Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, flavorful snack or appetizer that combines the perfect mix of spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and seasoned sausage. Easy to prepare and bake, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a comforting snack on a busy day. The combination of sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and Bisquick results in a cheesy, satisfying treat that will be hard to stop eating!

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, Bisquick baking mix, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, savory treats!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations

• Spicy Version: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Herb-infused: Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor and freshness.
• Cheese Variation: Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for a slightly spicier and more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick to make these sausage balls gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Replace the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked sausage balls before cooking them. Arrange the shaped balls on a baking sheet, freeze them for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sausage balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the mixture, form the balls, and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.
2. Can I substitute a different type of cheese?
   Yes! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that melts well.
3. Are these sausage balls spicy?
   The Rotel tomatoes with green chilies do add some heat, but it’s not overwhelming. If you prefer less spice, use mild Rotel or remove the seeds from the tomatoes before mixing.
4. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Absolutely. You can use turkey sausage, pork sausage, or any type of breakfast sausage you prefer.
5. What is Bisquick? Can I use something else?
   Bisquick is a pre-made baking mix that helps bind the ingredients together. You can substitute it with a homemade biscuit mix or a gluten-free baking mix.
6. Can I serve these sausage balls with a dipping sauce?
   Yes! These sausage balls pair well with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a creamy cheese dip.
7. How do I know when the sausage balls are done?
   The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through in the center. You can also check with a meat thermometer—once it reads 160°F, they’re fully cooked.
8. Are these sausage balls suitable for a low-carb diet?
   No, this recipe includes Bisquick, which contains carbs. You could try a low-carb baking mix if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.
9. How many sausage balls does this recipe make?
   This recipe makes about 12 sausage balls, depending on the size you make them.
10. Can I make these sausage balls larger?
    You can make the sausage balls larger if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as larger balls will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or making them for a snack, these cheesy, spicy, and savory bites will always be a hit. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients! These sausage balls are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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