When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, nothing beats the irresistible combination of spicy sausage, melty cheese, and creamy goodness baked into bite-sized perfection. These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are everything you could want in a snack—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and packed with the bold Tex-Mex flavor of Rotel tomatoes. They’re easy to make, portable, and perfect for game days, potlucks, or even a fun family dinner starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve had classic sausage balls before, get ready to fall in love all over again. This upgraded version features cream cheese and Rotel, giving the recipe an ultra-creamy texture and a zesty flavor twist. The cream cheese keeps the interior moist, while the Rotel adds the perfect kick of spice and tomato flavor. Best of all, they come together in one bowl—no complicated steps, no mess, and no frying. Just mix, roll, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage. Use your hands or a stand mixer to mix until well combined.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes to the sausage mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the baking mix, mixing until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or chipotle aioli.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories
Approximately 210 kcal per 3 sausage balls
Tips & Tricks 🌶️
- Drain the Rotel well. Excess moisture can make the mixture too soft to roll. Press it gently with a paper towel before adding.
- Use spicy sausage if you want more heat—pairing it with pepper jack cheese adds an extra fiery kick.
- Make ahead: Prepare the sausage balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.
- Reheat easily: Pop leftovers into the air fryer for 5 minutes or the oven for 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp them up again.
- Dipping ideas: Ranch, creamy queso, or even barbecue sauce work wonderfully for serving.
Flavor Variations 🌮
- Cheddar Jalapeño Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeños and swap in pepper jack cheese.
- Tex-Mex Style: Stir in ¼ cup of canned corn and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for an extra Southwestern flair.
- Breakfast Version: Use maple sausage and serve with a drizzle of honey or spicy maple syrup.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace baking mix with 1 ½ cups of almond flour and ½ teaspoon baking powder for a keto-friendly alternative.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile:
- Appetizer: Serve them at parties with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
- Brunch: Add them to a breakfast platter alongside scrambled eggs and fruit.
- Game Day Snack: Pair them with nachos, sliders, or wings for the ultimate game spread.
- Meal Prep Snack: Store in an airtight container and reheat for quick bites throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, bake or air-fry instead of microwaving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition Information per Serving (approx.) 🍴
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Why This Recipe Works ❤️
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy. The cream cheese binds everything together, making each bite soft and flavorful, while the sausage adds a savory punch. Rotel tomatoes bring that signature Tex-Mex zest that keeps everyone coming back for more.
This recipe is also wonderfully flexible—swap cheeses, adjust the spice level, or experiment with your favorite sausage blends. It’s one of those dishes that’s as easy as it is impressive. You can whip it up in under an hour and instantly have a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears as soon as it hits the table.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a cheesy snack with attitude, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls deliver every time—bold flavor, creamy texture, and golden perfection in every bite.
