Okay, amiga! Let’s talk about something that’s about to become your new obsession: Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls! I’m talking about those little bites of pure happiness that are savory, spicy, and cheesy all at once. These aren’t your grandma’s bland snacks – this sausage cheese ball recipe is a total flavor explosion, Cuba Queen style!
The first time I tasted something similar, I was at a friend’s potluck. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. Then BAM! This little unassuming ball hit my taste buds, and I was floored by the cheesy, spicy kick! I immediately knew I had to create my own version, crank up the flavor, and share the magic.
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are my way of bringing that same joy to your kitchen. Get ready to unleash your inner flavor adventurer because this easy appetizer recipe is about to seriously upgrade your snack game.
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage: The secret to truly epic Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls is using a good quality sausage. Look for one with a little bit of kick already, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- 1 (10 ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Don’t drain them! That juicy goodness is key to keeping these sausage cheese balls moist and flavorful.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is what binds everything together and gives these balls that amazing creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: I say go big or go home! Splurge on a good quality sharp cheddar – trust me, you’ll taste the difference in your Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls.
- 1 cup all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick): This helps hold the sausage cheese balls together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra layer of savory goodness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!

This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
Here’s the game-changer that will blow your mind: for even more flavor, add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mix!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, undrained Rotel, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Get your hands in there and mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. Don’t be afraid to get messy – this is where the flavor magic starts! I like to mix it until everything is really homogenous, so every bite of these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls is perfect.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. This is where you can get creative! Make them a little bigger if you want, or even smaller for bite-sized snacks.
- Place the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out evenly so they can cook properly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. In my kitchen, these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls take exactly 22 minutes to get that perfect golden brown color.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. This is important – they’re super hot right out of the oven!
Pro tip for Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls perfection: use a small cookie scoop to make sure all the balls are the same size. It makes for a more even bake and a prettier presentation.
While your Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Here’s where most people mess up their Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls – but not you! Overmixing can make them tough, so just mix until everything is combined.
PRESENTATION:
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile.
Serve them warm as an appetizer at your next party. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and they disappear fast! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls at tailgates!
Pair them with a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing. This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls absolutely slays at dinner parties!
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, arrange the sausage cheese balls on a platter with some fresh herbs and a small bowl of dipping sauce.
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are also great for game day, holiday gatherings (hello, christmas sausage balls!), or even a quick and easy snack.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can chop them up and add them to an omelet or breakfast burrito for a spicy and savory kick. I also like crumbling them over a salad for added protein and flavor.
Another serving idea? These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are fantastic as part of a charcuterie board.
FAQs:
- Can I make these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls spicier?
- Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use a spicier sausage for an extra kick. In my testing, I found that using a jalapeno cheddar cheese also adds a nice level of heat.
- What if I don’t have Bisquick for my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls?
- No problem! You can use a mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly. 1 cup of Bisquick can be replaced with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- How do I know when my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are perfectly done?
- They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can I make these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just roll them into balls and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls?
- Definitely! Bake them first, then let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls?
- Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- What can I serve with these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls?
- They’re great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo.
CONCLUSION:
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy recipes, and pure deliciousness. They’re the perfect snack for any occasion, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
My Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls Power Tips:
- Don’t overmix the mixture: This will keep the sausage balls tender and juicy.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizing: This ensures they cook evenly and look great.
- Experiment with different cheeses and spices: Make them your own!
Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls variations I’ve created and loved:
- Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls: Add diced jalapeños and a little extra cream cheese for a spicy twist.
- Pizza Sausage Balls: Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning for a pizza-flavored snack.
- Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory flavor.
I am confident that you are going to nail these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls!
So go ahead, flavor adventurers, and make these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls your signature dish! I know you’re going to rock this easy appetizer recipe. And don’t forget to share your results! Let me know what flavor combinations you try and how much everyone loves them. These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls will create some delicious memories!

This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls reminds me of another flavor explosion, my Sweet Marshmallow Popcorn Balls. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Cheesy Veggie Crescent Bites. For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. Did you know there are facebook groups devoted to Sausage balls with cream cheese and rotel recipe? There are other options too, like this easy Sausage Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese & Bisquick – Grilled … Some say the original versions are the best, like this Original Sausage Balls – South Your Mouth. Now, GO FOR IT!
Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for parties and game days! A flavorful blend of sausage, cheese, and Rotel tomatoes for an easy and delicious bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, Rotel, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard.

