Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect party snack that combines spicy and creamy in every bite. They mix savory sausage with creamy cheese and a bit of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect party snack that combines spicy and creamy in every bite. They mix savory sausage with creamy cheese and a bit of zesty Rotel, making these little balls pop with flavor. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re a fun twist on classic sausage balls that everyone loves.
I love making these for get-togethers because they’re so easy to throw together, and they disappear fast! The cream cheese adds just the right creamy touch that balances out the spicy kick from the Rotel tomatoes and peppers. I usually make a big batch and keep some warm in the oven so guests can keep munching throughout the night.
My favorite thing about these sausage balls is that they’re great any time of the year—game day, holidays, or just a cozy night at home. I like serving them with a simple dipping sauce or just on their own with a cold drink. They always bring a smile and a happy appetite wherever they go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: Using breakfast sausage adds great flavor and moisture. You can choose mild or spicy depending on how much heat you want. If you prefer, turkey sausage works well too for a leaner option.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the sausage balls soft and creamy inside. Soften it at room temperature for easy mixing. If you need a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese.
Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: This canned mix gives these sausage balls a nice kick of spice and some moisture. If you don’t have Rotel, diced tomatoes with a bit of chopped jalapeño make a good substitute.
Self-Rising Flour: It helps the balls hold their shape and keeps them fluffy. If you don’t have self-rising flour, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds bold taste. Feel free to try other melting cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sausage Ball Texture?
The key to great texture is mixing the ingredients carefully and baking at the right temperature.
- Mix Ingredients: Start with softened cream cheese so it blends evenly with sausage. Add cheeses, spices, and flour and stir until well combined but don’t overmix. Overmixing may make them dense.
- Drain Rotel: Make sure Rotel tomatoes are well drained to avoid too much moisture, which can make the texture soggy.
- Size Matters: Form bite-size balls about 1 to 1.5 inches. Too large, and they may not cook through evenly.
- Baking: Bake at 350°F (175°C) so they cook evenly and get a nice golden color without burning. Check for firm texture but avoid overbaking to keep creaminess inside.
These tips help you achieve sausage balls that are crispy outside and soft with cheesiness inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all ingredients without spilling; makes it easy to combine everything well.
- Spoon or spatula – perfect for folding in the cream cheese and Rotel without overworking the dough.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface where the sausage balls bake evenly and get crispy on the outside.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – helps keep the sausage balls from sticking and makes cleanup faster.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate amounts of flour, spices, and cheese, so your sausage balls turn out just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap some or all sausage for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish without losing flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat for spice lovers.
- Mix in chopped green onions or chives for fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick and creamy melt.
How to Make Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz/283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) self-rising flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing baking sheet
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, expect around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to stop the sausage balls from sticking during baking.
2. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until smooth and fully blended.
3. Add Rotel and Seasonings:
Drain the Rotel tomatoes well to avoid extra moisture, then fold them gently into the sausage mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, self-rising flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything evenly until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
4. Shape Your Sausage Balls:
Use a spoon or your hands to form the mixture into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced, about 1 inch apart, on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are nicely golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with dried parsley if you like for a pop of color. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as spicy ranch or cheese dip.
Enjoy these spicy and cheesy sausage balls as a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This helps ensure even cooking and easy blending with the cream cheese.
Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them and bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Self-Rising Flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. This homemade blend works well for binding the sausage balls.