- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and let the sausage cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly:
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a cohesive dough.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
- Shape the Balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls
- 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.
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Tips for Perfect Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Drain the Rotel Well: Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the sausage mixture.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Use Spicy Sausage: For an extra kick, use spicy breakfast sausage. If you prefer a milder flavor, regular sausage will work just fine.
- Make Ahead: These sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delightful and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to please any crowd. They are easy to make, packed with savory goodness, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just looking for a tasty snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and spicy flavors in every bite!