Mediterranean Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
These Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a party appetizer. They combine juicy, flavorful sausage with creamy cheese and a hint of tomato and chili from Rotel. The biscuit mix helps bind everything together while giving a soft, tender bite. They’re versatile, easy to make ahead, and bake into golden, irresistible little bites. Whether you like them mild or with a little kick, this Mediterranean-style twist brings comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: About 24–28 sausage balls (depending on size)
Ingredients
1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, thoroughly drained
1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (adjust to taste)
1¾–2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
Optional seasonings: ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the raw ground sausage until evenly mixed. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper if desired.
Add the biscuit mix
Gradually fold in the biscuit baking mix until the mixture is firm enough to form balls. The mixture should hold together without being overly sticky.
Form the sausage balls
Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into 1–1.5 inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) ensures the sausage is fully cooked.
Serve
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer, snack, or part of a breakfast spread.
Tips
Drain the Rotel thoroughly – Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet.
Soften the cream cheese – It’s easier to mix and helps bind the sausage balls.
Uniform size – Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized balls so they cook evenly.
Don’t overmix – Mixing too long can make the texture dense.
Check seasoning – Taste a small portion of the sausage mixture before baking for seasoning adjustments.
Optional herbs – Add parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Line the pan – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Use a meat thermometer – Ensures the sausage is safely cooked.
Cool slightly before serving – They hold their shape better and are easier to pick up.
Variations
Spicy Kick – Use hot sausage or add extra chili flakes to the mixture.
Cheese Swap – Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.
Bacon Twist – Wrap each sausage ball in a small strip of bacon before baking.
Herb Infusion – Add fresh thyme, oregano, or basil for Mediterranean flavor.
Mini Appetizer Size – Make smaller ¾ inch balls for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Vegetable Boost – Add finely diced bell pepper or spinach.
Make Ahead – Assemble the sausage balls and freeze uncooked; bake when ready.
Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free biscuit mix.
Cheesy Crust – Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a golden finish.
Q&A
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but reduce baking time slightly; you just need to heat and melt the cheese.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can they be frozen?
Yes, both baked and unbaked sausage balls freeze well. Bake from frozen or thaw first.
What size should the balls be?
1–1.5 inch works best for even cooking.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Substitute with plant-based sausage and a vegan cheese.
Do I need to drain the Rotel?
Yes, excess liquid can make the mixture too wet to hold together.
Can I use store-bought cream cheese spread?
Soft block cream cheese works best; spreads may be too thin.
Can I bake at a lower temperature?
Yes, 350°F (175°C) works, but baking time may increase slightly.
Can I use less cheese?
Yes, but cheese adds flavor and moisture; reducing too much may affect texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx., 3–4 sausage balls)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 15–18 g
Carbs: 12–14 g
Fat: 20–22 g
Fiber: 0–1 g
Sodium: varies depending on sausage and Rotel
Conclusion
These Mediterranean-inspired Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are flavorful, cheesy, and perfectly handheld. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with the tangy bite of tomatoes and chilies, they’re versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or party appetizers. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize with cheese or spices, and freeze well for future meals. Whether you like them mild or spicy, these sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser that bring bold flavor and comfort in every bite.