Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

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A savory, cheesy, and bite-sized delight, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. These easy-to-make, flavor-packed treats combine creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and the bold taste of Rotel tomatoes for a mouthwatering snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

What Are Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are small, baked sausage-based appetizers made with cream cheese, shredded cheese, biscuit mix, and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. They are well known for their rich, cheesy texture with a spicy kick.

Origin and History of Sausage Balls

Sausage balls have Southern roots, often appearing at potlucks and holiday tables. Traditional versions include sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese enhances their taste, giving them a creamy texture and bold, slightly spicy flavor.

Best Season to Enjoy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

  • Holiday Parties: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings.
  • Game Days: A perfect tailgating snack.
  • Potlucks & Picnics: Easy to transport and serve.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

Essential Ingredients:

  • Ground Sausage – The base ingredient providing a meaty texture.
  • Cream Cheese – Adds a rich, creamy texture.
  • Rotel Tomatoes – Infuses a slightly spicy, tangy flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Offers a sharp, melty texture.
  • Biscuit Mix – Helps bind all ingredients together.

Nutritional Breakdown

  • Protein-rich: Sausage and cheese provide ample protein.
  • Calcium: Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium.
  • Flavor-enhancing spices: Rotel adds depth to the flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained)
  • 2 cups biscuit mix

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes.
  3. Add biscuit mix and blend thoroughly.
  4. Form balls: Scoop 1-inch portions and roll into balls.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Essential Cooking Tools

  • Mixing Bowl – For combining all ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet – To evenly bake the sausage balls.
  • Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit mix.
  • Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sausage.
  • Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella.

Best Pairings

  • Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.
  • Beverages: Fresh lemonade, iced tea, or a citrus mocktail.

How Do These Compare to Other Sausage Balls?

Compared to traditional sausage balls, this version is creamier and more flavorful due to the addition of Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese. The biscuit mix ensures a soft, well-formed texture, while the Rotel brings in a zesty kick that other variations may lack.

Health Benefits

  • Protein-Packed: Sausage and cheese offer good protein content.
  • Calcium-Rich: Cheese provides essential calcium.
  • Low-Carb Option: Can be made keto-friendly by substituting biscuit mix with almond flour.

FAQs

Are sausage balls better with cream cheese?

Yes! Cream cheese makes them softer, richer, and more flavorful.

Do Sausage-Cheese Balls need to be refrigerated?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What kind of cheese is best for sausage balls?

Cheddar is the most popular choice, but pepper jack adds extra spice.

How do you keep sausage balls warm?

Use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to maintain their temperature at gatherings.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Presentation Tips

  • Serve on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a colorful touch.
  • Pair with multiple dipping sauces for variety.

Fun Facts

  • Sausage balls originated in the Southern U.S. and have evolved into countless variations.
  • The addition of Rotel tomatoes brings in a Tex-Mex flair.
  • They are sometimes called “holiday sausage bites” because of their popularity at gatherings.

Suggested Recipes

For more savory recipes you can also check my friend Alicia’s blog here.

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