Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or game days. These bite-sized treats combine spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and flavorful Rotel tomatoes and chilies for a punch of taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ideally spicy)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and breakfast sausage. Use a hand mixer or fork to thoroughly blend the two until well combined and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture. Fold them into the sausage and cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, stirring until everything is combined and forms a cohesive dough.
- Step 6: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For milder sausage balls, use a mild breakfast sausage and reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer extra cheesy bites, increase the cheddar cheese by 1/2 cup.
- Try adding chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of fresh heat.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. They also freeze well; keep frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative. The flavor will be lighter, so consider adding extra spices or cheese to maintain richness.
How can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture and taste will remain delicious.
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Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 sausage balls 1x
Description
Delicious and spicy Rotel cream cheese sausage balls that combine the savory flavors of breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ideally spicy)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and breakfast sausage. Use a hand mixer or fork to thoroughly blend the two until well combined and creamy.
- Add Rotel Tomatoes: Add the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture. Fold them in gently until evenly distributed throughout the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, stirring until everything is combined and forms a cohesive dough.
- Shape into Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the sausage dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. They are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to easily blend with the sausage.
- Using a cookie scoop helps create uniformly sized sausage balls for even baking.
- These sausage balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spicy sausage balls, Rotel sausage balls, cream cheese sausage balls, easy appetizer, party snack
