Description
Savory rotel cream cheese sausage balls bring zesty Texas-style appetizers to your party spread. Cheesy, spicy bites deliver irresistible flavor that guests will devour in seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pantry and Seasonings:
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ground sausage, breaking down the meat and thoroughly blending until completely integrated.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of dairy components.
- Drain Rotel tomatoes completely, gently patting with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then fold into the cheese and meat mixture.
- Add all dry seasonings – garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) – mixing until spices are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Gradually sprinkle flour into the mixture, kneading gently until a cohesive dough forms that holds together without being overly sticky.
- Roll the mixture into uniform bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, placing them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking until the balls are golden brown and sausage is fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow balls to firm up slightly before serving warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy sausage balls, ensuring a crisp exterior and perfectly textured bite.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles and personalized taste experiences.
- Spice Customization: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, allowing for mild to fiery options that suit individual spice tolerances.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and shape sausage balls in advance, refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking for convenient party prep and stress-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg