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Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel

Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel

Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel combine creamy, cheesy goodness with a fiery kick, creating a perfect bite-sized snack that’s bold, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Ideal for parties, game days, or quick treats, these sausage balls feature a zesty freshness from Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, balanced with rich sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar for an irresistible appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
  • 1 cup biscuit baking mix (or gluten-free baking mix for gluten-free option)

Optional Spices and Add-ins

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Fresh parsley or chives for herb boost (optional)
  • Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for extra cheese variation (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon until well blended and creamy.
  3. Add Cheese, Rotel, and Baking Mix: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, well-drained Rotel, biscuit baking mix, and any optional spices if using. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without overworking the dough to maintain a light texture.
  4. Form the Sausage Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart to allow even cooking.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Let the cream cheese soften fully at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
  • Drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies well to avoid excess moisture that can make the mixture soggy.
  • Make sausage balls uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough sausage balls.
  • Watch the bake time closely; overbaking can dry out the sausage balls.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage balls, spicy appetizer, cream cheese sausage balls, Rotel sausage balls, game day snacks, easy party appetizers, gluten-free sausage balls