Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to heat fully while you prepare the sausage mixture. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and a nice golden exterior on the sausage balls.
Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix them together until they form a cohesive mixture. If you’re using your hands, consider wearing gloves to keep things tidy.
Add the Rotel and Seasonings
Drain your Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly to remove excess liquid. Stir them into the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mixing these ingredients now helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sausage balls.
Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the sausage mixture, stirring until well combined. The flour mixture binds everything together, so make sure it is fully incorporated.
Fold in the Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Gently fold in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed to guarantee every sausage ball bakes up cheesy and delicious.
Shape the Sausage Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
Optional: Top with Extra Cheese
If you want a cheesy crust, sprinkle a little shredded cheese over each sausage ball. This step is completely optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
Bake
Transfer your baking sheet to the preheated oven. Let the sausage balls cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until they appear golden and slightly crisp on the outside. The interior should be fully cooked, so you can test one to ensure it’s no longer pink.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. They are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a classic marinara.
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are a testament to how a few simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can yield impressive results. Their moist, tender texture and bold flavor profile make them an irresistible addition to any gathering. Thanks to the variety of customizations—whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, and whether you add that extra cheese on top—you can easily adapt this recipe for any palate. Beyond parties and potlucks, these sausage balls can also serve as a quick breakfast option when paired with scrambled eggs or a side of fresh fruit. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, their savory, cheesy charm never fails to delight. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a go-to recipe for so many home cooks. Enjoy every last morsel, and don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
