This recipe for creamy sausage balls combines the zestiness of Rotel tomatoes with hearty sausage, creamy cheese, and spices, all wrapped up in a biscuit mix for a delightful snack. Perfect for parties or as a tasty appetizer, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and develop a nice, golden-brown exterior.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Grease a baking sheet lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the sausage balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should be uniform, with the cheese and seasonings evenly distributed throughout the sausage and biscuit mix.
Shape the Sausage Balls:
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow heat to circulate around each ball, helping them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
Bake the Sausage Balls:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through. If unsure, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read at least 160°F (71°C).
Cool and Garnish:
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
- If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve:
- Transfer the sausage balls to a serving platter and serve warm. They are delicious on their own or with dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
Enjoy these creamy, zesty sausage balls at your next gathering or simply whip up a batch to snack on throughout the week!
