If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than rotel cream cheese sausage balls. These bite-sized treats combine the richness of cream cheese with the spiciness of Rotel tomatoes and the savory goodness of sausage. Perfect for parties or game day, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (breakfast or Italian)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 sausage balls. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 sausage ball) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 6g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 3g
– Fiber: 0g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and mix well.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Incorporate the biscuit mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option or use a vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version. Additionally, low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories.
Serving and Pairings
These delicious sausage balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They are perfect for parties, game days, or as an appetizer at family gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for up to 2 months; just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much liquid can make the mixture too wet; drain the Rotel well.
- Not mixing the ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavors.
- Baking at too low a temperature may result in soggy sausage balls.
- Overbaking can make them dry; keep an eye on them!
- Not allowing them to cool slightly before serving can make them fall apart.
Helpful Tips
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for an exciting platter.
FAQs
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture, form the balls, and refrigerate them before baking. You can also freeze them for later use.
What can I serve with rotel cream cheese sausage balls?
They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.
How long do leftover sausage balls last?
Leftover sausage balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute low-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage to make a lighter version.
Are these suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from frozen.
Conclusion
Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a must-have for your next gathering. With easy preparation and a delicious outcome, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy these savory treats hot out of the oven, and watch them disappear quickly!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage breakfast or Italian
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and mix well.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Incorporate the biscuit mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
