Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser appetizer? Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are the irresistible snack you didn’t know you needed—packed with bold flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of kick. Once you try these, plain sausage balls just won’t cut it anymore. Read on to discover how easy they are to make and why they’ll become your go-to party favorite!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
| Servings: | 30 | 
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes | 
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes | 
| Total Time: | 40 minutes | 
| Serving Size: | 2 sausage balls | 
Description
Warm, savory, and loaded with creamy spice, Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are a delicious little miracle that come together with barely any fuss. I have made these for baby showers, hiking trips, game days, and lazy weekends, and they disappear just as quickly every single time. One bite in and you’ll get that creamy heat from the Rotel, the smoky depth of sausage, and a touch of cheddar pulling it all together into a rich, satisfying mouthful.
What I adore about this recipe is its flexibility. You can keep it mild and cheesy for the kids or choose a spicy sausage to give things a kick. The cream cheese rounds everything out, making each bite tender and just slightly gooey inside. Plus, if you make them ahead and freeze them, you’ve got an easy snack on standby whenever life demands a little comfort food magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only five ingredients and endless flavor
 - Perfect for parties or quick breakfasts
 - Tender texture with cheesy richness and subtle spice
 - Can be made ahead and baked from frozen
 - No need for fancy steps or equipment
 
From watching friends hover over the tray to my kids sneaking extras while they’re cooling, these sausage balls never lose their charm. If anything, they become part of your kitchen traditions.
Serving and Storage Tips
For entertaining, I like to serve them straight from the oven with toothpicks and a small plate of dipping sauces. Ranch is a classic, but I also love them with honey mustard or even a smoky chipotle aioli if I’m feeling fancy.
If you’ve got leftovers, pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, a quick toast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will bring back the crispy edges, while the microwave is great for soft texture on the go. Want to freeze them? No problem. Lay baked or unbaked balls on a tray to firm up, freeze, then transfer to a bag for storage. Bake straight from frozen and just tack on 5 extra minutes.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Appetizer, American, cheesy sausage bites, party snacks, Southern comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
 - 1 block cream cheese softened
 - 1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes drained
 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose baking mix such as Bisquick
 
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
 - Baking sheet
 - Parchment paper
 - Spatula or wooden spoon
 - Oven
 
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the sausage balls from sticking.
 - Mix the sausage and cream cheese: In your mixing bowl, use a spatula or clean hands to combine the sausage with softened cream cheese. The key is making sure they’re fully married together before adding anything else.
 - Add the Rotel and cheese: Stir the drained tomatoes into your sausage mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar. Do not skip draining the Rotel thoroughly or you’ll end up with wet dough.
 - Add the baking mix: Pour in your Bisquick and stir until a sticky dough comes together. You may find it easiest to knead it lightly with your hands at the end to incorporate everything evenly.
 - Form the balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. I use a small cookie scoop to keep things uniform. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
 - Bake: Pop them into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the sausage is cooked through. The cheese will bubble and the bottom should develop a lovely golden edge.
 - Cool and serve: Let your sausage balls cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then serve warm, or let them come to room temperature if taking to a potluck or picnic.
 
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 | 
| Protein | 25g | 
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 
| Fat | 22g | 
| Sugar | 0g | 
| Fiber | 0g | 
| Sodium | 580mg | 
Recipe Notes
For best texture, use high-quality breakfast sausage. If you like it spicy, go for hot sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use homemade baking mix by combining 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 tablespoon cold butter cut in. Let the sausage and cream cheese sit at room temperature to make mixing easier.
FAQ
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick especially when paired with the creamy cheese and Rotel. If you want to please both heat lovers and milder palates, make two batches and label one as spicy.
Should I cook the sausage first?
No need. The sausage cooks beautifully in the oven as the sausage balls bake. If you use pre-cooked sausage, the texture may be more crumbly and less cohesive.
Can I serve them cold?
They taste best warm, but they are still delicious at room temperature. For cold servings like packed meals or potluck leftovers, try pairing them with a dipping sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
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Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
 - 1 block cream cheese softened
 - 1 10- ounce can Rotel tomatoes drained
 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose baking mix such as Bisquick
 
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
 - Add the drained Rotel and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
 - Mix in the baking mix until a soft, tacky dough forms. You may need to use your hands to ensure everything is well combined.
 - Scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the sausage is cooked through.
 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
 
