If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible appetizer that disappears in minutes, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate choice. Combining spicy sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and biscuit mix, these bite-sized treats are savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with that perfect mix of heat and creaminess that makes them addictive. Whether you’re serving them for game day, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers, this recipe will be the hit of your table — easy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
- Bursting with flavor: Cream cheese and Rotel add rich, zesty layers to the classic sausage ball.
- Easy to make: Just mix, roll, and bake — no fancy steps or special tools required.
- Perfect for parties: Serve warm or at room temperature for crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep and freeze before baking for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add herbs, or swap cheeses to make them your own.
Ingredients for Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- 1 pound hot or mild ground pork sausage (use spicy for a kick)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or Colby Jack)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or other biscuit mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, shredded cheese, Bisquick, and seasonings. Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a few tablespoons of Bisquick; if too dry, add a spoonful of cream cheese.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C). Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for color, or sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheese for extra indulgence. Serve warm with dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.
Flavor and Texture Profile
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with bold flavors. The sausage brings savory richness, the Rotel adds tangy spice, and the cream cheese gives them a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The biscuit mix ties everything together, creating a fluffy yet hearty bite that’s impossible to resist.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
- Drain the Rotel well: Too much liquid can make the mixture soggy. Press out excess moisture with paper towels.
- Use softened cream cheese: It mixes more easily and distributes evenly throughout the dough.
- Don’t overbake: Bake until golden and set — overcooking can make them dry.
- Adjust spice levels: Use mild sausage and original Rotel for less heat, or spicy sausage and hot Rotel for more kick.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe for parties — they go fast!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: Roll the sausage balls and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cook time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Balls: Mix in ¼ cup diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Bacon Lovers’ Version: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Sausage Balls: Add chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Tex-Mex Style: Use pepper jack cheese and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
- Breakfast Option: Serve with scrambled eggs or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory morning treat.
Serving Ideas
These sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for holidays, brunches, and potlucks. Serve them with:
- Ranch dressing or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Warm queso or cheese sauce for an extra layer of richness.
- On a platter with celery sticks and pickles to balance the spice.
- As part of a breakfast spread with biscuits, eggs, and gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder, and the texture slightly less rich.
Can I use gluten-free baking mix?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free biscuit mix for a fully gluten-free version.
What if I don’t have Bisquick?
Make your own by mixing 2 cups flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup cold butter.
How do I prevent sticking when shaping the balls?
Lightly oil your hands or use a cookie scoop for easier rolling.
Can I serve these cold?
They’re best served warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature — perfect for buffets.
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot or mild ground pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or Colby Jack)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix (or other biscuit mix)
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar, Bisquick, and spices. Mix until fully combined. Adjust texture as needed.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a scoop. Place on baking sheet spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating tray halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C).
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor — simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite. With the creaminess of cheese, the spice of sausage, and the zesty kick of Rotel, these bite-sized delights are impossible to resist. They’re the ideal appetizer for parties, game days, or holidays — easy to prepare, easy to eat, and guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these sausage balls deliver big flavor in every single bite — a modern twist on a classic Southern favorite that’s here to stay.
