Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect little bites of cheesy, spicy goodness! They blend savory sausage with creamy cheese and a kick of Rotel tomatoes and peppers…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect little bites of cheesy, spicy goodness! They blend savory sausage with creamy cheese and a kick of Rotel tomatoes and peppers to bring that extra flavor punch. These golden, baked balls are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, making them great for snacking or serving at parties.
I love making these sausage balls whenever friends come over because they’re easy to pop in the oven and practically everyone loves the combination of spicy and cheesy. The cream cheese adds such a smooth richness, and the Rotel gives just the right amount of heat without being too much. I’ve found that letting them cool a couple of minutes before eating really helps the flavors settle.
My favorite way to enjoy these is fresh out of the oven with a little dipping sauce on the side—sometimes ranch, sometimes a spicy mustard. They’re great as finger food for game days, potlucks, or just because I’m craving something cozy and satisfying. Seriously, once you try these, they might become your go-to snack too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: Using breakfast sausage adds great flavor and moisture. You can choose spicy or mild depending on your heat preference. For a leaner option, turkey sausage works well too!
Cream Cheese: This is key for keeping the sausage balls soft and creamy inside. Make sure it’s softened before mixing for easy blending. You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: These add a nice spicy kick and a bit of tang. If you can’t find Rotel, use diced tomatoes plus a small amount of chopped green chili or jalapeño for heat.
Buttery Crackers: Crushed crackers help bind the mixture and add a subtle, buttery flavor. Ritz crackers are classic, but you could use crushed saltines or even breadcrumbs.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong cheesy flavor that balances the spice. Feel free to swap with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Sausage Balls Hold Together and Stay Tender?
Getting the right texture can be tricky. Here are my tips:
- Use softened cream cheese to help bind ingredients smoothly without making the mix too wet.
- Crush your crackers finely so they mix evenly into the meat and absorb moisture.
- Don’t over-mix; combining ingredients until just blended keeps the texture light instead of dense.
- Use about 1 tablespoon of mixture for each ball for even cooking and a tender bite.
- Bake at 350°F rather than higher heat to cook through without drying out.
- Allow a few minutes to cool before serving — this helps them firm up slightly and hold their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for spreading out the sausage balls so they bake evenly and get crispy on the outside.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – big enough for combining all the ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially spices and crackers.
- Spoon or your hands – for mixing the sausage and cheese mixture thoroughly.
- Optional: cookie scoop – great for making uniform-sized sausage balls quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spicy sausage for a mild or sweet sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Mix in finely chopped jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Add shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to change the flavor and add creaminess.
- Include chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh touch.
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, depending on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained slightly
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Add a few more minutes for cooling before serving, so plan for around 40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the sausage balls from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground breakfast sausage. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until the mixture is fully blended. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, and the drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into bite-sized balls. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart so they cook evenly.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if you like, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or a creamy dip.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the sausage in the fridge overnight before mixing. This helps ensure even blending and proper cooking.
Can I Make the Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy on the outside.
Can I Freeze These Sausage Balls?
Yes! After shaping, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes extra to the cooking time.