Perfectly savory, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavor, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the kind of bite-sized comfort food that disappears fast at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping game day snacks, or simply craving something indulgent and easy, these little golden beauties deliver.

Made with spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and the unmistakable zing of Rotel tomatoes, every bite is a balance of juicy, melty, and satisfyingly crisp. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them a smart make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Why You’ll Love These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can serve a platter that vanishes in minutes. These sausage balls are portable, versatile, and reheat like a dream. Whether you like them spicy or mild, you can tailor the recipe to your tastes.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. While hot sausage brings a spicy kick, you can use mild breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. Just make sure it’s uncooked, as the baking process will cook it through.
Ingredients for the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
This recipe is all about bold flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Ground sausage: The star of the show, sausage brings protein and spice. Choose spicy or mild based on your preference.
- Rotel tomatoes (drained): These canned diced tomatoes with green chilies add tang and heat. Make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy dough.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the mix for irresistible creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds that gooey, melty factor and deep savory flavor. Use sharp cheddar for the most punch.
- Baking mix (like Bisquick): Holds the mixture together and gives these sausage balls their fluffy, tender texture.
How To Make the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, and softened cream cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Mix
Add the shredded cheddar and baking mix to the bowl. Using your hands or a sturdy spatula, mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Shape into Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storing Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are best served warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is melty and the edges are lightly crisped. They feed about 6-8 people as an appetizer or snack.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
You can also freeze them before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape into balls and place on a tray to flash freeze. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What to Serve With Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Mini Cornbread Muffins
The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory heat of sausage balls.
Pickled Jalapeños
Add a pop of acid and spice with sliced jalapeños for those who want an extra kick.
BBQ Dipping Sauce
A smoky barbecue sauce offers a delicious contrast to the creaminess.
Deviled Eggs
Creamy and rich, these balance out the boldness of the sausage balls.
Crunchy Veggie Platter
Celery, carrots, and bell pepper strips add crunch and freshness to the spread.
Macaroni Salad
Chilled and tangy, pasta salad cools down the heat while keeping things hearty.
Potato Wedges
A classic pairing! Crispy potato sides turn this into a mini-meal.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you love these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’ll definitely want to try these other crave-worthy snacks from Nora Nosh:
- Taco Ranch Bites: A Flavor-Packed Mini Delight
- Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole: A Comforting Delight
- Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: A Spicy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild? Did you sneak in a different cheese?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated snack boards and party-ready bites on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your next go-to appetizer!
Print
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls
Description
If you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are exactly what your appetizer spread needs. They’re perfect for everything from quick breakfast bites to party snacks and game-day trays. Juicy sausage pairs with creamy cheese and spicy Rotel tomatoes to deliver bite-sized perfection. It’s the kind of easy recipe that hits all the right notes — bold, melty, a little crispy on the edges, and totally satisfying. Great for make-ahead, freezer-friendly food ideas, and one of the best no-fuss breakfast ideas you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
1 pound ground sausage
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ¼ cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, drained Rotel, and cream cheese. Mix until combined.
3. Add shredded cheddar and baking mix. Stir or knead until fully incorporated.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Let cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
Drain the Rotel very well to avoid soggy texture.
For extra spice, use hot sausage or pepper jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
