Thank you SO much for being here—truly. Every time you stop in for a recipe, it feels like we’re cooking together in the same cozy kitchen, laughing, snacking, and taste-testing. And today’s recipe? Ohhh, it’s the kind of can’t-make-enough party appetizer that disappears fast.
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are creamy, cheesy, savory, bold, and loaded with just the right amount of spice. They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, holidays, or any gathering where you want something easy, delicious, and absolutely irresistible. Anything but boring!!
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What This Recipe Is All About
Classic sausage balls get a major upgrade with softened cream cheese and a punchy can of Rotel. The result? Moist, tender, perfectly-seasoned bites that bake up golden and flavorful—like cheesy sausage poppers with a creamy, spicy twist.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
- Perfect for parties & events
- Easy, one-bowl recipe
- Creamy, tender texture (never dry!)
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly
- Beg-for-the-recipe delicious
- Spicy, cheesy, savory, and addictive
What Do Rotel Sausage Balls Taste Like?
They’re:
- savory
- cheesy
- creamy
- lightly spicy
- full of Tex-Mex flavor
The Rotel adds moisture, heat, and brightness. The cream cheese keeps the texture tender. The cheddar melts beautifully. And the sausage brings that salty, satisfying richness that makes these poppers disappear in minutes.
Benefits of This Recipe
- No special equipment needed
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- No deep frying
- Great served hot or at room temp
- Easy to double for a crowd
Full Ingredients List
- 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
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber gloves (helpful for mixing!)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Scoop for evenly sized balls (optional)
Additions & Substitutions
Flavor Add-Ins
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
Easy Substitutions
- Use hot sausage for extra kick
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or Monterey Jack
- Use gluten-free Bisquick
- Replace Rotel with mild tomatoes if avoiding spice
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:
- sausage
- softened cream cheese
- drained Rotel
- cheddar
- Bisquick
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
Mix until fully combined—your hands will do the job best.
3. Shape the Balls
Roll mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls and place on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve
Serve warm with:
- ranch
- chipotle mayo
- spicy ketchup
- honey mustard
- jalapeño ranch
- or any favorite dipping sauce
What to Serve With These Sausage Balls
- Veggie trays
- Party dips
- Chips & salsa
- Sliders
- Charcuterie boards
- Game day spreads
Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
- Soften the cream cheese fully—it mixes in much easier.
- Drain the Rotel well to prevent sogginess.
- Shred your own cheddar for better melt and texture.
- Use gloves for cleaner, quicker mixing.
- Don’t overbake—you want them moist, not dry.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked balls up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
General Information
- Yield: ~30 sausage balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: parties, potlucks, game day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, but they may be slightly less rich. Cream cheese helps!
Do I need Bisquick?
Any self-rising flour works. For all-purpose flour, add 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt.
Conclusion
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are everything you want in a party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, savory, and unbelievably easy. They’re guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any gathering, and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
And if you love quick, flavor-packed bites like these… oh, just wait. I’ve got more bold, cozy appetizers coming your way!
Share Your Creations!
Made these?
Leave a review and tag your sausage ball photos on Pinterest! I LOVE seeing what you make.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Ball — 30 Balls)
- Calories: ~80
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: varies by sausage & cheese
Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
