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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls - featured image

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing, easy appetizer featuring savory sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, they’re soft, flavorful, and always the first to disappear from the snack table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (spicy, mild, or turkey)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick, or gluten-free baking mix)
  • 23 stalks green onions, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Milk, as needed (if mixture is too dry)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer. Press gently to remove excess liquid.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until evenly blended.
  4. Add the drained Rotel and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix to distribute evenly.
  5. Sprinkle in the baking mix and any optional seasonings (green onions, black pepper, garlic powder). Mix until fully incorporated. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk; if too wet, add a bit more baking mix.
  6. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a serving platter or wire rack.
  9. Serve warm, optionally with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and drain Rotel thoroughly. Chill the mixture before rolling if it’s sticky. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking mix. Try different cheeses or sausage varieties for flavor variations. Sausage balls can be made ahead, refrigerated, or frozen and reheated as needed.

Nutrition

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