Name: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage (uncooked); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 107 reviews

I absolutely love how the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe comes together for any occasion—it’s one of those crowd-pleasers that never fails to impress. Whether it’s game day, a cozy family gathering, or just when you want something easy yet totally satisfying, these little bites hit the spot with their spicy, cheesy goodness. Seriously, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for quick appetizers or snacks.

When I first tried this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe, I was blown away by how simple the ingredients blend into the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. You’ll find that the hint of green chilies from the Rotel really wakes up the flavor without overpowering the cheesy sausage delight. Trust me, it’s worth making a double batch because they disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: No fancy skills needed—just mix, roll, and bake!
Perfect Party Food: Finger-friendly size makes them perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the spice and cheese to suit your family’s tastes.
Great Make-Ahead Option: Prep in advance and bake or reheat when you’re ready.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage ball recipes with Rotel, cheesy sausage appetizers, spicy sausage bites, easy game day snacks The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with browned meatballs, each covered with a smooth, light orange sauce that drips over the sides. The meatballs have a slightly shiny and textured surface with darker browned spots, and small pieces of green chives are scattered on top for color contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with part of a sliced bread visible on the right side. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the glossy sauce and the rich color of the meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe comes from simple, flavorful ingredients working together. When picking your components, freshness and softness (like the cream cheese) make a world of difference for texture and taste.

Spicy breakfast sausage: Using spicy sausage brings a nice kick, but you can opt for mild if you prefer something gentler.
Cream cheese: Soften it to room temperature to mix easily and create that irresistible creamy texture.
Rotel tomatoes and green chilies: Drained well to keep your sausage balls from getting soggy while adding zesty flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar packs a punch, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or Monterey Jack for mildness.
Bisquick baking mix: This is the secret binder that gives your sausage balls the perfect fluffy and tender crumb.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own with fun tweaks. I like to switch up the cheeses or swap spicy sausage for a milder version when the kids are around. You can absolutely personalize it to fit your flavor loves or dietary needs.

Cheese Swap: I once tried pepper jack instead of cheddar for a creamier heat, and my friends couldn’t get enough of it!
Mild Sausage: Use regular breakfast sausage instead of spicy if you want to tone down the heat without losing flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Adding a bit of garlic powder or parsley can freshen up the bite and add complexity.
Gluten-Free Option: Try using a gluten-free baking mix to cater to dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.

How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix All the Flavorful Ingredients Together

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup—that little trick saves me so much time. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. I like to use my hands here (clean, of course!) because it really helps blend everything evenly. The cream cheese should be soft enough to incorporate smoothly, so if it’s been in the fridge, take a few minutes to let it sit at room temp.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Bisquick, Then Shape Your Balls

Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the Bisquick baking mix. Stir everything together until you have a consistent mixture. If you find it a bit sticky, that’s totally normal. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then roll each portion into about 1-inch balls with your hands. Place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet—give them a little room to puff while baking.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Golden and Juicy

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides have a beautiful crispy edge, but the inside stays tender and juicy. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a serving plate—this rest time helps everything set just right.

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Pro Tips for Making Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Softened Cream Cheese Matters: If your cream cheese isn’t soft, the mixture can get lumpy and harder to combine—let it sit out for 20 minutes before mixing.
Drain the Rotel Well: I learned the hard way that excess liquid can turn sausage balls soggy—so be sure to drain off all the juice.
Use a Cookie Scoop: It helps you get evenly sized balls for consistent cooking and a neat presentation.
Don’t Overcook: Watch them closely toward the end; they can dry out if left too long in the oven.

How to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, sausage ball recipes with Rotel, cheesy sausage appetizers, spicy sausage bites, easy game day snacks A white rectangular dish filled with two layers of browned meatballs topped with a smooth light brown sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The meatballs have a textured surface with some darker caramelized spots. Small pieces of green chopped chives are scattered over the sauce, adding a pop of color. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with part of a light-colored slice of bread visible at the edge.

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley or some thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top—it adds a pop of color and a little freshness that balances the richness. You could also serve them with a side of sour cream or a spicy ranch dip for an extra flavor boost that my family adores.

Side Dishes

We love pairing these sausage balls with easy sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to lighten things up. They also go great alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even baked beans if you’re serving them at a potluck or hearty gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these sausage balls on a festive platter lined with lettuce or kale, alternating with colorful dipping sauces in small bowls. Another fun idea is to skewer them with toothpicks and add a little cherry tomato or olive on top for bite-sized party favors that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage balls keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I always make sure to cool them completely before storing so they don’t steam and lose their crispiness. Then when hungry again, they’re ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

I’ve had great results freezing these sausage balls raw before baking, which makes for a fantastic time saver. Just shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want them, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover sausage balls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—it crisps them back up beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works fine, but the texture isn’t quite as good. For best results, avoid reheating repeatedly as they dry out over time.

FAQs

Can I make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage ball mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also freeze uncooked sausage balls to bake later, which is great for busy days.
What can I use instead of Bisquick in this recipe?

If you don’t have Bisquick, you can substitute with all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder and a bit of salt, but the texture might be a touch different. Some folks also use self-rising flour as a good alternative.
Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls spicy?

They have a mild to moderate spiciness thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies and spicy sausage. If you prefer less heat, use mild sausage and mild Rotel or rinse the green chilies slightly before adding.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix and make sure the sausage is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the recipe without worry.

Final Thoughts

This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is one of those gems that instantly became a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want something fuss-free that still wows the crowd. I love how you can customize it and the way it holds up as leftovers or freezer snacks. I really encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that keeps you coming back because it’s just so comforting, easy, and downright delicious.