These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory sensation! With a combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and bold Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, this recipe is the perfect blend of flavor and ease. You only need five simple ingredients, and in just over 30 minutes, you’ve got a tray of hot, cheesy bites ready to go.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing snacks for game day, or just need a satisfying finger food that reheats well, this dish checks every box. The texture is perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, making each bite an explosion of comfort and spice. Try them with honey mustard, burger sauce, or a sour cream-salsa dip for an even more irresistible treat.
Full Recipe:
16 ounces breakfast sausage (uncooked)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (well drained)
1 ½ cups Bisquick
2 cups pepper jack cheese (shredded)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, add the sausage, cream cheese, Rotel, Bisquick, and shredded pepper jack cheese.
Using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed (or a stand mixer), mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
Scoop the mixture and form into 1-inch balls, arranging them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 192 kcal per piece | Servings: 20 pieces
A Southern Classic With a Spicy Twist
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a modern twist on a beloved Southern appetizer that has been making appearances at holiday parties, tailgates, and potlucks for decades. While traditional sausage balls are typically made with just sausage, Bisquick, and cheese, this upgraded version includes cream cheese and Rotel—transforming an old favorite into something irresistible. The cream cheese adds a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the Rotel introduces a vibrant kick from diced tomatoes and green chilies.
This combination not only elevates the flavor but also enhances the overall moisture, solving one of the most common complaints about classic sausage balls being too dry. The result? A juicy, savory bite with a creamy center and crispy golden-brown exterior—an appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is addictive.
Why Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Are So Popular
One of the reasons these sausage balls have become so popular is their balance of spice, richness, and convenience. With only five primary ingredients, they’re extremely easy to make, even for beginner cooks. There’s no need to precook the sausage or prep a long list of ingredients. Everything goes into one bowl, gets mixed together, shaped into balls, and baked.
But beyond the simplicity, these sausage balls offer a depth of flavor that appeals to a wide variety of palates. Pepper jack cheese brings the heat, the sausage provides savory meatiness, the Rotel adds acidity and zest, and the cream cheese mellows everything out while keeping the texture soft and cohesive.
It’s also a flexible recipe that invites creativity. You can tweak the cheese blend to suit your spice tolerance or try different sausage varieties like hot, maple, or even turkey. Want to make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick. Hosting a fancier event? Serve them with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces for an elevated appetizer platter.
Perfect for Parties, Potlucks, and Game Day
If there’s ever a time to serve these crowd-pleasers, it’s when you’re hosting. These sausage balls are the epitome of finger food. You can make dozens at once, they don’t require utensils, and they taste just as good warm from the oven as they do at room temperature. That makes them a dream for parties where food needs to sit out for a while.
They also reheat beautifully, which means you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve. Just pop them in the oven or toaster oven to bring them back to life. This feature alone makes them perfect for busy hosts who want to prep ahead and still wow their guests with a hot, fresh dish.
And let’s not forget game day. These sausage balls are practically made for football season. They’re filling, easy to snack on during intense moments, and pair well with classic sports beverages—whether that’s soda, beer, or a spicy Bloody Mary.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Another standout feature of this dish is its versatility when it comes to storage. You can make the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re prepping for a larger event, shape the balls and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months.
When it’s time to serve, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Cooked sausage balls also freeze well, so if you have leftovers, pop them in a sealed container and enjoy them later.
These make-ahead capabilities mean you can always have a tray ready to go, especially during the busy holiday season when time is tight but expectations for great food are high.
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
While these sausage balls are flavorful enough to eat on their own, pairing them with the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Some favorite pairings include:
Honey mustard: A balance of sweet and tangy that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sausage and cheese.
Sour cream and salsa: A Tex-Mex inspired dip that cools the palate while reinforcing the Rotel flavor.
Burger sauce or “awesome sauce”: A blend of mayo, ketchup, and spices that adds richness and a touch of sweetness.
Creamy ranch: A crowd-pleasing classic that offers a cool, herby contrast.
You can set up a mini dipping station at your party so guests can customize their bites. Offering a variety of sauces not only enhances the flavor experience but also makes the presentation more festive.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls Every Time
Although this recipe is simple, a few tips can help you get consistently great results:
Use softened cream cheese: If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well with the sausage and other ingredients.
Drain the Rotel well: Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet, causing the balls to spread or fall apart.
Use a stand mixer or hand mixer: This helps evenly distribute the ingredients and saves your hands from doing the heavy mixing.
Don’t overmix: Once everything is combined, stop mixing to prevent the dough from becoming tough.
Use a cookie scoop: To ensure even size and cooking, a small cookie scoop can help you portion the balls evenly.
What Makes This Version Different From Other Sausage Balls
What sets these apart is the inclusion of cream cheese and Rotel. These two ingredients not only update the traditional version but also solve some of its biggest flaws. The cream cheese ensures the interior stays moist without feeling greasy, while the Rotel adds that signature burst of tomato and chili flavor that many appetizers lack.
Compared to plain sausage balls, this version has a more balanced flavor profile, a creamier bite, and a spicier finish. It feels like a party food, but with a little extra personality.
Common Variations to Try
Want to get creative? Here are some fun ways to mix things up:
Use hot sausage for an extra kick.
Swap out the cheese with cheddar, Colby jack, or mozzarella.
Add herbs or green onions for a fresh note.
Stuff them with a cube of cheese in the center for a melty surprise.
Brush the tops with melted butter and garlic before baking for a golden crust.
These little tweaks allow you to tailor the recipe to different occasions, from casual game nights to holiday buffets.
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are more than just a party snack—they’re a culinary crowd-pleaser that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With only five ingredients, a single mixing bowl, and under 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ve got a dish that ticks all the boxes: easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough for any occasion.
Whether you’re prepping a holiday spread, throwing a Super Bowl bash, or just need something delicious to bring to a potluck, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Their creamy, spicy, cheesy flavor makes them unforgettable—and the fact that they’re make-ahead friendly is just the cherry on top. Once you’ve made these, they’re guaranteed to become a repeat request from friends and family alike.
Let the aroma of spicy sausage, melting cheese, and roasted chilies fill your kitchen—you’re just a few steps away from creating everyone’s new favorite appetizer.