I’m so happy you’re here! Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, a casual game day gathering, or just need a go-to snack recipe that never fails, these Rotel Sausage Balls are about to become a new favorite. Juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, they’re little bites of comfort that practically fly off the tray every single time I serve them!
I’ve made countless versions of sausage balls, but when I first added Rotel to the mix? Game-changer. The tangy tomatoes and green chilies bring just the right amount of moisture and zing—and they make every bite pop.
What Are Rotel Sausage Balls?
Rotel Sausage Balls are a delicious twist on the classic Southern sausage ball recipe. They combine ground sausage, shredded cheese, baking mix (like Bisquick), and a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. The result is a flavorful, savory appetizer that’s cheesy, slightly spicy, and totally addictive.
These sausage balls are baked to golden perfection, making them ideal for serving as a hot appetizer, party snack, or even a quick breakfast bite on the go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 5 simple ingredients—no fuss, all flavor
- No need to precook the sausage—mix and bake
- Bold flavor from Rotel makes them anything but boring
- Make-ahead & freezer friendly
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, tailgates, and potlucks!
What Do Rotel Sausage Balls Taste Like?
These sausage balls have the savory richness of sausage, the creamy melt of cheddar cheese, and the bright, tangy flavor of Rotel tomatoes and chilies. The baking mix holds it all together with a slightly crisp edge. Every bite is hearty, spicy-cheesy goodness.
Think sausage biscuit meets cheesy nacho dip in bite-sized form. Yep, they’re that good.
Benefits of Making These at Home
- You control the spice and the quality of sausage
- Great for prepping ahead—just bake when you’re ready
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- No utensils needed—just grab and pop!
- They double easily for a crowd
Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make Rotel Sausage Balls:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, spicy or mild)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 1½ cups Bisquick or other baking mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for a little kick)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or clean hands
- Oven!
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Want to change it up? Try these:
- Use pepper jack or Colby for extra cheesiness
- Swap sausage for ground chicken or plant-based sausage
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder
- Stir in finely chopped green onion or jalapeño for a twist
How to Make Rotel Sausage Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain the Rotel very well to avoid soggy balls—press in a mesh strainer or blot with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, shredded cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until fully combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls (or use a cookie scoop) and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm—or make ahead and reheat when ready!
What to Serve with Rotel Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are a natural fit for:
- Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo
- Honey mustard or spicy BBQ sauce
- A side of scrambled eggs for breakfast
- Party platters with fruit, nuts, and crackers
- Served warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker at events
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
- Drain the Rotel well—this is key to avoid soggy texture
- Use cold sausage—it’s easier to mix and shape
- Don’t overbake—they’re done when golden and firm
- Want crispier bottoms? Bake directly on a greased tray instead of parchment
- Make ahead and freeze raw or baked—just thaw and bake or reheat!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave for 20–30 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Rotel Sausage Balls without Bisquick?
Yes! Substitute with 1½ cups of a homemade mix: 1 cup flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt + 2 tbsp cold butter.
Are these spicy?
They’re mildly spicy, depending on your sausage and the type of Rotel you use. You can use mild sausage and Original Rotel for a kid-friendly version, or go hot for more kick.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, Rotel Sausage Balls are your answer. They’re bold, cheesy, incredibly easy, and perfect for any time you need a quick, comforting bite. Whether you’re prepping them ahead for a party or just craving something savory, this is the recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Loved this recipe? You might also enjoy:
- Cheddar Jalapeño Pinwheels
- Mini Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
- Cream Cheese Sausage Dip
📸 Did you make these Rotel Sausage Balls? I’d love to see them! Tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment below so I can cheer you on!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per ball)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0.5g
Rotel Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Recipe for a Flavorful Snack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 sausage balls
Description
Rotel Sausage Balls are a cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy crowd-pleaser made with just 5 ingredients! Perfect for parties, holidays, or breakfast on-the-go, these bite-sized meatballs are packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
– 1½ cups Bisquick baking mix
– ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sausage, cheddar cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick, and garlic powder.
3. Mix well using your hands until fully combined.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
– Be sure to drain the Rotel well to avoid excess moisture.
– Add chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
– Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rotel sausage balls, sausage cheese balls, easy appetizer, party snack, holiday recipe, cheesy meatballs
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