Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and cream cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture, and mix in thoroughly. The tomatoes and chilies give these sausage balls a nice kick and extra flavor, but be sure to drain them well so the mixture doesn’t get too wet.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them close together, but make sure they aren’t touching. You should get about 24-30 sausage balls, depending on the size.
Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is slightly crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve these warm as an appetizer, snack, or breakfast treat. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Flavor Variations: If you prefer a milder version, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel, or opt for a less spicy sausage. You can also try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sausage balls and refrigerate the raw dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the sausage balls, form the balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen for about 25-30 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls:
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the ultimate comfort food with their cheesy, savory goodness and just the right amount of heat. They’re perfect for parties, brunches, or game-day gatherings, and they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly. With the creamy cream cheese, spicy Rotel, and melted cheddar, they’re irresistibly delicious! Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re a favorite for all ages.