Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sausage balls strike a perfect balance of rich, cheesy flavor with a kick of heat—elevated by the cream cheese for added softness and a smoother bite. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, just five key ingredients. Whether for game day, parties, or a flavorful family snack, they disappear fast—because they’re that good.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Hot sausage (or substitute with mild sausage if you prefer less spice)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• Bisquick mix
• Mexican-style shredded cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda—whatever you have on hand)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a mixing bowl by hand), combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick mix, and shredded cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

5. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’ll be irresistible!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 5 servings, making about 1 dozen (12) sausage balls.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 18–20 minutes

• Total time: Around 33 minutes

Variations

• Adjust the spice level – Use mild sausage and regular Rotel for a gentler flavor, or turn up the heat with hot Rotel or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheese swaps – Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda instead of the Mexican blend for different flavor notes.
• Gluten-free option – Swap Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Sneaky veggies – Grate in zucchini or finely chopped spinach for added moisture and nutrition without changing the taste significantly.

Storage/Reheating

Short-term (Fridge): Let sausage balls cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: First, freeze them spread out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag—these will keep for up to 3 months. You can bake them directly from frozen.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer. Microwaving is fast but may reduce crispiness.

FAQs

1. What makes the cream cheese addition special?

It softens the texture and gives the sausage balls a creamy richness that sets them apart from the traditional sausage ball recipes.

2. Why should I drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies?

Draining excess liquid ensures your sausage balls maintain the right texture—you don’t want a soggy, loose mix.

3. Should I shred my own cheese?

Yes. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping coatings that affect meltiness. Shredding from a block yields better, gooey melts.

4. Can I make them less spicy for kids?

Absolutely—use mild sausage and regular (not hot) Rotel to make a kid-friendly version.

5. Are Rotel Sausage Balls considered spicy?

Depends on your ingredients. Use mild versions for less heat, and hot versions or add chili flakes for more kick.

6. What’s a good baking tip for crispy results?

Bake on a wire rack placed over your baking sheet—this allows heat to circulate underneath and promotes even browning.

7. Can I add any veggies?

Yes! Finely grated zucchini or chopped spinach can be mixed in for moisture and added nutrition, with minimal impact on flavor.

8. How do I prevent leftovers from getting soggy?

Allow them to cool fully before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.

9. Can I bake them directly from frozen?

You can! Just place them on a baking sheet and bake—they’ll come out hot and delicious straight from frozen.

10. What else pairs well with these sausage balls?

Ranch, sour cream, creamy garlic aioli, salsa, or beetroot hummus. Veggie sticks, fruit salad, or even a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fruit also make great companions.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are supremely flavorful, effortlessly cheesy, and endlessly customizable. They come together in just about half an hour and vanish even faster. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving brunch, or just craving a savory snack, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. Plus, with easy storage and reheating options, they’re a go-to make-ahead treat. Try them out and enjoy—beautifully versatile and irresistibly good!

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