These sausage balls combine flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and a bit of heat and tang from Rotel tomatoes — making them an ideal appetizer or snack for gatherings, game day, or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make with just a few ingredients
- Rich, savory flavor with a creamy, cheesy texture
- A hint of spice and tang from diced tomatoes
- Perfect bite-sized treat — easy to serve and eat
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: ~15 minutes
- Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
- Yield: ~30–40 sausage balls (depending on size)
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Meat / Savory Appetizer
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) sausage (bulk, not in casing)
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (approx. 10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), drained
- 2 cups all-purpose biscuit or baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (≈ 400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained diced tomatoes. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until evenly combined.
Then, stir in the biscuit mix and shredded cheese (if using) until everything is well incorporated. - Form Balls
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. - Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, ideally with dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or a spicy ketchup.
You Must Know
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft so it mixes smoothly with the sausage.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well — excess liquid can make the mixture too runny.
- These sausage balls are quite rich — consider adding extra biscuit mix if the mixture feels too loose or greasy.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free version.
- Use a gluten-free biscuit mix for a gluten-free version.
- Replace Rotel with regular diced tomatoes + a pinch of chili flakes if you don’t have it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a party appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or hot pepper jelly.
- Pair with deviled eggs, meatballs, or your favorite finger foods for a spread.
- Serve alongside a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail for game day.
Pro Tips
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before forming balls — this helps make them easier to shape.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform-sized sausage balls.
- If you like a crispier crust, bake on a wire rack set over the baking sheet so air circulates under the balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I freeze these?
Yes — after baking and cooling, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a warm oven.
→ Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead of mix?
You can try, but the texture and flavor may change. The baking mix helps bind and add flavor.
→ Will these be very spicy?
They’ll have a mild tang from the tomatoes and chilies, but you can use a mild or hot variety depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Rotel & Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer with plenty of savory flavor and a touch of tangy spice. They’re perfect for serving warm at parties or snacking on without fuss.
PrintRotel & Cream Cheese Sausage Balls – Savory Party Bite
Description
These sausage balls combine flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and a bit of heat and tang from Rotel tomatoes — making them an ideal appetizer or snack for gatherings, game day, or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) sausage (bulk, not in casing)
-
225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
-
1 can (approx. 10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), drained
-
2 cups all-purpose biscuit or baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
-
1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (≈ 400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. -
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained diced tomatoes. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until evenly combined.
Then, stir in the biscuit mix and shredded cheese (if using) until everything is well incorporated. -
Form Balls
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. -
Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, ideally with dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or a spicy ketchup.
Notes
-
Make sure the cream cheese is very soft so it mixes smoothly with the sausage.
-
Drain the diced tomatoes well — excess liquid can make the mixture too runny.
-
These sausage balls are quite rich — consider adding extra biscuit mix if the mixture feels too loose or greasy.
