1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spicy sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined.

3. Once the mixture is well mixed, use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape it into bite-sized balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

4. Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can test the doneness by cutting one ball in half and ensuring that the sausage is no longer pink in the center.

5. Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These sausage balls can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Cheesy Bacon Sausage Balls: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the sausage mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

– Spicy Jalapeno Sausage Balls: Dice some pickled jalapenos and add them to the mixture for a spicy twist.

– Italian Sausage Balls: Use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage and add some Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired version.

– Vegetarian Sausage Balls: Substitute the spicy sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage alternative for a meat-free option.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls turn out perfect every time:

– Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure easy mixing and even distribution throughout the sausage mixture.

– If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.

– To make the sausage balls ahead of time, you can shape them and refrigerate them on the baking sheet until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as the mixture will be chilled.

– Serve the sausage balls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce, for an extra burst of flavor.