If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than these Rotel cream cheese sausage balls. Combining savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes, these bites are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re an excellent addition to game days, parties, or family gatherings. Serve them warm for the ultimate tasty treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (breakfast or Italian)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 sausage balls. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, while cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 sausage ball): approximately 120 calories, 9g fat, 7g protein, 1g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage until well blended.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Additionally, low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These sausage balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy mustard. They also make an excellent accompaniment to a veggie platter or as part of a charcuterie board.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not draining the Rotel tomatoes can make the mixture too wet.
- Overmixing the ingredients may result in tough sausage balls.
- Baking at too high a temperature can cause them to burn on the outside but remain raw inside.
- Using cold cream cheese can make it hard to blend with the sausage.
- Not spacing the sausage balls properly on the baking sheet can lead to them sticking together.
Helpful Tips
- Use gloves for easier handling when forming the sausage balls.
- Add a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Serve with a variety of dips to cater to different tastes.
FAQs
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What dipping sauces work best with sausage balls?
Popular options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.
How do I know when the sausage balls are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read at least 160°F (71°C) for sausage.
Are these sausage balls gluten-free?
They are not gluten-free due to the biscuit mix. However, you can use a gluten-free biscuit mix to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Conclusion
These Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful blend of flavors, making them an ideal choice for any gathering. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage breakfast or Italian
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage until well blended.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.