Get ready to discover your new favorite party appetizer! These Rotel sausage balls are an absolute flavor explosion, combining savory sausage, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and rich, melty cheese into one irresistible bite. They are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, a festive holiday appetizer, or a simple savory treat, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We’re taking the classic sausage ball and giving it a major upgrade. The addition of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies adds a subtle kick and incredible moisture, ensuring your sausage balls are never dry. This simple twist makes all the difference!
Why You’ll Love This Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of spicy pork sausage, tangy Rotel, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a perfectly balanced and savory bite.
Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time. It’s the perfect recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned pros.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to elegant holiday parties, these sausage balls are always a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prep these ahead of time, making party day a breeze. More on that below!
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Sausage Balls
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create these addictive appetizers.
Rolling the sausage balls is the only prep work required for this super easy recipe.
Pork Sausage: A one-pound roll of hot pork sausage provides the perfect base and a welcome kick of heat. You can substitute for mild sausage if you prefer less spice.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: This is our secret weapon! Be sure to drain the can well to avoid adding too much liquid to the mixture.
Bisquick Baking Mix: The classic binder that gives these sausage balls their structure and a light, fluffy texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the balls greasy.
Cream Cheese: A block of softened cream cheese adds extra richness and moisture, taking these sausage balls to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these cheesy Rotel sausage balls is as simple as mix, roll, and bake!
Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the bottoms from getting too brown and stops them from sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pork sausage, drained Rotel, Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese.
Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sausage balls tough.
Form the Balls: Scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. A small cookie scoop can help make them uniform in size.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Serve Warm: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Rotel Sausage Balls
Shred Your Own Cheese: As mentioned, shredding your own cheese from a block results in a much better texture and flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough sausage balls.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform sausage balls that cook evenly, use a small (1-tablespoon) cookie scoop.
Drain the Rotel Well: Too much liquid can make the mixture sticky and hard to roll. Make sure you drain the can of Rotel thoroughly before adding it to the bowl. If you’re looking for other easy appetizers, these Cranberry Brie Bites are always a crowd-pleaser.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to your liking!
Different Cheeses: Try swapping the cheddar for Pepper Jack for an extra kick, or use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar.
Add Some Veggies: Finely diced jalapeños or green onions can add a fresh, spicy element.
Change the Sausage: Feel free to use mild Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. For another great sausage recipe, check out these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage (coming soon).
You won't believe how easy and delicious these Rotel sausage balls are!
How to Make Ahead and Store
These Rotel sausage balls are the perfect make-ahead appetizer.
To Make Ahead (Unbaked): Prepare the mixture and roll the balls. Place them on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can bake them directly from frozen; just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
To Store (Baked): Store leftover cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispier.
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
These savory bites are fantastic on their own, but a good dipping sauce can elevate them even further. Try serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. They are a great addition to a larger appetizer spread alongside dishes like Mini Beef Wellingtons (coming soon) or a festive Christmas Pizza Wreath.
Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
FL Recipes
Rotel Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer
The ultimate party appetizer! These Rotel sausage balls are packed with savory sausage, zesty Rotel, and two kinds of cheese for an easy, flavorful, and incredibly moist bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pork sausage, drained Rotel, Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese.
Using your hands or a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalProtein: 5gFat: 8g
Notes
Tip 1: For evenly sized sausage balls, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. Tip 2: Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sausage balls greasy. Tip 3: These can be frozen uncooked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Keyword Easy Appetizer,rotel sausage balls,sausage balls with cream cheese
Sausage balls can become dry if there isn’t enough fat or moisture in the mix. Our recipe solves this by including both sharp cheddar and cream cheese, which adds richness and ensures they stay perfectly moist.
Absolutely! You can assemble the sausage balls, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen for a super convenient appetizer.
To avoid greasy sausage balls, use a quality brand of sausage that isn’t overly fatty and, most importantly, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that can release excess oil when baked.
We recommend using a hot pork sausage for the best flavor and a little kick of spice. However, mild pork sausage, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage work well as substitutes.
Yes, you can make a DIY baking mix. For every cup of Bisquick, substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cold, cubed butter.
If you loved these Rotel sausage balls, you’ll be sure to love some of our other amazing recipes. After a savory appetizer, there’s nothing better than a sweet treat like our famous Fudgy Brookies Recipe (coming soon).
I hope you enjoy making these incredible sausage balls! They are a true family favorite and a recipe I come back to again and again. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. For more amazing recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
