Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Description: These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious, savory appetizer that combines flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and a spicy kick from Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a snack, these sausage balls are super easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups (240g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (240g) biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and biscuit mix. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. The mixture will be sticky, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape Sausage Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them out a little so they have room to cook evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check by cutting one open to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Serve: Once they’re done, let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or snack!
Notes:
- Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy breakfast sausage depending on your preference for heat. You could also swap sausage for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Rotel: Rotel gives these sausage balls their signature tangy, spicy flavor. If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can use a mild version or even drain the tomatoes more thoroughly.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can add extra flavor.
- Biscuit Mix: This ingredient helps bind everything together, giving the sausage balls their traditional texture. You can try a gluten-free biscuit mix if you need a gluten-free option.
Tips:
- Chill the mixture: If the sausage mixture feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before shaping the balls. This makes them easier to roll.
- Freezing: These sausage balls can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze them before baking, place the raw balls on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen (may need an additional 5-10 minutes).
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the sausage balls a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them.
Servings:
This recipe makes about 24 sausage balls, depending on the size you roll them.
Serving Size: 1 sausage ball.
Nutritional Information (per serving – 1 sausage ball):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 1mg
Benefits:
- Protein-packed: Sausage and cheese provide a solid source of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy parties or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: The sausage balls can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated, making them a convenient snack anytime.
Q/A:
Q: Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls the day before and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. They can also be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free? A: Yes! You can substitute the regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free biscuit mix to make these sausage balls gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients for any gluten content.
Q: How do I store leftover sausage balls? A: Leftover sausage balls should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level? A: Absolutely! You can use mild sausage and Rotel for a milder version, or opt for spicy sausage and Rotel if you like more heat. You can also control the spice level by draining the Rotel tomatoes more thoroughly to reduce the liquid and heat.
I hope you enjoy making these tasty, irresistible sausage balls! Let me know if you have any other questions or need more tips.