Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Cheesy Party Bite

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few recipes disappear faster than Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Cheesy, savory, slightly spicy, and irresistibly tender, these bite-sized snacks are a guaranteed hit at parties, holidays, game days, and family gatherings.

This recipe takes classic sausage balls and levels them up with cream cheese for extra moisture and Rotel tomatoes for a pop of flavor and gentle heat. The result? A perfectly balanced appetizer that’s rich, bold, and incredibly easy to make.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping snacks ahead of time, these sausage balls check every box.


Why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Are So Popular

Sausage balls are already a classic, but adding cream cheese and Rotel transforms them into something special. This version stays moist, flavorful, and tender—even after reheating.

This recipe works because:

  • Cream cheese prevents dryness
  • Rotel adds flavor without overpowering
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum taste
  • Easy to prep ahead and freeze
  • Perfect finger food

They’re equally at home on a brunch table or a game-day spread.


Flavor & Texture Breakdown

Each bite delivers:

  • Savory sausage richness
  • Creamy, melty cheese
  • Mild heat from Rotel tomatoes
  • Soft interior with lightly crisp edges

The balance of flavors makes them addictive without being heavy.


Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage
  • Cream cheese
  • Rotel tomatoes, drained
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Baking mix (Bisquick-style)

Simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully.


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Base
    In a large bowl, combine sausage and softened cream cheese until fully blended.
  3. Add Flavor
    Stir in drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Form the Dough
    Add baking mix and stir until a thick dough forms.
  5. Shape the Balls
    Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Serve
    Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cheesy, savory sausage balls made with cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes for a moist, flavorful party appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 30 balls
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes drained well
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1.5 cups baking mix Bisquick-style

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Mix sausage and cream cheese until combined.
  2. Stir in Rotel tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
  3. Add baking mix and combine into a thick dough.
  4. Roll into balls and place on baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Notes

Drain Rotel thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

  • Drain Rotel very well to avoid excess moisture.
  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
  • Don’t overbake—they stay juiciest when just cooked through.
  • Use gloves for easy rolling and cleanup.

Delicious Variations

Extra Spicy

Use hot sausage and Hot Rotel.

Cheddar Jack Version

Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

Low-Carb Option

Use almond flour baking mix instead of traditional.

Ranch-Style

Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix.


When to Serve Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These sausage balls are perfect for:

  • Game day parties
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Brunch spreads
  • Potlucks
  • Make-ahead snacks

They’re especially popular during fall and winter when warm appetizers shine.


Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate cooked sausage balls for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze uncooked or cooked balls for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture

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