Cheesy Sausage Balls

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

You can't stop eating these! Ready in 40 minutes flat. Spicy sausage and Rotel bring the heat, with cream cheese keeping each bite soft. Froze half of mine raw for next week. A crowd-pleaser you'll keep making.
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Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:53:06 GMT
A dish piled with cheesy sausage meatballs, one cut open showing a creamy filling. Pin it
A dish piled with cheesy sausage meatballs, one cut open showing a creamy filling. | tasteofmoms.com

My party secret? These gooey sausage and Rotel balls. They pack a punch with spicy sausage, cream cheese, and tangy Rotel in every mouthful. They're so quick to whip up, and while they're cooking, the aroma that fills my kitchen gets all my guests pumped up.

Why These Stand Out

Just five ingredients create something truly mouthwatering. Mix, shape, and bake - that's all it takes. And the texture? You'll get that amazing contrast between the crunchy exterior and melty, cheesy center that'll have everyone grabbing seconds.

Ingredients List

Go for whatever ground sausage you fancy - spicy or mild, you can't go wrong. The cream cheese works as the perfect binder, while Rotel brings that zingy flavor kick. Bisquick creates just the right consistency, and the combo of pepper jack and cheddar cheese makes them irresistibly tasty.

Cooking Instructions

Crank your oven to 400°F and put parchment on a baking tray. Grab a large bowl and mix your raw sausage, softened cream cheese, and thoroughly drained Rotel. Dump in the Bisquick, then fold in all that yummy cheese until everything's mixed well. Form small, bite-sized balls, arrange them on your tray, and bake until golden outside, around 20 minutes.

Handy Tricks

Need a head start? Make these two days before your gathering and store them in the fridge. They freeze great too - just warm them up in your oven or slow cooker, but skip the microwave. Try serving with ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for dipping.

Perfect for Crowds

From gameday gatherings to holiday festivities, these sausage and Rotel balls won't disappoint. They're super simple to make and always vanish first at any party. Give them a try once, and you'll find yourself making them for every get-together.

A close-up of a platter filled with cheesy meatballs topped with sauce and garnished with herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a platter filled with cheesy meatballs topped with sauce and garnished with herbs. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be prepped in advance?

Absolutely! Store them in the fridge for a couple of days, or freeze for up to 2 months. They keep well.

→ How do I reheat these without ruining them?

Warm them in a low oven or a slow cooker. Microwaving isn't great, as it can make them rubbery.

→ Which cheese type works best?

Shredded cheese of your choice is good. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack adds a nice flavor punch.

→ Why should the Rotel be drained?

Leaving the Rotel liquid can make the mix too soggy. Draining helps get the right consistency for forming and baking.

→ What's the advantage of starting with raw sausage?

Uncooked sausage blends better, holding everything together as it cooks. Plus, it gives stronger flavor.

Sausage Cheese Bites

Super easy snack made with spicy sausage, melty cream cheese, diced Rotel, and Bisquick, baked into cheesy perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (36 balls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes and chilies, well drained.
02 8 oz of cream cheese, brought to room temp.
03 1 3/4 cups of Bisquick baking mix.
04 2 cups grated cheese (pepper jack and cheddar work great).
05 1 pound uncooked spicy sausage.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F and let it heat up.

Step 02

Throw the sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel into a bowl, then mix well.

Step 03

Stir in the Bisquick mix, followed by the shredded cheese.

Step 04

Roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls and line them up on a baking sheet covered with parchment.

Step 05

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they're done and golden on top.

Notes

  1. Make ahead! Prep up to 2 days early.
  2. Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  3. For reheating, oven or crockpot works better than the microwave.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl (big one).
  • Stand or hand mixer.
  • Sheet pan for baking.
  • Parchment lining for easy clean-up.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 12 g