The Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe is a warm, cheesy, and deeply savory bite that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas from the very first minutes in the oven. Made with seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, these golden balls are tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior. Ideal for casual gatherings, game days, family dinners, or cold evenings, this recipe delivers comfort and bold flavor in every mouthful.
Servings
Servings: 6–8 servings (approximately 30–36 sausage balls)
Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
Main Ingredients
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450 g pork sausage, uncooked (mild or spicy, casing removed)
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200 g cream cheese, softened
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240 g shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred for depth of flavor)
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280 g Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
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240 g baking mix (such as biscuit baking mix)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
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2 g garlic powder
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2 g onion powder
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1 g smoked paprika
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1 g black pepper
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Optional: 1–2 g crushed red pepper flakes for added heat
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavor base
First, preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Meanwhile, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened, which allows it to blend smoothly with the sausage and cheeses.
Step 2: Combine the sausage and dairy
Next, place the raw sausage into a large mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar, then gently fold the mixture until evenly combined. This creates a rich, cohesive base that traps moisture during baking.
Step 3: Incorporate Rotel tomatoes
Then, carefully fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes. Meanwhile, ensure excess liquid is removed, as too much moisture can affect the final texture.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients and seasoning
In addition, sprinkle in the baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; however, avoid overworking the mixture to keep the sausage balls tender.
Step 5: Shape the sausage balls
Next, using lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into evenly sized balls of about 30 g each. Arrange them on the prepared tray, leaving slight space between each ball.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Then, bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, turning once halfway through. The sausage balls should be golden brown, aromatic, and lightly crisp on the outside.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Finally, allow the sausage balls to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist, flavorful bite.
Variations of Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
Meat Lover’s Version
Replace half the pork sausage with beef sausage for a deeper, heartier flavor profile.
Vegetarian Alternative
Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives. Additionally, add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for umami richness.
Extra Creamy Version
Increase cream cheese to 250 g and reduce baking mix slightly. This yields a softer, more indulgent interior.
Spicier Version
Use hot sausage and add extra Rotel or fresh minced jalapeño. Moreover, a pinch of cayenne enhances heat without overpowering the cheese.
Seasonal Swaps
In autumn, add finely diced roasted pumpkin. In summer, fold in fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for brightness.
Tips for Perfect Results – Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe
Control moisture carefully
Always drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly. Excess liquid can prevent proper browning and result in overly soft sausage balls.
Balance flavor and texture
Using sharp cheddar enhances savory depth, while cream cheese provides smoothness. Furthermore, mixing gently avoids dense results.
Uniform sizing matters
Keep sausage balls evenly sized to ensure consistent cooking and professional presentation.
Storage and freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to cooking time.
Avoid common mistakes
Do not overbake, as this can dry the sausage. Meanwhile, avoid overcrowding the tray, which prevents proper heat circulation.
Conclusion
Rich, aromatic, and endlessly adaptable, the Rotel Sausage Balls Recipe stands out as a dependable savory snack that never fails to impress. Whether served warm at a family gathering or prepared ahead for easy entertaining, these cheesy sausage bites offer bold flavor, balanced texture, and comforting appeal. With thoughtful preparation and a few professional techniques, this recipe becomes a timeless favorite worth revisiting again and again.
