Name: Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, slightly drained; 1½ cups Bisquick or self-rising flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

If you're looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer that checks all the boxes—easy to make, big on flavor, and loved by both kids and adults—then you’re going to love these Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel. They’re cheesy, savory, and have just the right kick of spice to keep things exciting. Whether you're planning a game-day spread, a holiday appetizer table, or just need something hearty to bring to your next potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

What makes this sausage ball recipe extra special is the addition of Rotel (those magical diced tomatoes and green chilies), along with creamy cream cheese and bold seasonings. Everything comes together in one bowl—no fancy tools required. It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast, so be prepared to make a double batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s a reason this recipe has become a staple for so many home cooks. First, it’s wonderfully easy. Everything gets mixed together in a single bowl, rolled into bite-sized portions, and baked until golden. You don’t need to fuss with frying, chilling, or long prep times.

Second, the flavor is incredible. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness, while the cheddar brings that classic cheesy pull we all crave. The sausage delivers savory depth, and the Rotel adds the perfect burst of spicy, tangy freshness.

And finally, it’s versatile. You can make these sausage balls mild or spicy, tweak the cheese or seasoning to fit your preferences, and even freeze them for a future gathering. They’re perfect for holidays, football parties, brunch spreads, or late-night cravings.

Suitable For

These sausage balls are great for all kinds of cooks and occasions:

Beginners: This recipe is almost foolproof. If you can mix and roll, you can master this dish.
Spicy food fans: Add more cayenne or hot Rotel if you love the heat.
Families with kids: Just dial back the spice a little, and they’ll be a huge hit with the younger crowd.
Party hosts: Make a big batch, and keep them warm in the oven or a slow cooker until guests arrive.

Whether you're throwing a big bash or just need something delicious to snack on during movie night, these sausage balls will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients for Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel

Core Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these flavorful sausage balls:

Breakfast sausage (1 lb) – You can go spicy or mild, depending on your taste.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – This is what gives the sausage balls their creamy, tender interior.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) – Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but feel free to experiment.
Rotel (1 can, 10 oz, drained slightly) – These diced tomatoes and green chilies bring brightness and a gentle kick.
Bisquick or self-rising flour (1 ½ cups) – This acts as the binder and gives structure to the mixture.
Garlic powder (1 tsp) and onion powder (½ tsp) – These pantry spices add savory depth.
Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, optional) – For those who like extra spice.
Salt and pepper, to taste – A little seasoning helps balance everything out.

Everything in this list serves a purpose, and when mixed together, they create a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make some changes based on what you have on hand? No problem.

Sausage: Turkey or chicken sausage works great if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure it's uncooked bulk sausage.
Cream cheese: You can try using whipped cream cheese or even a mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a lighter texture.
Cheese: Pepper jack adds a spicier kick, while mozzarella brings a gooey pull. A blend of cheeses can be fun, too.
Bisquick substitute: No Bisquick? Mix 1 cup flour with 1½ teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt for a quick DIY version.
Rotel: If you can’t find the canned version, use diced tomatoes with a few chopped green chilies or jalapeños for a similar flavor.

Don’t be afraid to play around and find your perfect flavor combo.

Best Sausage for Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

The sausage you choose really shapes the flavor of this recipe. Here’s what to consider:

Breakfast sausage: This is the classic choice. It’s flavorful and easy to find, and most varieties are either spicy or mild.
Spicy sausage: If you want a little more kick, go for hot pork sausage or even chorizo. Just be aware chorizo may add more grease.
Mild sausage: Prefer a milder flavor? Go with original or maple-flavored breakfast sausage, and skip the cayenne.
Italian sausage: This can work too, especially sweet or hot varieties. Just remove it from the casing and crumble it before mixing.

Whichever sausage you pick, make sure it’s raw (not pre-cooked), and don’t worry too much about perfection. This recipe is forgiving and delicious no matter what.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe, but a few kitchen basics will help things go smoothly.

Must-Have Tools

Large mixing bowl – You’ll need plenty of space to combine all the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy, especially when it comes to Bisquick and seasonings.
Baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C), it does all the work.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Stand mixer or hand mixer – If mixing the dough by hand is a bit too much, these save time and effort.
Cookie scoop – Helps portion out even-sized balls so they bake uniformly.
Wire rack – Great for cooling the sausage balls without them getting soggy on the bottom.

How to Make Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Rotel

These sausage balls come together in just a few steps, and once you make them once, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand at all times. Let’s walk through each part together so you feel totally confident going in.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a good time to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Doing this now will save you from scrambling later when your hands are messy with sausage mixture.

Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl—this recipe makes about two dozen balls, so you want room to work. Add the raw sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, slightly drained Rotel, Bisquick (or self-rising flour), garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper.

Now, get in there and mix. You can absolutely use clean hands, but if the mixture feels a bit too sticky, a stand mixer or hand mixer with dough hooks makes this process even easier.

Tip: If your cream cheese is still a little firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it. It blends much better when it’s truly soft.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Once everything’s well combined, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. You’re aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to keep the sizes even so they cook uniformly.

Place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart. They won’t spread much, but you still want a little breathing room between each one.

Step 4: Bake

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown on the outside and fully cooked in the center. If you’re unsure, break one open—the cheese should be melted, and the sausage should no longer be pink.

If you're making multiple trays, rotate them halfway through for even browning.

Step 5: Serve

Let them cool slightly before serving, but don’t wait too long—they’re best warm. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch, spicy mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a sweet chili sauce works beautifully.

They’re the kind of snack people grab by the handful, so you might want to set out extra napkins.

Tips for Success

Making sausage balls isn’t complicated, but a few little tricks will make the process even smoother and the results even better.

Drain the Rotel just slightly—you still want some moisture to help bind everything.
Chill the mixture before rolling if it’s too sticky. Ten minutes in the fridge can make a big difference.
Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and less mess.
Don’t overmix. Blend just until everything is combined to keep the texture light.
Want more spice? Add a pinch more cayenne or use hot sausage and the spicy version of Rotel.

Once you’ve made these a couple of times, you’ll start to find your own rhythm—and your own perfect version.

How to Store Spicy Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, these sausage balls are just as good later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

At Room Temperature

These are fine sitting out for up to 2 hours—perfect for parties or game nights. Any longer, and they should be refrigerated for safety.

In the Refrigerator

Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 325°F for 5–8 minutes to bring back the crisp edges.

Freezing Tips

These freeze beautifully—either baked or unbaked.

To freeze unbaked: Roll the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
To freeze baked: Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat straight from the freezer in the oven or microwave, though the oven gives a better texture.

This is a great make-ahead option for the holidays or busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to bake. Or roll and freeze the unbaked balls for even easier prep later. They're one of those appetizers that actually taste better when you plan ahead.

Can I use regular flour instead of Bisquick?

You can. Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to make your own substitute. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but it still works well.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Definitely. Use mild breakfast sausage, omit the cayenne, and go with original (not spicy) Rotel. You still get all the flavor without the heat.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Pepper jack adds heat. A cheddar blend gives great color and pull.

Related Recipes

If you loved these spicy sausage balls, you might enjoy these other crowd-pleasing appetizers:

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about pulling a tray of these spicy cream cheese sausage balls out of the oven. They’re golden, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Whether you serve them at your next party or prep them as a freezer-friendly snack, this recipe is a keeper.