- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, and seasonings.
- Mix everything well using your hands or a stand mixer until fully combined.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: These sausage balls are best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add extra diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap Bisquick for almond flour (1 ½ cups) and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese and extra shredded cheese for ultra-creamy sausage balls.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sausage balls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
2. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Raw sausage works best since it helps bind everything together while baking.
3. Why do my sausage balls turn out dry?
Make sure the Rotel is well-drained but not completely dry, and don’t overbake them.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try pepper jack, Colby Jack, or even mozzarella for different flavors.
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