Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (hot or mild, your preference!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
Let’s Talk Sausage: Choosing the Right One
The sausage is the star of the show, so picking a good one is key. I usually go for hot breakfast sausage because I love the extra spice, but mild works just as well if you prefer a milder flavor. You can even use a blend of both! Just make sure it’s a good quality sausage – it really makes a difference in the final taste. Also, avoid using pre-cooked sausage, as these sausage balls need the sausage fat to bind everything together.
Cream Cheese: The Secret to Moist Sausage Balls
Softened cream cheese is absolutely essential for these Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t mix properly with the other ingredients, and you’ll end up with dry, crumbly sausage balls. Trust me, nobody wants that! Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour, before you start baking.
Rotel: Don’t Drain It!
This might seem counterintuitive, but trust me on this one: don’t drain the Rotel! The liquid in the can helps to keep the sausage balls moist and adds extra flavor. Just give the can a good shake before you open it, and dump the whole thing in. The little bit of extra moisture makes a huge difference, and you don’t want to miss out on that delicious tomato-chili flavor! If you are really worried about them being too wet, you can drain a little bit of the juice, but I would recommend using most of it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mixing the Magic:
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, undrained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix well: Use your hands (or a sturdy spoon) to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to get in there and really work it – you want everything to be well combined.
- Form the balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size, but you can definitely just eyeball it.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool slightly: Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will help them to firm up a bit.
Serving Suggestions: It’s Party Time!
These Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are perfect as appetizers for parties, game days, or even a casual snack. They’re delicious served on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be fantastic. And if you want to get really fancy, you could arrange them on a platter with some fresh vegetables and crackers. If you need another tasty side, try serving these with Baked Cheesy Rotel Pasta Ultimate, which also has a delicious cheesy flavor.
Troubleshooting Tips: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Dry Sausage Balls: If your sausage balls are turning out dry, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and that you’re not overbaking them. The Rotel liquid is also key, so don’t drain it!
- Greasy Sausage Balls: If your sausage balls are too greasy, you can try blotting them with a paper towel after they come out of the oven. You can also use a leaner sausage, but be careful not to dry them out.
- Sausage Balls Falling Apart: If your sausage balls are falling apart, it could be because the ingredients aren’t properly mixed. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined before you start rolling them. Adding a little extra baking mix can also help.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing in Advance
One of the best things about these Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is that you can make them ahead of time! You can prepare the mixture and roll the balls a day or two in advance, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure they’re cooked through. You can also bake them ahead of time and then reheat them in the oven or microwave. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re expecting guests.
Consider making these delicious sausage balls as part of a larger buffet including Ground Beef Enchiladas for a Mexican themed appetizer night!
Variations: Spice It Up (or Down)!
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your own taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Milder: Use mild sausage and omit the cayenne pepper.
- Different Cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños would be a delicious addition.
- Herbaceous: Mix in some fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives.
These sausage balls are great for parties, try pairing them with Cheesy Garbage Bread for a truly memorable spread!
Storage Instructions: Keeping Them Fresh
If you happen to have any leftover Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If you’re throwing a tailgate party, these go great with Walking Taco Casserole!
For another spicy cheesy snack, consider making Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rolls
And of course, for the ultimate cheesy snack, Cheesy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a favorite.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – everything you need to know to make the ultimate Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls! This recipe is easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just craving a tasty snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
Why is it important not to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
The liquid in the undrained Rotel tomatoes helps keep the sausage balls moist and adds extra flavor to the recipe. It is recommended to use most of the liquid for the best results.
What can I do to prevent my sausage balls from being dry?
To prevent dry sausage balls, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened, avoid overbaking them, and don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes. The moisture from the Rotel is crucial.
Can I prepare the sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage ball mixture and roll them into balls a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are some variations I can make to the Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
You can customize the recipe by adding more cayenne pepper for extra spice, using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, adding finely chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers, or mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Ultimate
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small cookie scoop (optional)
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage hot or mild
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose baking mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, undrained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix well with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Arrange sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the sausage balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
