Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

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If you crave a bold, zesty appetizer that disappears in minutes at parties, these Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are your new go-to. They’re packed with spicy sausage, melty cheddar, and tangy Rotel tomatoes, all mellowed out with creamy cheese. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch on the outside and a cheesy, tender center that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a weekend snack platter, these sausage balls bring the heat and the comfort. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples, and they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready to pop in the oven.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment and Their Importance)

To pull off these sausage balls flawlessly, a few kitchen essentials will make your life easier:

• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large, sturdy bowl to mix the sausage, cheese, and Rotel evenly without making a mess.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (Optional): While you can mix by hand, a mixer helps combine the ingredients smoothly, especially the cream cheese.
• Baking Sheet: A good-quality, nonstick baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking or burning.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This keeps your sausage balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion the sausage balls evenly, ensuring they bake uniformly.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

• Spicy Breakfast Sausage: Provides a flavorful, meaty base with a kick of heat.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, tang, and an extra layer of spice.
• Cream Cheese: Brings creamy smoothness and balances out the heat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers gooey, melty goodness in every bite.
• Baking Mix (like Bisquick): Helps bind everything together and creates a tender, biscuit-like texture.

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How To Make the Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spicy sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, drained Rotel, and baking mix. Use your hands or a mixer until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll gently with your hands to smooth them out.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate cheesy-spicy experience.

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Serving and Storing Spicy Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Serve these sausage balls fresh from the oven, slightly cooled, for the best gooey, cheesy texture. They’re fantastic on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara. Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs or sliced jalapeños for an extra pop at parties.

For storing, let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crisp exterior. They also freeze beautifully—just bake from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these sausage balls?

They have a noticeable kick from the spicy sausage and Rotel, but the cream cheese tones it down. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and shape the balls, then refrigerate them overnight or freeze them for up to 2 months before baking.

What dipping sauces go well with them?

Ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even queso dip pair wonderfully.

Can I use mild sausage instead?

Absolutely! Swap in mild breakfast sausage if you prefer a less spicy version—just keep the other ingredients the same.

Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?

Yes, draining is key to avoid extra moisture, which can make the mixture too wet and affect the baking texture.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these spicy Rotel sausage balls, you’ll probably enjoy these other crowd-pleasers:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy main dish.
• Taco Ranch Bites if you’re craving handheld Tex-Mex goodness.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a fun pizza-inspired twist.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells when you want something hearty and comforting.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a rich, creamy bake.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or try a different cheese? I love hearing your twists and tips! Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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