Savory Sausage Cheese Balls

This savory Sausage Cheese Rotel Balls recipe has become my go-to party appetizer whenever I need something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear within minutes. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel creates irresistible bites that always leave guests asking for the recipe.

I first made these for a last-minute football gathering at our house, and they were such a hit that they've become a mandatory appetizer for every game day since. My husband now refuses to watch sports without a plate of these nearby.

Ingredients

• Uncooked sausage provides the hearty base flavor choose a spicy variety for extra kick or mild if serving to sensitive palates
• Cream cheese adds creamy richness and helps bind everything together make sure it's fully softened for easier mixing
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies bring the perfect amount of tang and heat be sure to drain thoroughly to prevent soggy balls
• Bisquick mix creates the perfect structure without requiring separate flour and leavening agents
• Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and provides that irresistible cheesy pull look for a quality brand that includes multiple cheese varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the mixture. This high temperature ensures a nice golden crust forms while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients sausage, softened cream cheese, thoroughly drained Rotel tomatoes, Bisquick, and Mexican cheese. Use clean hands for the most efficient mixing, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated with no pockets of dry Bisquick remaining.

Form Balls

Take approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms to form 1inch balls. Keep the size consistent for even cooking. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dampening your hands with water can help.

Bake To Perfection

Arrange balls on a parchment lined baking sheet with about an inch between each. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden brown color and the tops begin to show light browning. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.

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The Rotel tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once tried making these without them, using just plain diced tomatoes instead, and the result was nowhere near as flavorful. That signature Rotel zing makes all the difference between a good appetizer and a great one.

Make-Ahead Magic

These sausage cheese balls are perfect for preparing in advance. You can roll the balls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 2 3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from refrigerated. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is always a crowd pleaser, you can customize these balls to suit different tastes. For an Italian twist, swap the Mexican cheese for mozzarella and Parmesan, add Italian seasoning, and serve with marinara dipping sauce. For a breakfast version, use breakfast sausage and add maple syrup to the mixture. For extra heat lovers, stir in additional diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the base recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile bites pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a simple salsa for different flavor experiences. For an elegant presentation, serve them on a platter with small sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro scattered between. They make an excellent addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and mimosas, or as part of a game day buffet with other finger foods.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these sausage cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sausage cheese Rotel balls ahead of time in two ways. Either mix the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking, or fully bake them, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen balls, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

→ What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Regular breakfast sausage works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can customize the flavor by choosing hot or mild varieties. Italian sausage (removed from casings) or even ground chorizo can create delicious variations. For a leaner option, turkey sausage also works well.

→ Can I substitute the Bisquick mix?

If you don't have Bisquick, you can make a homemade substitute by combining 1½ cups all-purpose flour with 2¼ teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup cold butter cut into the flour mixture until crumbly. Alternatively, pancake mix can work as a substitute in a pinch.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these sausage balls?

These sausage cheese Rotel balls are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha), or a simple marinara sauce. For a Southwestern twist, try serving with salsa or guacamole.

→ How can I tell when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

The sausage balls should be golden brown on the bottom and reach an internal temperature of 160°F when fully cooked. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut one open to ensure the sausage inside is no longer pink. If the balls are browning too quickly on the outside but not cooking through, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake a few minutes longer.

→ Can I add other ingredients to customize these sausage balls?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be customized with additions like finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat, crumbled bacon for smokiness, chopped green onions for freshness, or different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack. Just be careful not to add too many wet ingredients which could affect the texture.