Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect cheesy, savory finger food for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings. Combining sausage, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, these bite-sized treats are packed with flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they disappear from the plate almost as fast as you make them.

Ingredients

1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, drained Rotel, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
Form Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Serve
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

Drain Rotel: Removing excess liquid prevents soggy sausage balls.
Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor; you can mix with pepper jack for a spicier version.
Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls that cook consistently.
Make-ahead option: Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or use hot sausage.
Cheese Mix: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap each ball in a half slice of bacon before baking for extra indulgence.
Mini Muffin Style: Bake in a mini muffin tin for perfectly uniform appetizers.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or potlucks.
Serve alongside dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or creamy jalapeño dip.
Pair with cold beverages like beer, cider, or sparkling water for casual entertaining.

Fun Facts

Rotel tomatoes with green chilies originated in Texas and became a staple for flavorful Tex-Mex inspired recipes.
Cream cheese adds richness and moisture, ensuring each sausage ball is tender inside.
These sausage balls are often a party favorite in Southern cuisine and are a traditional appetizer at holiday gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sausage, cheese, and Rotel creates a savory, slightly spicy bite that is both flavorful and comforting. Soft cream cheese keeps the texture moist, while the flour binds everything together. Easy to prep and quick to bake, these sausage balls are the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence for entertaining.