These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory sausage, smooth cream cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and chilies. Each bite delivers a warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor explosion—perfect for entertaining or satisfying a craving for something hearty and comforting.
Ideal for game days, potlucks, holiday mornings, or late-night snacks, these sausage balls are super simple to whip up and serve. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few quick steps, you’ve got a shareable treat that’s portable, freezer-friendly, and endlessly craveable. Serve them with your favorite dips, or enjoy them just as they are—melty, meaty, and oh-so-good.
Full Recipe:
1 pound breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean Regular)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, drained Rotel, and shredded cheese.
Mix with an electric mixer or your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let cool slightly and serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or queso.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 55 kcal | Servings: 30 sausage balls
A Flavorful Twist on a Southern Classic
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious spin on the classic Southern sausage ball, elevating the familiar dish with bold, zesty flavors and creamy textures. Traditionally made with just sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, this version introduces two game-changing ingredients: cream cheese and Rotel. The addition of these two simple elements transforms the dish into a creamy, tangy, and savory sensation that’s perfect for any occasion—from game day parties to holiday breakfasts, potlucks, or casual snacks.
What makes this recipe so exceptional is its balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese not only adds richness but also ensures a softer, more tender bite. Rotel—known for its blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies—brings just the right amount of spice and moisture, giving these sausage balls a subtle Tex-Mex flair that stands out from the usual.
Why Rotel and Cream Cheese Work So Well Together
Combining Rotel and cream cheese is a genius flavor pairing. Rotel, with its juicy tomatoes and mildly spicy green chilies, injects a vibrant freshness into the typically dense and rich sausage balls. Cream cheese, on the other hand, acts as a creamy binder that offsets the heat while helping everything hold together beautifully.
The fat in the cream cheese mellows out the spice of the chilies, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. This balance makes the sausage balls incredibly addictive—spicy but not overwhelming, creamy but not greasy, and satisfying without being too heavy.
Moreover, the added moisture from both ingredients helps prevent the sausage balls from drying out in the oven. They come out golden brown on the outside with a soft, cheesy center that’s packed with flavor.
A Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite
One of the best things about this recipe is how crowd-friendly it is. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, brunch, holiday event, or even a kids’ birthday party, these bite-sized snacks are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to pick up, mess-free, and irresistibly flavorful. Their size also makes them great for portion control—though it’s hard to eat just one!
You can serve them as-is or with a variety of dips to switch things up. Popular accompaniments include ranch dressing, queso, spicy aioli, or even a creamy chipotle sauce. They also pair well with simple condiments like mustard or ketchup for those who prefer traditional flavors.
Since the recipe yields about 25–30 sausage balls, it’s ideal for feeding a group. You can easily double or triple the batch if you’re hosting a larger event.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly
Another standout feature of Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is how well they lend themselves to meal prepping. You can make a big batch ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and reheat whenever needed.
In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to five days in an airtight container. In the freezer, they can last for up to three months when properly stored. For freezing, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as the day you made them, making them a reliable option for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatility and Customization
This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap out ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing the integrity of the dish.
For example:
Sausage Variations: While the recipe typically uses regular breakfast sausage, you can opt for hot, sage, or maple sausage depending on the flavor profile you’re going for. Spicy sausage adds extra heat, while maple gives a slightly sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Cheese Options: The Mexican cheese blend is a great starting point, but shredded cheddar, pepper jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella work just as well. Mixing two or three kinds of cheese can deepen the flavor even more.
Vegetable Add-ins: Diced green onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers can be added for extra crunch, spice, or color.
Mix Base Substitutes: While Bisquick is a staple in the original recipe, you can use other biscuit or pancake mixes. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix is a popular substitute for a cheesy, garlicky twist.
The possibilities are endless, making this a “choose-your-own-adventure” kind of recipe. It’s also easy to make gluten-free—just switch out the biscuit mix with a gluten-free alternative.
A Comfort Food with Tex-Mex Flair
This recipe brings together the comfort of Southern cooking with the punch of Tex-Mex ingredients. That makes it a standout among other sausage ball variations. The mild spice from the chilies, the smoothness of the cream cheese, and the warm, hearty sausage create a harmony that’s rich but not overwhelming.
It’s an ideal snack for those who love flavor without going overboard on the heat. Even picky eaters often enjoy the mild spice of Rotel, and because the cream cheese mellows everything out, it’s well-tolerated by kids and spice-sensitive adults alike.
Serving Suggestions
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a flexible option for buffet tables. They’re most delicious fresh out of the oven, but if you’re preparing them for an event, you can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
Here are a few serving ideas:
As a game day appetizer alongside nachos and buffalo wings
On a brunch platter with mini quiches, fruit skewers, and muffins
In a breakfast bento box with boiled eggs, fruit, and a muffin
As a potluck dish with dipping sauces
On a holiday spread with meatballs, deviled eggs, and cheese cubes
They’re also great as a protein-packed snack or even a grab-and-go breakfast during the week.
Nutrition and Diet Considerations
Each sausage ball contains about 55 calories, making them a fairly low-calorie snack option if eaten in moderation. Since they’re high in protein and fat, they can be satisfying without requiring a large portion.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, consider replacing the biscuit mix with a keto-friendly baking blend or almond flour. This small change can reduce the carb count significantly, making these sausage balls an excellent option for high-protein, low-carb lifestyles.
Tips for Success
To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:
Soften the cream cheese ahead of time to make it easier to mix and distribute evenly.
Drain the Rotel thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the sausage balls from holding their shape.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough sausage balls. Mix just until combined.
Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded bags—this helps with meltability and flavor.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are more than just a simple snack—they’re a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing bite of comfort that blends the best of Southern and Tex-Mex cuisines. Their creamy, spicy, cheesy profile makes them unforgettable, while their simplicity and versatility make them a go-to for busy cooks, party hosts, and meal preppers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a new game-day favorite, a make-ahead breakfast option, or a unique party appetizer, these sausage balls deliver on all fronts. Try them once, and you’ll quickly see why they’ve earned a permanent spot on many families’ recipe rotations.
Let these little bites be your next go-to for feeding a hungry crowd—or just yourself, curled up on the couch with your favorite dip and a good show.