Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your heat preference)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
If you want to swap things up, feel free to use turkey sausage for a leaner option or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you crave more heat. For a gluten-free twist, almond flour can replace the all-purpose flour, though the texture will be a bit different but just as tasty.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to help the sausage balls bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground sausage. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until well blended. I find that using my hands really helps incorporate everything smoothly—plus, it’s a little therapeutic after a hectic day.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients form a consistent dough. The mixture will be a bit sticky—don’t worry, that’s how you know it’s perfectly moist.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll them gently between your palms to shape them. This part always takes me back to standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, rolling dough for cookies—there’s something so comforting about hands-on cooking.
- Place the sausage balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and the edges start to crisp slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is melty and the sausage is juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International