Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, perfect for parties, holidays, or any gathering. The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel (spicy diced tomatoes and green chilies) gives these sausage balls a flavorful and creamy kick. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (16 oz) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional for extra fluffiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and the drained Rotel. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and baking powder (if using) to the sausage mixture. Mix everything together until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough starts to form. The dough may be a little sticky, but that’s okay!
- Form the Balls:
- Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half and ensuring it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm!
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can form the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: These sausage balls freeze well! To freeze, place uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor.
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice from the Rotel. Enjoy!
