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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.
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → 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.