Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage Cream Cheese Bites are simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. The balance of heat from the sausage and Rotel, creaminess from the cheese, and the savory bite from the cheddar creates an addictive snack that everyone will love. With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, these little bites are perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a flavorful snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound beef or chicken sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well-drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and allow it to cool.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, baking mix, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Bites: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Bites: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 30 balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sausage: Use a spicy sausage or add extra chili flakes for a kick of heat.
- Add Veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers or green onions to add more flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- Make It Mini: For a smaller version, roll the mixture into mini bite-sized portions and reduce the cooking time slightly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shape the bites and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Sausage Cream Cheese Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
You can use any canned diced tomatoes with green chilies or substitute with fresh diced tomatoes and a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
4. How can I make these bites gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free baking mix (such as a gluten-free version of Bisquick) to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I add other spices or seasonings?
Absolutely! Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Can I bake these at a lower temperature?
Baking at 375°F ensures a nice golden color and crispy texture. If you prefer to bake at a lower temperature, you may need to increase the baking time to ensure they cook through.
7. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free cream cheese for a different flavor profile or to make it dairy-free.
8. How long do these bites last?
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
9. What dipping sauce pairs well with these?
These bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with ranch dressing, hot sauce, or even a creamy chipotle dip.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Bites are an easy, flavorful snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With only five simple ingredients, these cheesy, savory bites are quick to make and even quicker to disappear! Whether you’re preparing for a party, game day, or just a fun snack, these bites will always be a hit. Enjoy the delicious balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
Sausage Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Bites are an easy, flavorful snack combining spicy sausage, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. These savory bites are perfect for parties, game day, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients
1 pound beef or chicken sausage
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, well-drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and allow it to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, baking mix, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Use a spicy sausage or add extra chili flakes for a kick of heat.
Incorporate chopped bell peppers or green onions for added flavor.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
For mini versions, reduce cooking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
