Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious bite-sized snack that’s full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. They’re made with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. These little balls are crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside—a combo that’s always a hit.
I love making these for gatherings because they’re so easy to pop in the oven and everyone can’t stop reaching for them. The cream cheese gives them a nice smooth texture, while the sausage adds a meaty, comforting taste. If you like things with a bit of spice, these balls really bring it without being overwhelming.
My favorite way to serve them is warm right out of the oven with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a mild salsa. They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or just when you want a tasty snack that feels a little special. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be one of the first recipes you want to make again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spicy Ground Sausage: This is the star that brings flavor and a bit of heat. If you prefer less spice, use mild sausage or ground turkey with added spices. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage substitutes.
Cream Cheese: It makes the sausage balls creamy and tender. If you want, you can swap with full-fat ricotta or even Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: These add zest and moisture. No Rotel? Use canned diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies separately. Mild versions work if you want less heat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a punch of flavor. You can replace it with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for a different taste.
Biscuit Baking Mix (Bisquick): This acts like a binder and gives structure. You could use self-rising flour (add baking powder and salt) if you don’t have biscuit mix.
How Do You Make Perfectly Shaped and Cooked Sausage Balls?
Getting these just right means balancing mix texture and baking time. Here’s what I find helpful:
- Make sure the cream cheese is soft before mixing — it helps the mixture come together smoothly.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more biscuit mix to help form firm balls.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to make evenly sized balls so they cook uniformly.
- Leave some space between balls on the baking sheet — no crowding! This helps them brown nicely.
- Bake at 350°F until golden and cooked through, usually about 25-30 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out.
- Adding cheese on top for the last 5 minutes adds a gooey finish that I love.
With these steps, you’ll have sausage balls that hold their shape, stay moist inside, and have a great crispy outside crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Spoon or spatula – to mix the sausage and cheese well without mess.
- Cookie scoop or small spoon – helps you make even-sized sausage balls quickly.
- Baking sheet – use a rimmed one to catch any drips and keep the oven clean.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Oven mitts – for safely handling hot trays when you pull the sausage balls out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spicy sausage for breakfast sausage if you want milder flavor but still savory.
- Add chopped jalapeños for extra kick and a fresh crunch inside each ball.
- Mix in shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier, milder cheese taste.
- Stir in chopped cooked bacon for a smoky, salty twist that pairs well with the sausage.
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound spicy ground sausage (hot Italian or spicy breakfast sausage works great)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy snack anytime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep 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 well until you have a smooth and even mixture.
3. Add the Flavors and Binder:
Gently fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes and chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, and the biscuit baking mix. Stir everything together until all ingredients are combined. The mixture might be a bit sticky but should hold together well.
4. Shape the Sausage Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them spaced about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet so they cook evenly.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and fully cooked.
6. Optional Topping:
For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar on top of the sausage balls during the last 5 minutes of baking and let it melt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool a bit. Garnish with chopped green onions if you’d like. Serve warm with dips like ranch dressing or spicy mayo. These sausage balls are perfect for snacks, parties, or game days!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This helps the sausage combine smoothly with the cream cheese and other ingredients.
Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and roll the sausage balls in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw frozen balls in the fridge before baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, to make the sausage balls less spicy, switch to mild sausage and use mild diced tomatoes or Rotel. For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
