Cheesy Sausage Party Snacks

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These cheesy sausage treats mix ground sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes for a quick, flavorful bite. Great for parties, breakfasts, or prepping ahead to freeze!

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:46 GMT
Cheesy meatballs with peppers and herbs on a plate. Save
Cheesy meatballs with peppers and herbs on a plate. | lilicooks.com

I've gotten completely hooked on these tasty sausage balls packed with cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes. They're bursting with rich sausage taste, wrapped in a smooth, creamy layer with a delicious cheesy finish. They've quickly become what I whip up for everything from morning family gatherings to casual nighttime hangouts.

The Magic Inside These Tasty Bites

The real charm of these sausage balls comes from their simple yet powerful flavor combo. I often make a large tray on weekends as they keep well and warm up quickly. When spicy sausage mixes with cream cheese, it creates this amazing richness, while the Rotel adds just enough tang to make everyone grab seconds.

Your Shopping List

  • Sausage: 1 lb, go with mild or hot, whatever you like best.
  • Cream Cheese: 8 oz, left out to soften for easier mixing.
  • Rotel Tomatoes and Chilies: 1 can (10 oz), make sure to drain off the liquid.
  • Bisquick: 2 cups, this holds everything together and makes them fluffy.
  • Mexican Cheese Blend: 1 cup, shredded, for that gooey, melty goodness.
A white platter is filled with golden-brown meatballs topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped herbs. Save
A white platter is filled with golden-brown meatballs topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped herbs. | lilicooks.com

Cooking Time

Warm Up the Oven
Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Mix Everything Together
In a big bowl, throw in your sausage, soft cream cheese, drained Rotel, Bisquick, and cheese, then stir until everything's mixed well.
Form Your Balls
Grab some mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet with room between each one.
Cook Until Done
Pop them in the oven for 18-20 minutes, until they're golden brown on the bottom and fully cooked.

Storage Tips

These yummy bites stay good in a sealed container in the fridge for about 5 days. I sometimes cook extra and freeze them—they'll last up to 2 months that way. When you want some, just warm them in a 350°F oven or microwave them for a quick snack.

A platter of meatballs topped with melted cheese and a red tomato sauce is displayed. Save
A platter of meatballs topped with melted cheese and a red tomato sauce is displayed. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Variations

We love playing around with this dish at my house. Try using turkey sausage if you want something lighter, or switch up your cheeses. A bit of sharp cheddar gives them a nice bite, and pepper jack adds some heat. My friends who can't have gluten love them with gluten free Bisquick. These days I've been throwing in some chopped onions for extra flavor and they're always a hit.

A close-up of a plate filled with golden-brown meatballs topped with melted cheese and colorful bits of red and green peppers. Save
A close-up of a plate filled with golden-brown meatballs topped with melted cheese and colorful bits of red and green peppers. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make sausage bites in advance?

Sure! You can freeze either the uncooked or fully cooked sausage bites, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Cook or warm them up fresh when ready.

→ What's the best kind of sausage to use?

Mild or spicy breakfast sausage works well. Go for hot if you like more heat, or stick with mild for less spice.

→ Why do my sausage snacks crumble?

If they’re falling apart, the mix might be too moist. Make sure the Rotel is well-drained, and let the cream cheese soften for easy blending.

→ Can I swap out Bisquick?

Yes, you can! Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter to make a substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Pop cooked bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Or freeze them for up to 3 months, reheating them as needed.

Cheesy Sausage Snacks

Creamy, cheesy sausage bites made with Rotel and Mexican cheese. Perfect for parties or a quick snack to share.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 48 Serves (4 dozen balls)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 16 ounces Mexican cheese, shredded.
02 10 ounces of Rotel — a mix of diced tomatoes and chilies, drained well.
03 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, at room temp.
04 A pound of raw sausage.
05 1.5 cups of Bisquick-style baking mix.

Steps

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 400°F so it can warm up.

Step 02

Dump the chopped tomatoes with chilies, sausage, cream cheese, shred cheese, and Bisquick in a big bowl. Stir it all together thoroughly.

Step 03

Shape the mixture by rolling it into one-inch balls with your hands.

Step 04

Lay the rolled balls on a parchment-covered baking pan and stick them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Take them out when the bottoms are browned.

Tips

  1. Perfect choice for morning bites or gatherings.
  2. Freeze the balls so you can prep in advance.

Required Tools

  • Cookie sheet or baking tray.
  • Non-stick parchment paper.
  • Big bowl for mixing it all up.
  • Spoon for mixing, or a hand mixer if you prefer.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains milk products.
  • Gluten present.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 4 g