Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of kick. They combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty punch of Rotel tomatoes and peppers, all rolled into bite-sized balls that are perfect for sharing. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, these little bites are a total winner at any party or get-together.
I love making these because they come together quickly and taste amazing warm out of the oven. The cream cheese keeps everything super moist and adds a smooth texture, while the Rotel brings just enough spice to keep things interesting without overpowering the other flavors. Whenever I make these, they disappear fast—so I always double the batch just to be safe!
My favorite way to serve these sausage balls is with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy ketchup, but honestly, they’re great all on their own. They make the perfect appetizer or snack when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Plus, they’re a real crowd-pleaser whether you’re watching the game or just hanging out with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Spicy Sausage
- The spicy ground pork sausage gives these balls their bold flavor. You can swap it for mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or try turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Cream Cheese
- This keeps the texture moist and creamy. If dairy-free is needed, try a vegan cream cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Rotel
- The diced tomatoes and green chilies add a nice zing. You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes and chopped fresh jalapeños or green chilies if Rotel isn’t available.
- Biscuit Mix (Bisquick)
- This binds everything together nicely. You can use all-purpose flour plus baking powder (about 1 1/4 cups flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder) as a substitute.
How Can I Shape Sausage Balls Without Too Much Mess?
Shaping sausage balls can get sticky. Here’s how I keep it simple and tidy:
- Use chilled hands or lightly grease them with oil to prevent sticking.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly—this avoids wasting any and keeps sizes consistent.
- If mixture feels too wet, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before shaping.
These tips help the process go smoothly and keep your hands clean enough to enjoy the cooking fun!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for evenly baking your sausage balls to a perfect golden brown.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – makes cleanup easy and stops sticking.
- Large mixing bowl – lets you mix all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps you form evenly sized sausage balls quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate for the best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spicy sausage with mild or Italian sausage if you want less heat or a different flavor.
- Add shredded pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy, melty kick.
- Mix in chopped fresh jalapeños or green chilies to boost freshness and spice.
- Include minced garlic or smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
How to Make Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) spicy ground pork sausage
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to increase spice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake, so you can have these delicious sausage balls ready in under 40 minutes total. The prep is simple and quick, making it a great dish for parties or quick snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to stop the sausage balls from sticking.
2. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese:
In a large bowl, combine the spicy ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix them together well so they are fully blended.
3. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
To the sausage mixture, add shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, biscuit mix, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika if you like, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Stir everything together evenly.
4. Form and Bake the Sausage Balls:
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown outside and cooked through.
5. Cool, Garnish, and Serve:
Once baked, let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra sliced green onions if you like. Serve warm and enjoy them alone or with a tasty dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the sausage in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This ensures even blending and proper cooking.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Sausage Balls?
They’re great on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard. They also pair well with veggie sticks or a fresh salad for a balanced snack.