If you’re looking for an appetizer that disappears within minutes at parties, game days, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the answer. These bite-sized, golden-brown sausage balls are packed with bold flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of spice. Made with savory ground sausage, smooth cream cheese, and the iconic Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and crowd-pleasing party snack.
What makes Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls so special is how simple they are to prepare while still tasting indulgent and irresistible. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills—just a bowl, a baking sheet, and a few pantry staples. Yet the final result tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant or beg for after trying it once at a friend’s house.
These sausage balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner appetizers. Bring them to holiday parties, Super Bowl nights, or casual family get-togethers. They’re filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
What Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are baked appetizer balls made from a mixture of ground sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheese, baking mix or flour, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. The Rotel adds moisture, tanginess, and a subtle kick of heat that elevates traditional sausage balls to the next level.
Unlike classic sausage balls that can sometimes turn out dry, the addition of cream cheese keeps these sausage balls tender, juicy, and rich. Each bite delivers savory sausage, melty cheese, and a gentle spicy note that makes them incredibly addictive.
Ingredients for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (pork, breakfast, or spicy sausage)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- 1½ cups baking mix or all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Choose spicy sausage if you like heat, or mild sausage for a family-friendly version.
- Drain the Rotel very well to prevent soggy sausage balls.
- Cream cheese should be fully softened to ensure easy mixing and even texture.
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the base ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground sausage. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until well blended.
Step 3: Add Rotel and seasonings
Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add cheese and dry ingredients
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, then gradually add the baking mix or flour. Mix until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
Step 5: Shape the sausage balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Let the sausage balls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for best flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls stand out because they combine:
- Richness from cream cheese
- Bold savory flavor from sausage
- Cheesy goodness from cheddar
- Zesty freshness from Rotel tomatoes
This balance keeps the sausage balls moist and flavorful without being greasy or heavy.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños or use hot Rotel for extra heat.
Pepper Jack Twist
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for a spicier, creamier flavor.
Italian-Style Sausage Balls
Use Italian sausage and add a pinch of Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
Low-Carb Option
Replace baking mix with almond flour for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
Mini Sausage Ball Sliders
Serve sausage balls inside small rolls with a drizzle of honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dips and sides:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Marinara sauce
- Cheese dip
Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
Party Serving Ideas
These sausage balls are perfect for:
- Game day spreads
- Holiday appetizer tables
- Potlucks and office parties
- Breakfast buffets
- Casual family gatherings
Arrange them on a large tray with dipping sauces in the center for a visually appealing presentation.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining Rotel properly, which can make the mixture too wet
- Overbaking, leading to dry sausage balls
- Using cold cream cheese, which makes mixing difficult
- Skipping parchment paper, causing sticking
Tips for Success
- Always soften cream cheese before mixing
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Roll evenly sized balls for consistent cooking
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
Per sausage ball (based on 24 balls):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
FAQs
Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls without baking mix?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or almond flour as a substitute.
Are these sausage balls spicy?
They have mild heat from Rotel, but you can control spice by choosing mild or hot Rotel and sausage.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
What sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage is classic, but spicy or Italian sausage also works well.
More Appetizers You’ll Love
If you enjoy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, try these next:
External Links
Place naturally in the article:
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the definition of a foolproof, crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or just craving something savory and cheesy, these sausage balls deliver every single time.
Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection—and your guests will keep asking for the recipe. Serve them warm, watch them disappear, and enjoy the compliments that follow. 🧀🌶️🥳
