Make these simple, cheesy, and slightly spicy sausage balls using Rotel and cream cheese. They are a perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or game day gatherings.
Author:julianmaxwell
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:About 30 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound bulk pork sausage
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
1 cup Bisquick (or similar baking mix)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the bulk pork sausage, softened cream cheese, and the well-drained Rotel. Mix these ingredients together until they are just combined. Do not overmix.
Stir in the Bisquick and the optional shredded cheddar cheese until a uniform dough forms.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the pan before serving warm.
Notes
Drain the Rotel liquid thoroughly; excess moisture prevents the balls from holding their shape.
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
For a less spicy bite, use mild Rotel or remove some of the green chilies before mixing.
These are excellent make ahead appetizers; freeze the unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.