Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. These sausage balls are packed with seasoned sausage, gooey cream cheese, and a kick of spice from Rotel tomatoes, making them a flavorful twist on the classic sausage ball. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, holiday gathering, or just as a tasty snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they are easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Prepare the sausage mixture:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until it is well combined. The mixture should be moist and slightly sticky.

Shape the sausage balls:

3. Form the sausage balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each sausage ball for even cooking.

Bake the sausage balls:

4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. They should be firm to the touch and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve:

5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These sausage balls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mustard.

Notes:

• Sausage Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the sausage balls, or try flavored sausage for extra depth of flavor.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead: The sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months and bake them straight from frozen.
• Spice Adjustments: If you prefer less heat, use mild Rotel tomatoes, or for extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage.

Conclusion:

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect savory snack or appetizer, full of flavor and just the right amount of spice. The combination of sausage, cream cheese, Rotel, and cheddar cheese makes them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, holiday celebration, or just a tasty snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Make them today and enjoy the delicious blend of cheesy, spicy goodness in every bite!