Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next party, look no further than Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites. These golden, savory morsels are loaded with creamy, cheesy, and just-spicy-enough filling nestled inside a flaky crescent dough cup. Every element comes together in perfect harmony—zesty sausage, tangy tomatoes, melty cheddar, and pillowy cream cheese—making them the appetizer everyone will be reaching for. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, a festive holiday gathering, or just want a reason to snack on something special, Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites deliver flavor in a bite-sized package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how a handful of humble, straightforward ingredients work together to create a craveable bite. Each one adds a punch—spicy, creamy, cheesy, or flaky—no substitutions required. Here’s how each ingredient shines in these Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites:
- Spicy breakfast sausage: Brings a hearty, savory flavor and a gentle heat that makes these bites irresistible.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Adds a tangy, Southwestern kick that wakes up the filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the mixture its lusciously smooth, creamy body.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, adding richness and a beautiful orange hue.
- Garlic powder: Lends a warm, aromatic depth to every bite.
- Onion powder: Subtly enhances the overall savoriness of the filling.
- Black pepper: Provides a hint of background spice to balance the other flavors.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Bakes up soft and golden, creating the ideal buttery vessel for the filling.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): A pop of green freshness, perfect for presentation and a touch of herby flavor.
How to Make Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by browning your spicy breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. You want the sausage crumbly and cooked through, so take your time to break it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease once you’re done—this keeps the filling creamy, not greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Lower the heat and toss in the drained Rotel, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together, letting the cheeses melt and mingle with the sausage and tomatoes until you’ve got a gloriously creamy, vibrant filling. This is the delicious heart of your Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites!
Step 3: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch any seams to seal them, then slice the dough into 24 even squares. This is easier than it sounds, just eyeball it—the filling is very forgiving. Gently press each square into a mini muffin cup, making a little nest for the filling.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon roughly a tablespoon of your creamy sausage mixture into each dough cup. Don’t worry if it’s heaped a little—the dough will puff and hold it all in. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and let them bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bites are golden brown and puffed. The aroma is your cue for something delicious ahead!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the sausage bites cool for a couple of minutes before removing them from the pan. If you’re going for pretty presentation points, sprinkle on a little chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch— it looks lovely and lifts the flavor just enough. For a fun twist, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a tiny dollop of sour cream on top. If you want to amp up the heat, a light scatter of sliced green onions or minced pickled jalapeños is fitting for these bold bites.
Side Dishes
Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are the ultimate finger food and shine alongside a platter of crisp veggies or crunchy tortilla chips. If you’ve got a crowd, round things out with a simple salad, dill pickles, or even sweet-and-spicy barbecue meatballs for a spread that covers all the bases.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a get-together, pile the bites high on a cake stand for height and drama, or serve them lined up on a rustic wooden board. For cocktail parties, nestle each bite in a parchment-wrapped mini basket or toothpick them for grab-and-go snacking. They’re always a conversation starter—no matter how you plate them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), just pop the cooled bites into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making them perfect for weekday snacks or last-minute appetizers.
Freezing
Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are freezer-friendly! Once they’ve cooled completely, pack them in a single layer or separated by wax paper in a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for about two months—just thaw and reheat whenever you’re craving a flavorful treat.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the bites on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the crescent dough regains its soft, golden character. For just a couple at a time, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven is best for reviving the original texture.
FAQs
Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese mixture up to two days ahead, store it in the fridge, and then assemble and bake the bites just before serving for maximum freshness.
How do I keep the dough from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease your mini muffin tin generously before adding the dough squares. If you have it, nonstick spray is your best friend here, and letting the bites cool briefly before removing helps them pop out easily.
Can I use another type Appetizer
Yes! While cheddar offers great melt and flavor, you can try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for an extra kick, or even a blend of cheeses for extra richness in your Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites.
Do these taste good at room temperature?
They sure do! While they’re especially luscious straight from the oven, Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites keep their charm at room temp, so they’re ideal for parties where guests might graze over several hours.
Can I make these less spicy?
Of course. Just swap the spicy sausage for a regular or mild version, and if you’re extra sensitive to heat, opt for the mild variety of Rotel tomatoes. You’ll still get loads of delicious flavor with less fire.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your guests or treat yourself to something a little indulgent, give Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites a try. Every batch disappears fast, so you might want to make extra! I think you’ll fall in love with their creamy, spicy, utterly snackable charm—happy baking!
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Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, they are sure to be a hit with your guests!
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture:
- 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the filling: Reduce heat to low and stir in the drained Rotel, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent dough, pinch the seams together, and cut into 24 squares. Press each square into the mini muffin cups.
- Fill the cups: Spoon about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each dough cup.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden brown. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a milder version, use regular sausage instead of spicy.
- These bites are also great served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
