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How to Make Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until the two are well blended.
- Add in the drained Rotel, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir or use your hands to combine everything until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mustard.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with these sausage balls), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends easily with the sausage. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
- Drain the Rotel: Be sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies well, as excess moisture can make the sausage balls too soft.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: For the best texture, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which contains additives that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Spicy sausage balls: For extra heat, use hot breakfast sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Different cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can try using a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a little extra spice.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the biscuit mix with a gluten-free baking mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the sausage for a plant-based ground sausage alternative to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
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