Description
Spicy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a deliciously creamy and cheesy appetizer featuring spicy breakfast sausage, cream cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a savory, spicy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (ideally spicy)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables & Canned Goods
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 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.
- Mix 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 tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture. Fold them into the sausage and cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage mixture, stirring until everything is combined and forms a cohesive dough.
- Shape Sausage Balls: 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.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for milder or spicier sausage balls.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Sausage balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy mustard for added taste.