Envision this: the aroma of sizzling sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel wafting through your kitchen.
This comforting and easy-to-make appetizer is a delightful blend of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
As the sausage balls bake to golden perfection, the ingredients meld together, transforming into a savory treat that’s hard to resist.
Let’s bring this dish to life and enjoy a taste of cozy indulgence.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 medium scoop or spoon
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Briefly read through the recipe to understand the process and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sausage mixture and mix until well combined.
- Using a medium scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sausage mixture and mix until well combined.
Using a medium scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls.
Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
- Party Platter: Arrange alongside fresh veggies and crackers for a colorful appetizer spread.
- Breakfast Option: Pair with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.
- Brunch Buffet: Add to a brunch menu with fruit salad and muffins for variety.
- Game Day Snack: Accompany with a cold beer or soda for a perfect game day treat.
Storage
Store Rotel Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Rotel Sausage Balls, first bake and cool them completely.
Then, place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid.
Store in airtight containers.
Reheating
To reheat Rotel Sausage Balls, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Ensure they remain warm and crispy.
Final Thoughts
Rotel Sausage Balls are a delightful appetizer that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the tangy kick of Rotel tomatoes and chilies.
With a simple preparation process, they’re perfect for gatherings or as a snack.
They can be customized to your spice preference by choosing mild or hot Rotel.
These sausage balls can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them a convenient option for any occasion.
Enjoy them warm and fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Ground Sausage?
You can definitely swap ground sausage for turkey sausage in the recipe. It’ll give a leaner taste while still keeping it delicious. Just make certain it’s cooked thoroughly, and you’re good to enjoy your tasty creation!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm your baking powder is gluten-free too. These simple changes will keep your dish delicious and suitable for gluten-free diets. Enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Rotel if Unavailable?
If you can’t find Rotel, mix diced tomatoes with green chilies or jalapeños for a similar flavor. Adjust the spice to your liking by adding more or fewer chilies. It’ll make your dish just as delicious!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Sausage Mixture?
You can definitely add vegetables to the sausage mixture! Try finely chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture. Just make certain they’re well-drained to avoid making the mixture too wet. Have fun experimenting!
How Do I Prevent the Sausage Balls From Being Too Dry?
Mix in a bit more cream cheese or add an extra egg to keep them moist. Make sure you don’t overbake them—20 to 25 minutes is perfect. Keep an eye on them for golden perfection!
Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 medium scoop or spoon
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sausage mixture and mix until well combined.
- Using a medium scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
