Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sausage balls are easy to make, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for entertaining. They stay moist thanks to the cream cheese and offer a balanced blend of spice and savory richness.
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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: Cheesy, Spicy, and Perfectly Bite-Sized
Ingredients
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground sausage provides the hearty, savory base and main flavor.
Cream cheese adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the mixture.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies introduce spice and tang.
Shredded cheddar cheese enhances meltability and sharp flavor.
All-purpose baking mix creates structure and ensures the balls hold their shape.
Garlic powder adds subtle savory depth.
Onion powder contributes balanced seasoning.
Black pepper provides mild warmth.
Salt sharpens and enhances overall flavor.
Fresh parsley can be used as garnish for color and freshness.
Directions
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage and softened cream cheese until evenly blended.
Drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Add them to the mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Scoop and roll the mixture into small, evenly sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake until the sausage balls are fully cooked and lightly browned on the outside. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 sausage balls, serving 8 as an appetizer. Preparation takes 15 minutes, with baking time of 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore texture. They can also be frozen and reheated directly from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are highly adaptable. For extra heat, use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. I tested this recipe with pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar, which enhanced the spicy profile without overpowering the dish.
For a milder version, use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. You may also substitute part of the cheddar with mozzarella for a softer texture.
If you prefer a lower-carb option, reduce the baking mix slightly and increase cheese for added structure. These adjustments allow you to tailor the flavor and heat level while preserving the creamy, savory core of the recipe.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Drain Tomatoes Well
Excess moisture can make the mixture too soft.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese blends more easily.
Even Sizing
Uniform balls ensure consistent cooking.
Bake Until Golden
Light browning enhances flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, shape the balls and refrigerate before baking.
Are they very spicy?
They are moderately spicy and can be adjusted to preference.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked for convenience.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli complement them well.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, though flavor and fat content will vary slightly.
How do I know they are fully cooked?
The interior should reach a safe temperature and appear fully set.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls deliver bold, cheesy flavor with a hint of spice in every bite. Easy to prepare and ideal for entertaining, they are a reliable appetizer that combines comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
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