Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than rotel cream cheese sausage balls! These bite-sized delights combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family gathering. Easy to prepare, they bake up golden and crispy, ensuring everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 lb sausage (breakfast or Italian)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup biscuit mix
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 sausage balls. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 3 sausage balls) contains about 250 calories, 18g fat, 15g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fiber. This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage until well blended.
3. Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Add the biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
5. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
6. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
10. Enjoy your delicious rotel cream cheese sausage balls!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Additionally, low-fat cream cheese can be used for a healthier twist, and you can switch out the cheddar for pepper jack for an extra kick.
Serving and Pairings
These rotel cream cheese sausage balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or guacamole. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board alongside crackers, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just reheat them directly from the freezer.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the ingredients can lead to a dense texture.
- Not draining the Rotel tomatoes can make the mixture too wet.
- Forming the balls too large may result in uneven cooking.
- Skipping the baking sheet grease can lead to sticking.
- Ignoring the resting time after baking can affect the texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use gloves for easier handling of the sausage mixture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños to the mixture.
- Chill the mixture before forming balls to make handling easier.
- Try adding herbs like parsley or cilantro for freshness.
FAQs
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with these sausage balls?
These sausage balls are great with dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or even hot sauce for an extra kick.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these sausage balls?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked sausage balls for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer.
Conclusion
Rotel cream cheese sausage balls are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for any gathering, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them during game day or at a family celebration, these tasty bites are sure to impress!
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage breakfast or Italian
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sausage until well blended.
- Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious rotel cream cheese sausage balls!