and smooth.
Add Rotel and cheese: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Add Bisquick: Gradually add the Bisquick (or baking mix) to the sausage mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together and becomes a little thicker. You may need to use your hands to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Shape into balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the sausage mixture and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Description:
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are packed with flavor and are incredibly easy to make. The combination of cream cheese and sausage makes them juicy and tender, while the addition of Rotel tomatoes gives a slight kick of heat and a fresh, zesty flavor. These sausage balls are a perfect finger food for any event and are sure to disappear quickly. The ingredients are simple, and the recipe is easy to adjust based on your preferences for spice or flavor.
Tips:
Draining the Rotel: Be sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture in the mixture, which could make the sausage balls too wet.
Texture: If the mixture feels too sticky to shape into balls, add a bit more Bisquick or flour until it reaches a firm, moldable consistency.
Spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild sausage and omit or reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, increase the red pepper or use hot sausage.
Freezing: You can make the sausage balls ahead of time by freezing them before baking. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer. Bake from frozen for about 30 minutes when ready to serve.
Make them cheesy: For a cheesier version, increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese, or try adding mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.
Variations:
Vegetarian version: Substitute the sausage with vegetarian breakfast sausage or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
Cheese variations: Switch up the cheese by using pepper jack for a spicier kick, or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy texture.
Bacon: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the sausage mixture for a smoky, savory flavor that will elevate your sausage balls.
Corrections:
If the mixture is too dry and not sticking together, try adding a little more cream cheese or a splash of milk to moisten it. Alternatively, if the mixture is too wet, add a bit more Bisquick to help it hold together.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve mastered making these delicious Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’re all set to enjoy a savory, flavorful snack that everyone will love! Whether you’re serving them at a party or indulging in a cozy snack at home, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy salsa for an extra burst of flavor!