Description
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. Made with ground sausage, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream cheese, and a baking mix, these bite-sized balls are easy to prepare and great for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. They’re customizable in heat level and can be served hot or at room temperature, making them a versatile and delicious snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (choose mild or hot based on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick or gluten-free baking mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the Sausage and Cream Cheese: Start by softening the cream cheese at room temperature, then mix it thoroughly with the ground sausage in a large bowl. This marriage creates that creamy consistency that keeps the sausage balls moist and full of flavor.
- Add the Rotel and Seasonings: Fold in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies along with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. This is where the spicy, tangy notes get infused into the mixture.
- Mix in the Baking Mix: Gradually sprinkle in the Bisquick or gluten-free baking mix, stirring gently until a dough forms that’s firm enough to hold shape but still slightly sticky for tenderness.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Do not skip softening the cream cheese to ensure a smooth, uniform texture.
- Use fresh baking mix for best leavening and fluffiness.
- Test bake one ball first to check seasoning and spice level before baking the entire batch.
- Chill the mixture for about 15 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier and neater.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: spicy appetizers, sausage balls, cream cheese sausage balls, game day snacks, party appetizers, Rotel sausage balls