Crowd-Pleasing Party Snacks

As seen on: Easy Appetizer and Snack Recipes

Packed with spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and Rotel, these easy bites have Bisquick to hold them together. Toss everything in a bowl, roll and bake. Change the spice level for your crew and have a fun snack on the table fast.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:07:39 GMT
Cheesy meatballs on a plate, gooey cheese on top, fresh parsley scattered around. Save this
Cheesy meatballs on a plate, gooey cheese on top, fresh parsley scattered around. | emilyscooks.com

These Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are seriously the first appetizer gone at any get-together! I can't get enough of the mix of spicy Rotel, creamy cheese, and tasty sausage in every bite. Make them for brunch, game days, or whenever your crew gets together—watch how fast the plate empties.

Awesome Yet Easy

What's great about sausage balls like these? They come together super quick, and every bite's loaded with flavor. People always want seconds. You can turn the heat up or down, too, to fit your gang. Crunchy crust plus gooey inside—everyone wins.

Stuff to Have

  • Main Players:
    • Drained Rotel tomatoes
    • Softened cream cheese (8 oz)
    • Hot sausage (1 lb)
  • The Base:
    • Sharp cheddar cheese
    • Bisquick baking mix

Let’s Get These Mixed

Share Away:
Enjoy warm with the dips you love most.
Bake Until Done:
Pop them in for about 20-25 minutes, take them out when golden and cooked through.
Ball Time:
Shape into 1-inch balls, leaving a little space between them on your sheet.
Mix It All Up:
Stir sausage, softened cream cheese, and Rotel together, then add Bisquick and cheddar.
Oven Ready:
Crank your oven to 400°F and get that baking sheet lined up.

Top Tricks

Drain your Rotel as much as you can and be sure the cream cheese is nice and soft. If things get too sticky, chill the mix a bit. Want next-level crunch? Bake on a rack instead of right on the pan.

A platter piled with cheesy meatballs covered in a tomatoey sauce. Save this
A platter piled with cheesy meatballs covered in a tomatoey sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Tasty Combos

These are killer with some salsa or ranch for dipping. Try 'em next to scrambled eggs for breakfast, or lay them out for your sports crowd. Iced tea, cold beer, or lemonade are awesome with them, too.

Common Questions

→ How far ahead can I prep these?

Go ahead and roll them up the night before. They'll be fine in your fridge (unbaked) for 24 hours, or stash them in the freezer up to 3 months and bake when you want.

→ Why is my mix kinda soggy?

Try draining those Rotel tomatoes super well. If they're still damp, just add a scoop of Bisquick or chill the dough till it's easier to roll.

→ Can turkey sausage work instead?

For sure! Turkey sausage is great, just toss in a pinch more seasoning since it's milder than pork.

→ What's the best way to save extras?

Pop any leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for three days tops. Heating up? Oven or microwave both do the job.

→ Any way to make them gluten-free?

Yep! Just swap the regular Bisquick for a gluten-free option. All other stuff is already gluten-free, so you're set.

Sausage Bites

Delicious cream cheese sausage bites packed with Rotel and Bisquick, awesome for hanging with friends or enjoying at game time.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
40 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Appetizers & Snacks

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 36 Portions (36)

Special Diet: ~

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
02 items 1¾ cups Bisquick baking mix.
03 items 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles, drained.
04 items 8 oz block of cream cheese, bring to room temp.
05 items 1 pound spicy sausage, uncooked.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Hand them out while they’re warm.

Step 02

Pop them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes so they brown up nicely.

Step 03

Spread out your balls on a baking sheet.

Step 04

Shape everything into little balls, about an inch across.

Step 05

Pour in the Bisquick and sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, then stir it up again.

Step 06

Stir up the sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel in your bowl.

Step 07

Crank your oven up to 400°F and let it warm up.

Extra Notes

  1. If you don’t want it spicy, swap in mild sausage or mild Rotel.
  2. Squeeze out that Rotel so your mix stays nice and dry.
  3. Stick the mixture in the fridge if it gets too gooey to roll.

Essential Tools

  • One big bowl for mixing.
  • Cookie sheet.
  • Cookie scoop if you’ve got one.
  • Measuring cups to get it just right.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Milk (cheese, cream cheese).
  • Wheat (comes in Bisquick).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Total Carbs: 4 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams