A heavenly aroma wafts through the kitchen as you take your first bite of these rotel cream cheese sausage balls. With a delightful crunch on the outside and a savory explosion of flavors inside, they are truly a culinary treasure. The combination of creamy cheese and zesty tomatoes embraces the juicy sausage in a way that sends taste buds dancing.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese for rotel cream cheese sausage balls?
- How long do these sausage balls take to bake?
- Can I freeze rotel cream cheese sausage balls before cooking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delectable bites are not just snacks; they are memories waiting to happen. Picture this: friends gathered around the TV on game day, laughter filling the air while plates overflow with these cheesy delights. It’s an experience so good you might just find yourself making them weekly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These rotel cream cheese sausage balls are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Their flavor is unmatched—spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, they’re sure to impress your guests.
- Ideal for any occasion from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations!
Every time I make these rotel cream cheese sausage balls, my friends practically tackle each other to grab the last one. It’s like watching a scene from an action movie but way more delicious.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite brand—spicy or mild—and ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing; it adds that irresistible creamy texture.
- Rotel Tomatoes: The star ingredient! Use original or diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra zing.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the bold flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder: This brings an aromatic depth; fresh garlic can also work if minced finely.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweetness without overpowering; it’s a great complement to the other ingredients.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to bind everything together without making it too dense.
- Green Onions (optional): Chopped finely for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup later.
Mix It Up!: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage and softened cream cheese until well blended. Use your hands or a spatula—just be prepared; it can get messy!
Add Flavorful Goodness: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (drained), shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and optional green onions until everything is evenly distributed.
Scoop and Shape Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands (if you prefer), form small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each ball.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and become irresistibly crispy on the outside.
Cool Down Before Serving!: Allow them to cool slightly before serving; trust me—they will be piping hot! Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain!
These rotel cream cheese sausage balls will quickly become your go-to recipe for any gathering—or even just when you need a fantastic snack at home!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect rotel cream cheese sausage balls is using room temperature cream cheese.
- Using fresh ingredients, like finely chopped green onions, enhances flavor while adding a pop of color.
- Don’t skip preheating your oven!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make rotel cream cheese sausage balls efficiently, start by mixing the cream cheese with seasonings first, then fold in the sausage and Rotel. Lastly, form the mixture into balls before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these delicious bites! Add shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness or swap in turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can also experiment with various spices for a unique kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These rotel cream cheese sausage balls are always a crowd-pleaser; they disappear faster than you can say “game day.” Ensure your sausage is cooked fully before mixing to avoid any surprises later.
- For extra flavor, let the mixture rest for 30 minutes before forming balls.
Sharing these rotel cream cheese sausage balls with my friends during game night was unforgettable; they devoured them faster than I could keep track!
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for rotel cream cheese sausage balls?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well but may alter texture slightly.
How long do these sausage balls take to bake?
Baking time typically ranges from 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F until golden brown.
Can I freeze rotel cream cheese sausage balls before cooking?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet and transfer to a bag after solidified.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are the perfect savory snack, featuring a blend of creamy cheese and zesty tomatoes, baked to golden perfection—ideal for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground sausage and softened cream cheese until well blended.
- Stir in drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, flour, and optional green onions until combined.
- Form mixture into one-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, let the mixture rest for 30 minutes before forming balls.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter version or add extra spices for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
