If you’re looking for an easy and delicious appetizer to serve at your next party or gathering, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls might be just what you need. This recipe is a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone. With only a few ingredients, it’s also a quick and easy dish to prepare.
The recipe typically calls for sausage, Bisquick, shredded cheese, and a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles. Mix everything together in a bowl, form the mixture into balls, and bake them in the oven. The result is a savory and slightly spicy appetizer that is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a tasty snack, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a great option. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and always a crowd favorite. So, next time you’re in need of a quick and tasty appetizer, give this recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
7. Serve the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces
One of the best things about Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls is that they are perfect for dipping! You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces to add even more flavor. Here are a few suggestions:
- Ranch Dressing: This classic dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the sausage balls. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own from scratch.
- BBQ Sauce: If you want to add a little sweetness to your sausage balls, try serving them with BBQ sauce. The smoky flavor of the sauce will complement the sausage and cheese perfectly.
- Honey Mustard: For a tangy and sweet dipping sauce, you can’t go wrong with honey mustard. This sauce is especially delicious when paired with the spicy kick of Rotel tomatoes.
Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, presentation is key. Here are a few tips to make your sausage balls look as good as they taste:
- Skewers: Serving your sausage balls on skewers is a fun and easy way to make them look more appealing. You can use bamboo skewers or toothpicks to create a simple yet elegant presentation.
- Mini Muffin Tins: If you want to get really fancy, you can bake your sausage balls in mini muffin tins. This will give them a perfectly round shape and make them look like gourmet appetizers.
- Garnishes: Adding a few garnishes to your sausage balls can make all the difference. Try topping them with chopped parsley, green onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
If you have leftover Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To properly store them, place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to store your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a longer period of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour or until they are frozen. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container and label with the date.
Reheating Methods
When you’re ready to eat your leftover Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, there are a few different ways you can reheat them. Here are some methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the sausage balls in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to check the internal temperature of the sausage balls with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a temperature of 165°F before consuming.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives
If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try using vegetarian or vegan sausage crumbles instead of traditional sausage. You can also use ground beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Cheese Variations
While cheddar cheese is the most common type of cheese used in this recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor.
Spice Adjustments
If you prefer a spicier sausage ball, you can add more diced tomatoes and green chiles or use hot sausage instead of mild. You can also add additional spices such as cumin, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to give the sausage balls an extra kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the diced tomatoes and green chiles altogether.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
If you want to make the perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
The flavor of your sausage balls will depend largely on the ingredients you use. Make sure you choose high-quality sausage, cheese, and Rotel tomatoes and green chiles. This will give your sausage balls a rich, savory flavor that everyone will love.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
When you’re mixing together the sausage, cheese, and other ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the sausage balls to become tough and chewy. Mix the ingredients together just until they are combined, and then stop.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Perfectly Sized Balls
If you want your sausage balls to be perfectly sized and evenly cooked, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough. This will ensure that each ball is the same size and will cook at the same rate.
Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are delicious on their own, but they are even better when served with a dipping sauce. Try serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a delicious flavor combination.
Bake at the Right Temperature
To ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and are golden brown on the outside, bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give them a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish your sausage balls with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This will add a touch of freshness to the dish and make it look even more appetizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to prevent sausage balls from burning on the bottom?
One of the best ways to prevent sausage balls from burning on the bottom is to line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help create a barrier between the sausage balls and the baking sheet, preventing them from sticking and burning. It’s also important to preheat the oven and keep an eye on the sausage balls while they’re cooking, as every oven is different and cooking times may vary.
Do sausage balls need to be refrigerated after cooking?
Yes, sausage balls should be refrigerated after cooking. Once the sausage balls have cooled to room temperature, they should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Can you freeze cooked sausage balls for later use?
Yes, cooked sausage balls can be frozen for later use. Once the sausage balls have cooled to room temperature, they should be placed in an airtight container or freezer bag and stored in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw the sausage balls in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with sausage balls?
Sausage balls are a great appetizer or party food, and they can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a fruit platter. You can also serve them with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
How can you make sausage balls without using Bisquick?
If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can still make sausage balls using flour and baking powder. Simply combine 2 cups of flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and then mix in the sausage, cheese, and other ingredients as directed in your recipe.
What’s the secret to making sausage balls as seen on TikTok?
There’s no one secret to making sausage balls as seen on TikTok, but many popular recipes call for a combination of sausage, cream cheese, and Bisquick or a similar baking mix. Some recipes also include diced tomatoes and green chiles for added flavor. The key to making perfect sausage balls is to mix the ingredients together until well combined, and then bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown.
