Pioneer Woman Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect little bites of cheesy, spicy goodness. They’re made with flavorful sausage, creamy cream cheese, and a bit of Rotel that brings in just the right kick of tomatoes and peppers. These sausage balls have a crispy outside and a soft, gooey inside that’s hard to stop eating once you start.
I love making these sausage balls for gatherings or when friends come over because they always disappear fast. The mix of cream cheese and sausage keeps them nice and moist, so they’re way better than dry meatballs you might have tried before. Plus, adding Rotel is such a simple trick that kicks up the flavor without any extra fuss. I usually double the recipe because my family can’t get enough!
These sausage balls are great to serve with some dipping sauce or just on their own. I like them hot right from the oven, but they’re also tasty at room temperature, making them perfect for party trays or game day snacks. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and full of flavor, these definitely fit the bill.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds the main savory flavor. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference. Turkey sausage works well too if you want a leaner option.
Cream Cheese: Keeps the sausage balls moist and creamy. Softening it is important so it mixes evenly. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter substitute if you want fewer calories.
Rotel Tomatoes & Green Chilies: These add a bit of tang and gentle heat. If you don’t have Rotel, you can use diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of canned green chilies or jalapeños.
Bisquick Baking Mix: This gives the batter structure and helps the balls hold their shape. If you don’t have Bisquick, you can use self-rising flour plus a pinch of baking powder.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice, bold flavor and melts well. You can swap for Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different tastes.
How Do You Get Sausage Balls to Hold Together and Bake Perfectly?
Mixing and shaping the sausage balls well is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft for easy mixing with the sausage.
- Use your hands to blend all ingredients until the mixture comes together like dough.
- Roll evenly sized balls (about 1 inch) so they cook consistently.
- Arrange them spaced apart on a greased baking sheet to crisp up on all sides.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Optional tip: Add shredded cheese on top for the last 5 minutes to get a melty crust.
Patience while mixing and shaping gives you sausage balls that stay moist inside but develop a lovely crust outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large one to combine all ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help keep the ingredients just right.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – makes shaping the sausage balls quick and even.
- Baking sheet – a standard size works well for baking the balls evenly.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits or chopped bell peppers to add texture and brightness.
Pioneer Woman Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix (or similar biscuit/baking mix)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 to 30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for roughly 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper so the sausage balls don’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the sausage and softened cream cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix well until fully blended. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes and chilies, and the Bisquick baking mix. Stir everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls:
Take the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls with your hands. Space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet so they cook nicely.
4. Bake and Optional Topping:
Bake the sausage balls for about 25 to 30 minutes, until they are cooked through, golden brown, and firm to the touch. If you like, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and create a cheesy crust.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you want a pop of color. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. Using partially frozen sausage can make it harder to blend evenly with the cream cheese and other ingredients.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls and shape them in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the shaped balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their crispy outside and gooey inside.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Use mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or swap the Rotel for plain diced tomatoes if you want to eliminate spiciness. You can also add extra jalapeños or hot sauce if you like things spicier.