Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups Bisquick or gluten-free baking mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing. Drain any excess liquid from the Rotel tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
- Mix the sausage and cream cheese: In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a sturdy spoon until the mixture is uniform.
- Add cheeses and baking mix: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Bisquick (or gluten-free baking mix) until the mixture holds together but remains slightly sticky. Gently stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes to distribute evenly.
- Form the sausage balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into compact 1-inch bite-sized balls to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
- Bake until golden: Arrange the sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Drain Rotel tomatoes well to prevent soggy sausage balls.
- Use gloves or clean hands to mix and shape for easier and more even blending.
- Do not overmix to keep mixture tender and avoid dense texture.
- Test bake 1-2 balls first and adjust seasoning if needed before baking all.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free baking mix)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Rotel, sausage balls, cream cheese, appetizer, snack, party food, game day, gluten-free option