Name: Spicy Rotel Cheese & Sausage Balls
Ingredients: 1 pound ground sausage (hot or mild): This is the star protein of the dish. sausage adds flavor and texture. You can use either regular or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.; 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese lends a rich, creamy texture that binds the ingredients together. Make sure it’s softened to integrate smoothly with the other elements.; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained: The Rotel adds a delightful tang and slight spiciness that elevates the dish. Draining well is essential to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp flavor and a gooey texture, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Description

Delicious Spicy Rotel Cheese & Sausage Balls – a perfect blend of cheese, sausage, and spicy Rotel, baked into savory bite-sized appetizers. Great for parties.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground sausage (hot or mild): This is the star protein of the dish. sausage adds flavor and texture. You can use either regular or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese lends a rich, creamy texture that binds the ingredients together. Make sure it’s softened to integrate smoothly with the other elements.
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained: The Rotel adds a delightful tang and slight spiciness that elevates the dish. Draining well is essential to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp flavor and a gooey texture, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your sausage balls don’t stick and for easy cleanup.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground sausage, 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 can (10 oz) drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly sticky.
Form the balls: Once everything is combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Be sure to pack them tightly to prevent them from falling apart while baking. Place the rolled balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can test the internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Cool and serve: After baking, remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. They are best served warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or even a fresh salsa for an extra kick.