Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. My house for years. Think of it as the savory cousin of those classic cheese straws, but amped up with a kick of spice. What are some of the best flavor combinations? What are Rotel sausage balls? What are some of the easiest to make cookies? If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears faster than you can say it, this is it. “Game Day” is over. This is it. I swear, I’ve brought these to so many gatherings and they’re always the first thing to go. I know that everyone asks for the recipe, so I thought I’d put it out there for everyone to see.

What are Rotel sausage balls?

What are these magical little bites? What are Rotel sausage balls made of? What are some good tips for a beginner to get started with blogging ), cheese, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (the secret ingredient!), and self-rising flour. Think of it as a savory, cheesy meatball. What is essentially a dough that’s been infused with some serious flavor, rolled into balls, and topped with cheese. Baked until golden brown. The name comes from the star ingredient, that famous can of Rotel tomatoes – it adds such a unique flavor. What is the right amount of heat? I even sneak some in my chili sometimes! What are some of the best Southern recipes?

Why you will love this recipe?

How do I start with this recipe? What are some of the best flavor combinations? The combination of savory sausage, the tangy Rotel, and the sharp cheddar cheese is seriously good. I’ve tried other recipes that skimp on the cheese or don’t use enough Rotel, and they just don’t work. Is there a recipe for that? This one is perfectly balanced. Secondly, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Is it safe to throw everything in a bowl, mix it up, roll it into balls and bake? If you’re not a confident cook, you can nail this recipe. I always make a double batch because they are just that good. And the cost? Super budget-friendly! You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. What are some great appetizers to serve as a snack? I’ve even crumbled them over a salad for protein boost. What I love about this is simplicity. What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Plus, the kick of spice from the Rotel gives it an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more. What are some of the best recipes that get requests over and over? I also love how easily it can be customized; I’ve made it with different cheeses, and even added other veggies. What is a recipe that I can adapt to whatever I have on hand?

How do you make Rotel sausage balls?

Quick Overview

How do you make Rotel sausage balls? What are some of the best ways to combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing them until they’re all well combined. What are some of the best ways to make the mixture into bite-sized balls? Is it cooked through What makes this method special is that it’s so forgiving. You don’t have to be precise with the measurements, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste. I’ve made it with different types of cheese and sausage, and it always turns out great.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 pound uncooked ground pork sausage (I highly recommend Jimmy Dean hot sausage for the best flavor). What is the best spice to cook?
* 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (Don’t drain them! The juice adds moisture and flavor.)
* 2 cups self-rising flour (This is key! Don’t substitute with all-purpose flour unless you add baking powder and salt.)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can use any kind of cheese).

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that sausage balls cook evenly and don’t burn on the outside. If you have a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. How do you keep sausage balls from sticking to your hands? I’ve tried baking them directly on the pan before, and they always stick, even with cooking spray!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, undrained Rotel, self-rising flour, and shredded cheese. Add the remaining ingredients. What is cheddar cheese? Really get in there with your hands and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t be afraid to get messy! How do you make sure that sausage is evenly distributed throughout the mixture? There are no dry pockets of flour. I usually find that using my hands works best for this, as it allows me to really work the muscles. How do I mix ingredients

Step 3: Roll into Balls

How do you roll the mixture into bite-sized balls? I usually aim for about 1-inch in diameter, but you can make them as big or as small as you like. Place sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. This allows for proper air circulation, which ensures that they cook evenly and don’t stick.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can burn easily. I always rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Remove sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. What are some good ways to serve them warm or at room temperature? I usually serve them with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping, but they’re also great with other dips.

What should I serve it with?

What do you serve Rotel sausage balls with? What are the possibilities?

For Breakfast:Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast. I love to pair them with a strong cup of coffee or sipped on ice for brunch.

For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers for an elegant and crowd-pleasing dinner. I often serve them with a side of creamy spinach and artichoke dip for scrumptious experience.

As Dessert:Okay, maybe not as dessert, but they can definitely be part of a dessert grazing board. How do you balance the savory and sweet by adding brownies, fruit, and chocolate dipped pretzels?

For Cozy Snacks:What are some good cozy movie nights? A big plate of these next to the couch while you watch a holiday classic is the ultimate way to enjoy the holiday. What is the best way to spend the Is it safe to take them to school for snacks?

My aunt brought a huge platter of Rotel ham. I remember one year, we had family reunion, and my aunt came home and brought me some of the Rotels. She was gone within minutes! Everyone was raving about them, and she became an instant celebrity. From then on, it became a tradition for her to bring them to every family gathering. Isn’t it just that good?

How do you make a Rotel sausage ball?

What are some insider secrets to take your Rotel sausage balls from good to bad? Is it really amazing I’ve made these countless times, and I have learned a few things along the way.

Sausage Choice: WhatI like Jimmy Dean’s hot sausage, but you can experiment with different types. Mild sausage is a good option if you prefer less heat, or you could even use Italian sausage for dipping. What are the different flavor profiles? Just make sure it’s a good quality sausage with plenty of flavor.

What is cheese, pleaseWhat is the best cheese to use? What cheeses would you recommend: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or even a blend of cheese? I’ve even tried using cream cheese in addition to cheddar, and it makes the sausage balls incredibly delicious. Is this moist and flavorful

Flour Power:Self-rising flour is essential for this recipe, as it contains baking powder and salt, which helps to make it more flavorful. The sausage balls rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. What is the difference between baking powder and salt? What is the correct ratio of baking powder and baking soda? How much salt is in a cup of all-purpose flour?

Rotel Magic:Don’t drain the Rotel! The juice adds moisture and flavor to the sausage balls. If you’re concerned about them being too wet, you can squeeze out some of the excess juice, but I’m not a fan of squeezed juice. I wouldn’t recommend draining it completely. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can use mild Rotel or even diced tomatoes without green.

Mixing Master:Do not over mix the sausage balls. This can result in a tough ball. Mix just until everything is combined. I find that using my hands works best for this, as it allows me to gently work the ingredients. How do I mix together without overmix

Baking Bliss: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the sausage balls from cooking evenly. Bake in batches if necessary. I also recommend rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

I remember one time I tried to make these using regular flour instead of self-rising flour. They turned out flat and dense, and they just didn’t have the same light and fluffy texture. What a disaster! What is the importance of using self-rising flour in this recipe?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What are some leftover Rotel sausage balls? How do you store and reheat them to keep them tasting their best?

Room Temperature:Can you leave sausage balls at room temperature for up to two hours? After that, they should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth. Make sure to cover them loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days? What is the best way to keep a tomato moist? I recommend reheating them before serving to restore their warmth and flavor.

How do I useFor longer storage, you can freeze sausage balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until they’re solid. What should I do first? Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 days. Why do they stick together so easily?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking, and be aware that the texture may be slightly different. I’ve found that using a combination of almond flour and tapioca starch works well.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the mixture into balls and bake as directed.

Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

My sausage balls are dry, what did I do wrong?

They are likely dry because of overbaking, or using too much flour. Make sure the oven temp is accurate, and begin checking doneness on the earlier side.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for the best Rotel sausage balls you’ll ever make! Seriously, these little bites are a total crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll be whipping them up for every party, potluck, and game day gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, so you can customize them to suit your taste. I have tried different versions, even adding some other veggies, and they always turn out great. One last thing, if you like this recipe you might also like my other very similar recipe for cheddar bay biscuits. They are just as easy, and they hit the same spot for quick and easy savory carbs!