Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Spicy, cheesy, and easy-to-make appetizer with sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (455g) ground pork sausage (preferably spicy or sage-flavored)
- 1 can (10 oz/285g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
- 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature. Drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly, pressing out excess moisture. Grate your cheddar cheese freshly for better melting. Having everything ready before you begin mixing will make the process seamless.
- Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and work it with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy. Add the drained Rotel and raw sausage to the bowl. Use your hands (food-safe gloves recommended) to begin mixing these ingredients until roughly combined. The cold sausage will incorporate better if you break it into smaller chunks first.
- Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Sprinkle the biscuit mix, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the mixture. Gently fold everything together with your hands until just combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still feel somewhat loose. Avoid overworking the mixture, which can make your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls tough.
- Step 4: Form the Sausage Balls Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for consistency, portion the mixture and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, lightly moistening your hands with cold water between rolling every few balls helps tremendously.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through cooking, rotate the pans for even browning. The balls should be crisp on the outside but still moist and tender inside. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a serving platter.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls