Hey there, fellow busy moms! Let’s talk about a sanity-saving snack and easy appetizer recipe that’s been a dinnertime nutrition win in my home for years: Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls! I know, I know – “sausage” might not scream “health food,” but trust me, with a few simple tweaks, these little bites can be a surprisingly nourishing and family-friendly option. Think protein-packed, satisfying, and with a kick of flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy. It’s one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes.
Growing up, my mom always made a version of Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls for holiday gatherings. They were always a hit, but as I started my own family, I wanted to make them a bit healthier. I experimented with different types of sausage, added in some extra veggies, and tweaked the cheese ratio. I’ve even made a version with cream cheese for another texture! Now, these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are a regular request, not just during the holidays. It’s not only an easy appetizer recipe but also a quick, satisfying snack that tides us over between meals! Plus, they’re perfect for those days when you need a little something extra to pack in school lunches.
What I love most is that even my pickiest eater gobbles them up! I feel like I’m sneaking in a little extra protein and flavor without any battles. I am thrilled that they ask for spicy sausage balls because they don’t realize it is a secret veggie vessel. And let’s be honest, as busy moms, we need all the wins we can get, right? I am so happy that my family loves my spicy sausage balls because that means they are getting a little extra nutrition, too.
I know you are here because you want simple nutrition. That’s what I give to busy mom’s like you! Are you ready to ditch the dinnertime stress and whip up a batch of these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls with me? Let’s do it!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these flavor-packed Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls. I bet you probably have many of these ingredients already!
- 1 pound ground sausage (I prefer lean sausage for a healthier option)
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
Trust me, this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! I often use ground turkey sausage to lighten these up, and sometimes I sneak in a handful of chopped spinach – my kids never even notice! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, and often, I can find great deals on the sausage when I shop around.
If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, no worries! You can use a mix of flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated. The most important thing is to use good-quality cheese. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a little bit of parmesan cheese to the mix, too! You can also find a similar, healthier recipe that tastes very similar, try my cheddar bay biscuit sausage balls
Here’s a Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: Using lean sausage and adding veggies makes them a guilt-free snack! Don’t forget to check out this family favorite: Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe. Let’s move on to the instructions!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls! I promise, it’s easier than you think.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. I find that parchment paper makes for easier cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and Rotel. Make sure the sausage is broken up well. I usually use my hands for this part – it’s just easier to get everything mixed evenly. This nutritious Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls usually takes me about 5 minutes to prep.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and baking mix to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, though, or the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls can become tough. This step is where you can add your own personal touch.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are golden brown and cooked through. Your Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls should smell nourishing by now!
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these spicy sausage balls immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls – I would overbake them and they would become dry. Learn from my experience! Don’t worry if your Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls looks a little greasy – that’s just the sausage doing its thing. While your Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! It’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or throw in a load of laundry.
This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe is so versatile and can be adapted to your family’s preferences. It’s a great addition to your easy appetizer recipes! For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
How We Love to Eat This!
Now that you’ve got a batch of these delicious Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls, let’s talk about how to enjoy them!
My kids devour this nutritious Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls when I serve it with some carrot sticks and a side of ranch dressing. I love that it’s a quick and easy snack that keeps them satisfied until dinner. These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! They’re also a wonderful option for holiday gatherings or potlucks. I often bring them to parties, and they’re always a hit!
For a fun presentation, I like to arrange the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls on a platter with some colorful toothpicks. It makes them look a little fancier, even though they’re super simple to make. Leftovers (if there are any!) are great reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold. I even like to crumble them on top of a salad for a protein boost.
During the holidays, I like to add a little bit of cranberry sauce to the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls. It gives them a festive flavor that everyone loves. The adults love the spicy sausage balls with a dipping sauce. If you are looking for a great dipping sauce, try a remoulade sauce.
The kids devour this nutritious Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls when I serve it with cucumber slices and hummus. This Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! My sister loves to serve these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls on a cheese board with grapes and crackers. For more family favorites that are easy appetizer recipes, try my sausage sweet potato kale soup!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about these Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls, so let’s get to them!
Is this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are packed with protein from the sausage and calcium from the cheese. Plus, the Rotel adds a little bit of extra flavor and some vitamins. Of course, it’s always important to balance them with other healthy foods. But as a snack or appetizer, they’re a great option!
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls?
I get it! Picky eaters can be tough. Start by letting them help you make the Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls. Sometimes, kids are more likely to try something if they’ve been involved in the process. You can also try serving them with a dip they already like, such as ketchup or ranch dressing. And don’t give up! It can take multiple exposures to a new food before a child is willing to try it.
Can I meal prep this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re also freezer-friendly. Just let them cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container.
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. I’ve used pepper jack for an extra kick, and mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe?
Yes! I often add finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots to my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without my kids noticing. This is one of my favorite things to do. I love adding spinach to the spicy sausage balls because it makes me feel better about eating them, too.
I’ve seen several variations of Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls that call for cream cheese, can I substitute that?
Absolutely! Many cooks love to add cream cheese to their Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe. It gives it a creamier, more decadent texture that is appealing to many. You can substitute half of the cheddar cheese with cream cheese for a completely different flavor and texture!
How do I keep my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls from drying out?
Many people struggle with dry Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls! I found this question posed in a Facebook group with other cooks: How do ya’ll make sausage balls and them not be so dried out???? My advice is to not overbake them!
I hope these answers are helpful! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe your own!
Final Thoughts:
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe! It’s a simple, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious snack that’s perfect for busy families. I hope you give it a try and that your family loves it as much as mine does! I promise it is one of the best easy appetizer recipes.
Here’s why this Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls supports my family’s nutrition goals: It’s packed with protein, relatively low in carbs, and can be easily customized to include extra veggies.
My Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls Nutrition Hacks:
- Use lean sausage: This reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Control the cheese: Use a lower-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese to cut back on calories.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Italian: Use Italian sausage and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Cheesy: Add a splash of cream cheese to the sausage for a creamy flavor.
My son prefers the spicy version, while my daughter likes the classic Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls with a side of ranch dressing. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and find the combination that your family loves best! For more tips, I found this helpful post: Easy Sausage Balls Recipe with Cream Cheese & Bisquick – Grilled …. Another great version is my Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. I found this comment in a Facebook group: Cheddar Bay sausage balls and roumalade sauce. Absolutely ….
I hope this helps all those busy mom’s out there! I know that you can do it!
Remember, you are doing great, momma! I’m wishing you all the best in your journey toward simple nutrition! ❤️
Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls
These Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls are a quick and easy appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Combining sausage, cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, they’re bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, and garlic powder.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or salsa, for an extra burst of flavor.