Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Posted on May 15, 2025

Easy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel – Perfect for Parties or Game Day!

If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack or an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are where it’s at! These little bites are creamy, cheesy, just a little spicy, and packed with flavor. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, they come together in no time—perfect for game day, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding your hungry crew, these sausage balls are sure to disappear fast.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are everything you want in a quick, satisfying snack. They’re rich, creamy, and bursting with zesty flavor, thanks to the combination of spicy sausage, smooth cream cheese, and tangy Rotel tomatoes. You only need 5 ingredients, and there’s no need for fancy kitchen tools. They bake up golden and slightly crisp on the outside while staying tender and cheesy inside. Plus, they’re super versatile—serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients

You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is! With just a few pantry and fridge staples, you’ll have a batch of warm, cheesy sausage balls ready in no time.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, your choice)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained)
1 ½ cups Bisquick (or your favorite baking mix)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works great)

Instructions

These sausage balls come together quickly and bake up beautifully. Here’s how to make them step-by-step:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until fully browned, then drain excess grease and let it cool slightly.
Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and drained Rotel. Stir until well blended.
Add the sausage to the cream cheese and Rotel mixture. Stir to combine.
Add Bisquick and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly. You can use a sturdy spoon or get in there with clean hands—it’s a bit sticky, but worth it!
Shape into balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The outside should be lightly crisp, and the inside cheesy and tender.
Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

These sausage balls are a total time-saver and make a generous batch—perfect for sharing or freezing!

Servings: Makes about 24–30 sausage balls, depending on size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even meal-prep mornings. Just pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or serve as-is for a guaranteed hit!

Tips and Variations

Make it your own! These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are super flexible, so feel free to get creative:

Swap the sausage: Use hot, mild, or even turkey sausage. Want it meat-free? Try a plant-based sausage alternative.
Change the cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack adds a spicy twist. Mozzarella gives a creamier pull.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick.
Serve with dips: Ranch, spicy mayo, or queso dip take these bites to the next level.

Storage

These sausage balls store beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead or saving extras.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Want to freeze them? Go for it! Place cooked sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully prepare and shape them a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze sausage balls before baking?
Absolutely. Freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

3. What’s the best sausage to use?
Pork breakfast sausage works great, but you can also use turkey, spicy Italian, or plant-based sausage.

4. Do I have to drain the Rotel?
Yes, definitely drain the Rotel to avoid a soggy mix. You want that moisture controlled.

5. Can I use store-brand baking mix instead of Bisquick?
Yes! Any all-purpose baking mix will work just fine.

6. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even a warm cheese dip are all great options.

7. Why are my sausage balls too soft or falling apart?
Try chilling the mixture before rolling, or adding a bit more baking mix to firm it up.

Conclusion

Whether you’re whipping these up for a game day spread, holiday platter, or lazy Sunday brunch, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are always a hit. They’re cheesy, savory, and just spicy enough to keep everyone reaching for more. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.