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I stumbled on this twist to regular sausage balls last Super Bowl, and they've been my go-to party snack ever since! Adding cream cheese and Rotel gives them this amazing creamy, spicy kick. They disappear so fast at parties, I usually make a double batch.
A New Party Favorite
The best part? You only need 5 ingredients and they're super forgiving - even my teenagers can make them. I love that I can make them ahead and pop them in the freezer. Perfect for everything from lazy Sunday breakfasts to midnight snacks!
Grab Your Shopping List
- Sausage: I use Jimmy Dean Hot - gives them real zip!
- Bisquick: Always have this in my pantry.
- Cream Cheese: Makes them extra rich and tender.
- Rotel: Don't drain it - that juice adds flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Mexican blend's my favorite but cheddar works too.
Let's Get Rolling
- Mix It Up
- Dump everything in your mixer bowl - or use your hands if you're old school like my mom. Just get in there and mix until everything's well combined. Don't worry if it feels sticky!
- Shape Those Babies
- My secret weapon? A cookie scoop! Makes perfectly sized balls every time. Line them up on your baking sheet - they don't spread much.
- Baking Time
- Get your oven nice and hot - 375°F does the trick. These little guys need about 20 minutes to get golden brown and cooked through.
- Time to Eat
- I like sprinkling some fresh parsley on top just to make them pretty. Set out some dips - queso's amazing with these!
My Best Tips
Let me save you from my early mistakes! Definitely grab a cookie scoop - I used to roll them by hand and ended up with all different sizes. Don't panic if the mixture feels sticky - adding more Bisquick just makes them dry. My sister's gluten-free and swears they work great with GF Bisquick too. And here's my favorite trick: make extra and freeze them raw - they bake up perfectly straight from frozen!
Make Life Easier
These are perfect for busy days! Roll them up to two days ahead and keep them in the fridge. Or do what I do - make a huge batch, freeze them on a cookie sheet, then toss them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for months, though they never last that long at my house! Just add a few extra minutes when baking from frozen.
Party Perfect
Talk about versatile! I've served these at breakfast with scrambled eggs, put them out for game day with some spicy queso, even brought them to Christmas parties. My friend Lisa makes an awesome jalapeño ranch dip that's perfect with these. Just don't forget to make plenty - people always want seconds!
Mix It Up Your Way
Sometimes I play around with different cheeses - pepper jack adds extra kick. My husband loves when I throw in some crispy bacon bits. And depending on who's coming over, I might use mild sausage instead of hot. They're pretty forgiving, so have fun with it!
Worth Every Bite
These little bites have saved me at so many last-minute gatherings! They're easy enough for everyday but special enough for company. Once you try them, you'll see why everyone begs for the recipe. Just be ready to share - and maybe make an extra batch for yourself!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, form the balls and freeze uncooked. Just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
- → Can I use mild sausage instead?
Yes, mild sausage works fine if you prefer less heat.
- → Do I need a stand mixer?
While a stand mixer makes it easier, you can mix by hand if needed.
- → Why drain the Rotel?
Draining prevents the mixture from being too wet, which helps the balls hold their shape.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.