Description
These Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are the ultimate party appetizer—cheesy, spicy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make. With just 7 ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for holidays, game days, brunch, or any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular or hot, uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
- 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and uncooked sausage. Mix well using your hands or a stand mixer with paddle attachment.
- Add drained Rotel and shredded cheese to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Gradually mix in baking mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick but pliable.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 160°F. Rotate pans halfway through for even cooking.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
To make ahead, prepare and freeze unbaked balls on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time. For a spicier version, use hot sausage and hot Rotel. For gluten-free, use a GF baking mix. Air fryer instructions: cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg