Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious little treat packed with bold flavors and a touch of heat. They combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes and peppers for a perfect bite-sized snack. These balls have a great mix of spicy and cheesy that makes them really stand out at any gathering.
I love making these sausage balls whenever I want something quick but seriously tasty. The cream cheese makes them super moist and a little creamy inside, which I think is what makes everyone ask for seconds. Plus, adding the Rotel gives them just the right kick—enough to keep things interesting but not too hot to handle.
My favorite way to serve these is right out of the oven with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re great finger food for parties, game nights, or when friends come over for a casual hangout. Honestly, these spicy sausage balls always disappear fast, so I’ve learned to make a big batch ahead of time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spicy Pork Sausage: This is the heart of the recipe, bringing bold flavor and spice. If you prefer less heat, use mild sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Cream Cheese: Makes the sausage balls moist and creamy. Softened cream cheese blends well, but you can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat alternative.
Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a nice zesty kick and a bit of color. If you don’t have Rotel, diced tomatoes with a few chopped jalapeños can work well.
Baking Mix (Bisquick): Acts as the binder here. You can substitute with gluten-free baking mix if needed or a mix of flour and baking powder (about 1 ½ cups total).
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy, cheesy flavor that melts nicely. You can swap for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend you enjoy.
How Do You Shape and Bake Sausage Balls for Perfect Texture?
Making these sausage balls just right means balancing firm shape with juicy, tender bites. Here’s how I do it:
- Use softened cream cheese so it mixes well with the sausage and baking mix without clumping.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand or with a sturdy spoon. This helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Shape into 1-inch balls to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist inside.
- Space the balls on your baking sheet so they brown nicely all around.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them juicy.
Letting the balls cool a few minutes before serving helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to pick up. I like serving them warm with a dipping sauce like ranch or queso—it balances the spice perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix the sausage and cheese without making a mess.
- Spoon or spatula – great for stirring all the ingredients together easily.
- Baking sheet – use a rimmed one to keep the sausage balls from rolling off.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spices and baking mix just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spicy pork sausage for ground turkey sausage for a lighter, leaner bite.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños if you like extra heat beyond the Rotel.
- Mix in shredded pepper jack cheese for a creamy, spicy twist.
- Stir in finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs for a fresh, bright flavor.
How to Make Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground spicy pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 ½ cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll have delicious sausage balls ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a quick appetizer or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the ground spicy pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
3. Add Cheese, Rotel, and Dry Ingredients
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the dough can be shaped.
4. Shape Sausage Balls
Take small amounts of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, giving them room to cook evenly.
5. Bake Until Golden and Cooked
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are cooked through. They should be firm to the touch but still juicy inside.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if you like. Serve warm with dips like spicy ranch or queso for a tasty treat.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the sausage in the fridge overnight before using. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better mixing and baking.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the sausage balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them fresh for best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their crispy exterior.
Can I Substitute the Baking Mix?
Yes, you can use gluten-free baking mix or make your own blend of flour and baking powder if preferred. Just keep the quantity the same to ensure proper binding.