Ever had a snack so good you swore you’d only eat one… then suddenly half the batch was gone? That’s exactly what happens with Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. They’re crispy on the outside, packed with melty cheese and a little kick from those famous Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for parties, game days, or when you just need a cheesy, spicy bite of happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your grandma’s old-school sausage balls. Sure, the classics are good, but this version? It’s next level. The cream cheese makes them extra rich, while the Rotel tomatoes add that perfect Tex-Mex zing. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make—just mix, scoop, and bake. No fancy kitchen skills required.
Oh, and did I mention they freeze beautifully? That means you can always have a stash ready for unexpected guests, late-night cravings, or when you just need a little comfort food.
What You’ll Need to Make Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Just five simple ingredients stand between you and snack-time greatness:
- Sausage – Go for spicy if you like heat, mild if you’re playing it safe.
- Bisquick – This keeps them light, tender, and perfectly textured.
- Cream cheese – The secret to a super moist and creamy bite.
- Rotel tomatoes – Adds bold flavor with a little spice.
- Mexican cheese blend – Melty, cheesy perfection.
Everything gets mixed together into one glorious, flavor-packed dough.
Looking for another delicious way to use sausage? Try this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a comforting pasta dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making These Sausage Balls
1. Mix It Up
Toss all the ingredients into a bowl and mix. If you have a stand mixer, great—this dough is thick. If you’re using your hands, be ready for a mini arm workout. It’ll be sticky, but that’s how you know you’re on the right track.
2. Roll and Scoop
Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized balls. This keeps them all the same size, so they bake evenly. If the dough is sticking to your hands, a little cooking spray helps.
3. Bake to Perfection
Pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like heaven and they’re golden brown on the outside.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait that long), then serve with your favorite dips. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll understand why these are a must-have at any gathering.
Tips for the Best Cheese Sausage Balls
- Don’t skimp on the cream cheese – This is what keeps them from drying out.
- Use a cookie scoop – No one wants a batch of weirdly shaped balls.
- Avoid adding more Bisquick – The dough is sticky, but that’s what makes them tender.
- Make them spicier – Use hot Rotel tomatoes and a spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Use fresh shredded cheese – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Want a killer side dish to serve with these? Try Sausage Cornbread Stuffing—it’s a game-changer for holiday meals.
Customizing Your Sausage Balls – Mix It Up!
The best part about this sausage balls recipe is that you can tweak it to fit your taste:
- Switch up the cheese – Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby Jack all work great.
- Go gluten-free – Swap Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix.
- Try different sausage – Turkey sausage for a lighter option, or chorizo for extra spice.
- Make them extra cheesy – Add an extra handful of shredded cheese for more gooey goodness.
For another sausage-packed dish, check out this Breakfast Sausage Casserole—a hearty breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
How to Make These in Advance
Hosting a party? Prepping for the holidays? You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How to store unbaked sausage balls:
- Roll them into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed.
Freezing and Reheating Sausage Balls
These cheese sausage balls freeze like a dream, so you can always have a batch on hand.
How to freeze unbaked sausage balls:
- Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to freeze baked sausage balls:
- Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Looking for another easy dinner? Try this Sausage Shrimp Jambalaya—bold, spicy, and packed with flavor.
Best Dips and Appetizers to Serve with Sausage Balls
While these Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are amazing on their own, dipping them makes them even better. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Ranch Dressing – Classic and creamy.
- Queso Dip – The ultimate cheese-on-cheese combo.
- Salsa – A fresh, zesty contrast.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy balance.
- Chuy’s Jalapeño Dip – A spicy, addictive option.
Want another appetizer for your party spread? This Chicken and Sausage Gumbo will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
FAQs About Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yep! Hot, mild, turkey, or even Italian sausage will work.
Do I have to use Bisquick?
If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make a homemade mix with flour, baking powder, and butter.
What if my sausage mixture is too sticky?
That’s normal! If it’s too hard to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mexican blend is great, but sharp cheddar or pepper jack are also amazing choices.
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot or mild sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix sausage, Bisquick, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage and Hot Rotel for extra heat.
- To freeze, place unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag.
- Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with ranch, queso, or honey mustard for dipping.
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate snack—cheesy, spicy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday gathering, or just because, they’ll disappear fast. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
And if you’re still craving something hearty, check out Chicken and Sausage Gumbo—a Southern classic full of bold flavors.
