Rotel sausage balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack that combines ground sausage with cheese and spices, creating a savory treat perfect for gatherings or game days. With their crispy outside and soft inside, these bite-sized delights are sure to please any crowd. You can enjoy them alone or pair them with different dips to enhance their taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, making Rotel sausage balls is quick and simple, making them an ideal recipe for any occasion.
Why We Love This Rotel Sausage Balls
Rotel sausage balls deliver a wonderful burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of juicy sausage and melted cheese creates a satisfying texture that you can’t resist. Plus, the addition of Rotel tomatoes brings just the right amount of zest and heat, giving these bites a unique personality. They are incredibly versatile, serving well at parties, potlucks, or even as a quick snack at home. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, these sausage balls take little time to whip up and disappear even faster from the serving tray. You can also customize them based on your preferred level of spiciness, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them.
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage Balls
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: hot sauce or additional spices for added heat
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spatula until fully combined and a dough forms.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage Balls
Rotel sausage balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them warm and fresh out of the oven, but they also taste great at room temperature, making them perfect for parties. Serve them on a large platter surrounded by a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, salsa, or a spicy cream cheese dip. For an added flavor twist, consider pairing these savory bites with guacamole or a yogurt-based dip to cool down the heat from the tomatoes. You can also garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Whether you’re hosting a game day or a casual gathering, these sausage balls can be the star of the spread.
Expert Tips for Rotel Sausage Balls
For the best Rotel sausage balls, pay attention to some helpful tips. First, choose a good-quality ground sausage that matches your preferred taste. You can select spicy or mild depending on how much heat you want. Mixing the ingredients by hand helps ensure a consistent texture, so don’t shy away from getting your hands a bit messy. If you want an even cheesier experience, try adding different kinds of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. To ensure even cooking, make all your sausage balls about the same size. If you plan to make a larger batch, you can freeze unbaked sausage balls. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen; just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Rotel Sausage Balls
To store your leftover Rotel sausage balls, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps retain their delicious texture and flavor.
Variations of Rotel Sausage Balls
You can easily customize your Rotel sausage balls by trying different variations. Consider adding other ingredients to elevate the flavor. Try incorporating chopped jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat and flavor. Alternatively, mix in some crumbled cooked turkey or chicken sausage for a different meat option that lightens the dish. For a cheesy twist, add cream cheese or mozzarella cheese alongside the cheddar for a gooey texture. If you prefer a low-carb option, substitute the baking mix with almond flour or a cauliflower-based mix. You can also add chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley to give your sausage balls a fresh touch. Experimenting with spices or using flavored sausage can produce different taste profiles, making this a versatile recipe that you can adapt according to your preferences.
FAQ about Rotel Sausage Balls
When you think about Rotel sausage balls, you might have a few questions. One common query is whether you can use other meats instead of traditional sausage. Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want a healthier or vegetarian version. Another frequently asked question revolves around cooking time; cooking takes about 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but cooking time may vary based on the size of the balls. Lastly, can you prepare them ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and reheat them just before serving. With some basic tips and variations, you can create delicious Rotel sausage balls that everyone will love.
Rotel Sausage Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: hot sauce or additional spices for added heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spatula until fully combined and a dough forms.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!