- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined. The cream cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the sausage.
- Add the Rotel and Cheese:
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes well to remove excess moisture. Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Add the Bisquick (or self-rising flour) to the mixture, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (if using). Mix well until a thick, cohesive dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Form the Sausage Balls:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-1.5 inch (2.5-4 cm) balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) if you’re using a meat thermometer.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these sausage balls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
- They pair well with a cold beer or your favorite cocktail for a fun and festive appetizer.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy these creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy sausage balls at your next gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!