Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to impress your guests? These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, these little bites are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use turkey sausage instead of ground sausage?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- What can I serve these with?
Yes, you can definitely substitute turkey sausage for the ground sausage if you prefer a leaner option.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to customize the flavor to your liking.
You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake the sausage balls. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
These sausage balls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mustard for dipping.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- To make these sausage balls gluten-free, use a gluten-free biscuit baking mix.
- Try using different types of Rotel tomatoes, such as the spicy or Mexican-style varieties, for a twist on the classic recipe.
Expert Secrets:
- To ensure the sausage balls are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the center of a ball – it should read 165°F.
- For a crispy exterior, brush the sausage balls with melted butter before baking.
- To make these sausage balls extra cheesy, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar cheese.