It’s game day. The couch is set up, the snacks are ready, and the excitement is palpable. Suddenly, you remember that one dish that always steals the show—Rotel cream cheese sausage balls. These little bites of heaven are not just a treat; they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that even your pickiest friends will devour with glee. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as they bake to golden perfection, calling everyone to gather around.
Now let’s get personal for a moment. I remember hosting my first big football party and feeling like a complete culinary wizard when I whipped up a batch of these glorious sausage balls. Friends kept asking for the recipe while licking their fingers clean. If there’s one snack that can turn your gathering into an epic celebration, it’s definitely these delectable bites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These easy-to-make sausage balls bring together flavors of spice and creaminess in every bite.
- They are visually appealing with their golden crust and inviting aroma.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual movie nights to festive parties—everyone loves them!
I once made these for a potluck and had to fend off a mob of hungry friends trying to get at the last few pieces!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Sausage: Use your favorite variety; spicy or mild works great depending on your taste preference.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds rich creaminess; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Rotel Tomatoes: Choose original or spicy versions for an extra kick; they bring moisture and flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that comforting cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness; use both white and green parts for flavor.
- Flour: Just a bit of flour helps bind everything together while keeping the texture light.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the flavor profile; it’s an essential addition!
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall taste; don’t hold back!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, flour, garlic powder, and black pepper until well mixed.
Scoop and Shape: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but still delightful at room temperature!
With each step complete, you’ll have created irresistible Rotel cream cheese sausage balls that will leave everyone begging for more!
You Must Know
- These Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are the ultimate party snack.
- They’re cheesy, spicy, and packed with flavor, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the company instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make these delicious Rotel cream cheese sausage balls, start by cooking the sausage until browned and crumbly. Then mix in the cream cheese and Rotel before forming into balls and baking until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken. You can also toss in some shredded cheese or herbs to elevate the flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect sausage balls, make sure your cream cheese is softened to blend easily.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage; it enhances flavors.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a new flavor twist.
There was that one time I made these Rotel cream cheese sausage balls for a family reunion. The moment I set them down, my cousin declared them “life-changing.” Let’s just say they disappeared faster than you can say “pass the dip.”
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
How do I ensure they don’t dry out?
Be careful not to overbake them; check around 15 minutes for doneness.
Can I freeze unbaked sausage balls?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag for later baking.
Irresistibly Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These spicy cream cheese sausage balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for any gathering or game day celebration.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, flour, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about one inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To add extra flavor, consider mixing in your favorite herbs or spices.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to traditional sausage.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead of time and frozen uncooked for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sausage balls (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
