Easy Make-Ahead Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

When you need a party appetizer that is easy to make, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and can be prepped ahead of time, these Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are the perfect solution.1 They are savory, cheesy, and have a little kick from the Rotel, making them an irresistible bite-sized snack.2 Best of all, they can be frozen and baked fresh, so you're never more than a few minutes away from a warm, delicious appetizer.3

The cream cheese is the secret ingredient here, creating a tender, moist sausage ball that won’t dry out. The Rotel adds a subtle heat and a pop of flavor that makes these a unique and addicting twist on a classic recipe.

Easy Make-Ahead Rotel Sausage Balls

Yields: About 25-30 sausage balls

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or your preferred brand)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened4

  • 1 cup Original Bisquick mix

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, drained well5

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).6

  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and the well-drained Rotel.7

  3. Mix: Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough texture.

2. Form the Balls

  1. Roll: Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball, about 1-inch in diameter.

  2. Arrange: Place the sausage balls on a large, ungreased baking sheet.

3. Bake or Freeze

  1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.8

  2. Freeze for Later: To freeze for later, arrange the raw sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.9 Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

4. Serve

  • Serve the sausage balls warm. They are delicious on their own or with a side of ranch dressing or salsa for dipping.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Sausage Ball

  • Drain the Rotel! This is a crucial step. If you don't drain the Rotel well, the extra moisture will make your sausage balls mushy. Press the tomatoes and chilies against a strainer to get out as much liquid as possible.

  • The Right Sausage: A breakfast sausage with a little bit of spice works best. For a milder flavor, choose a mild pork sausage.

  • Make-Ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. When baking from frozen, you do not need to thaw the sausage balls. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time, or until they are golden and cooked through.

  • Don't Overmix: Mixing with your hands is the best way to combine the ingredients without overworking the meat.

  • Serving Ideas: Serve with a simple dip. A honey-mustard sauce, a spicy ranch, or a creamy salsa are all great choices.