Description
These Spicy Sausage Balls are a flavorful and easy appetizer made with breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for parties or game days, they are sure to please a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (spicy recommended)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of original Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup of milk (optional, for moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well using your hands.
- Add the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies to the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sausage mixture, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture feels too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top of each ball before baking.
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mustard, while the sausage balls bake.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Transfer the sausage balls to a serving platter and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a healthier option, but note that the texture may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes