Cheesy, savory, and loaded with just the right kick of spice, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes. Whether you’re serving them up for a party, game day, or a holiday brunch, these bite-sized flavor bombs deliver big on comfort and convenience.
Each ball is packed with creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and those iconic diced tomatoes and green chilies from the can of Rotel. It’s like your favorite dip got a makeover and rolled itself into the ultimate finger food.
Why You’ll Love This Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
These sausage balls are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be prepped ahead of time. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for entertaining. Plus, the combination of melted cheese and sausage is timeless, and when you add in that Rotel magic, it turns into something unforgettable.
Can I Use Mild or Spicy Sausage for These Sausage Balls?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you’re serving a crowd that loves heat, go for hot sausage. If you want something more subtle, mild or even maple sausage works just as well. You can even blend types for a flavor twist. The same goes for the Rotel—choose original, hot, or mild depending on your preference.
Ingredients for the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls use only a handful of ingredients, and each one brings something essential to the table.
- Breakfast sausage
- Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Baking mix (like Bisquick)
The breakfast sausage is the protein-packed base that gives these balls their signature meaty flavor. The Rotel adds a punch of flavor and moisture that makes the inside ultra tender. Cream cheese keeps things creamy and balanced, while cheddar cheese delivers that melted cheesy goodness. Finally, the baking mix binds everything together and adds that biscuit-like texture we love.

How To Make the Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Prep the Sausage and Cheese
In a large bowl, mix the raw sausage with softened cream cheese until fully combined. This step is easiest when the cream cheese is at room temperature.
Step 2: Add the Rotel and Cheddar
Drain your Rotel well to avoid soggy sausage balls. Stir it into the sausage mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Fold in the Baking Mix
Add in the baking mix and work it into the mixture with your hands or a sturdy spatula. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the sausage balls rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets a little and they’re easier to handle.
How to Serve and Store These Sausage Balls
These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are best served warm, right out of the oven. If you’re making them for a party, you can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. They feed around 6 to 8 people as appetizers.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What to Serve With Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls?
Creamy Dipping Sauces
A simple ranch dip or spicy aioli takes these to the next level.
Fresh Veggie Sticks
Carrot and celery sticks add a crisp contrast to the rich sausage balls.
Deviled Eggs
A Southern classic that’s always welcome at any gathering.
Jalapeño Poppers
If you’re leaning into the spicy theme, these are a match made in heaven.
Fruit Skewers
The sweetness of grapes or melon balances out the savory.
Mini Sliders
Let the sausage balls be part of a mini sandwich bar.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Extra comfort food to keep everyone full and happy.
Classic Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and cool—a perfect side for these warm bites.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you loved these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls, you’re going to enjoy these fun and flavorful recipes too:
- Try our Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls for a crunchy, cheesy delight.
- These Southern Cornbread Poppers are a spicy twist on a comfort classic.
- You can’t go wrong with Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels straight from the oven.
- Add some veggie goodness with Roasted Zucchini and Squash.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can find it easily next time you’re hosting.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with classic sausage or try something spicy? Did you serve with a dip or go straight in?
Explore beautifully curated appetizer boards and party-ready ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite bite!

Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are the perfect party appetizer—cheesy, spicy, and full of flavor. With sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar baked into bite-sized perfection, they’re a crowd-favorite snack for game day, brunch, or holidays. Great for freezing and reheating too.
Ingredients
1 pound breakfast sausage
1 can Rotel (drained)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the raw sausage with softened cream cheese until fully combined.
2. Drain the Rotel well and stir it into the mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add in the baking mix and work it into the mixture using your hands or a spatula until combined.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make sure the Rotel is well-drained to avoid sogginess.
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
You can make and freeze these balls for future use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
