These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are bold, cheesy, and dangerously addictive—the kind of appetizer that disappears before you can set the plate down. Spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes come together in one perfect bite. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, this recipe is always a win.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
Packed with big, bold flavor
Soft and creamy inside, lightly crisp outside
Perfect for parties, potlucks, and snacks
Easy to make ahead and freeze
No dry, crumbly sausage balls—ever
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb spicy breakfast sausage
(mild works too)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, drained very well
(original or hot)
1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
Sausage
Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese
Drained Rotel
Bisquick
Garlic powder & black pepper
Mix until fully combined. (Hands work best!)
💡 Tip: Make sure Rotel is very well drained to avoid soggy balls.
3. Roll Into Balls
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet, slightly spaced apart.
4. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
5. Cool & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm for maximum cheesiness.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
✨ Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing
✨ Line pan or use a rack to reduce grease
✨ If mixture is sticky, chill for 10 minutes
✨ Add more cheese for extra richness
✨ Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want extra browning
Easy Variations
🔥 Extra Spicy
Use Hot Rotel
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne
🧀 Cheese Swap
Pepper jack for heat
Colby-jack for mild creaminess
🌿 Flavor Boost
Add chopped green onions
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning
Dipping Sauce Ideas
These are great solo, but even better with:
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo
Honey mustard
Creamy jalapeño dip
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage
Make Ahead:
Roll balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze unbaked or baked balls up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes
Perfect for Any Occasion
✔ Game day
✔ Holidays
✔ Breakfast spreads
✔ Potlucks
✔ Late-night snacks
Final Thoughts 🧡
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are creamy, spicy, and impossible to resist. One bite turns into five—fair warning.