Description
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and flavorful breakfast sausage, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, they make for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Canned Goods
- 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dry Ingredients and Spices
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Sausage Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until you form a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Chill Dough (if needed): If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
- Form Sausage Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into uniform balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart to allow for cooking expansion.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with spicy or mild sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- If you want a stronger cheese flavor, you can increase the amount of cheddar cheese slightly.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
