Cream Cheese Beef Sausage Balls
These Cream Cheese Beef Sausage Balls are packed with savory beef sausage, creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, and a little kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies. They’re golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or an easy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups Bisquick baking mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir or mix with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together.
- Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the beef sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm while the cheese is still deliciously melty. Pair with ranch dressing, spicy dipping sauce, or your favorite dip.
Harold’s Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
- Drain the Rotel well: Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet and prevent the sausage balls from holding their shape.
- Soften the cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients.
- Don’t overmix: Combine everything thoroughly without compressing the mixture too much.
- Make them ahead: Shape the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Try different cheeses: Pepper Jack or Colby Jack can add a delicious twist.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also freeze baked sausage balls for up to 3 months and reheat them when needed.
These Cream Cheese Beef Sausage Balls are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with plenty of cheesy flavor and a hint of spice. Make a batch for your next gathering, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!