Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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Here’s a big, detailed recipe write-up for your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls — packed with introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation, nutrition, and even a little love at the end. ❤️

🌶️🧀 Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

📖 Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are your answer! This dish combines the richness of cream cheese, the bold kick of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, the sharpness of cheddar, and the hearty flavor of pork sausage. Ideal for parties, game nights, potlucks, or even as a quick family snack, these little golden bites disappear faster than you can make them.

They are similar to traditional Southern sausage balls but elevated with creaminess and zesty Rotel, making them irresistible to sausage ball lovers everywhere.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, at room temperature)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained well)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended for extra flavor)

Optional for extra flavor:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup Bisquick or flour (if you want firmer, more biscuit-like sausage balls)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

🥣 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Sausage & Cream Cheese – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese until well blended.
  3. Add Rotel & Cheese – Stir in the drained Rotel and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Shape into Balls – Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter). Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
  5. Bake – Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and sausage is fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F).
  6. Serve & Enjoy – Let them cool slightly, then serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy queso.

👩‍🍳 Methods

  • Mixing Method: Best done by hand or with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. This ensures all ingredients blend evenly.
  • Rolling Method: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to keep the sausage balls uniform.
  • Cooking Method: Traditionally baked, but they can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

🏺 History

Sausage balls have long been a Southern staple, often made with sausage, Bisquick, and cheddar. They became popular in the mid-20th century as easy, budget-friendly party appetizers. The Rotel variation is a modern twist that likely came from Tex-Mex influence, adding spicy tomatoes and cream cheese for extra richness. This version has become especially popular at game-day gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday tables.

🌟 Benefits

  • High in Protein: Thanks to the pork sausage and cheddar.
  • Great Crowd-Pleaser: Bite-sized, easy to grab, and universally loved.
  • Customizable: Adjust spice levels with mild or hot sausage, or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Can be made ahead and frozen, then baked when needed.

🏗️ Formation

  1. Base (Sausage + Cream Cheese) → creates creamy, savory foundation.
  2. Flavor Boost (Rotel + Spices) → adds zest, heat, and freshness.
  3. Binding & Cheesy Goodness (Cheddar + optional Bisquick) → ensures structure and gooey richness.
  4. Baking Process → transforms them into golden, crisp-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside bites.

🧡 Lovers of This Recipe

  • Party Hosts – for effortless crowd-pleasing snacks.
  • Tex-Mex Lovers – because of the Rotel spice factor.
  • Cheese Enthusiasts – extra cheesy goodness is irresistible.
  • Families – kids and adults both devour these quickly.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, about 2–3 balls)

  • Calories: ~180
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 3–5g (depending on Bisquick usage)
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Sodium: ~400mg

(Values vary based on sausage type and cheese used)

🔑 Conclusion

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls take a beloved Southern classic and give it a creamy, spicy, Tex-Mex kick. They’re versatile, simple to make, and absolutely addictive. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or casual family gatherings, these little golden bites will always have a spot at the table.

❤️ Once you make them, you’ll see why lovers of bold, cheesy, zesty snacks can’t stop talking about them!

Would you like me to also include a make-ahead & freezer method so you can prep these ahead for holidays or parties?

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