Your Diet Expert

Warm Introduction

There are certain recipes that bring back instant memories of family gatherings, football nights, or casual parties – and sausage balls are definitely one of them. Growing up, they were always the first appetizer to disappear from the table. But when I switched to keto, I thought those little savory bites were off-limits… until I discovered how to make Keto Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese.

This recipe keeps all the bold, cheesy flavor of the classic version but ditches the carb-heavy mix. What you get instead is a protein-packed, low-carb appetizer that’s so good, even non-keto eaters won’t notice the difference.

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What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• Spicy meets creamy – The Rotel tomatoes bring a zesty kick, while cream cheese balances it with rich smoothness.
• Low-carb twist on a classic – Traditional sausage balls rely on flour or biscuit mix. Here, almond flour steps in, making it keto-friendly.
• Perfect for any occasion – Meal prep for the week, snack after a workout, or serve at a holiday party.
• Quick and forgiving – Just mix, roll, and bake. No complicated steps or fancy equipment.

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Personal Blogger Note

The first time I made these after a long workday, I remember pulling the tray out of the oven, and the smell of spicy sausage and melted cheese filled the kitchen. I popped one in my mouth while they were still too hot (couldn’t resist!) and instantly knew this would become a weekly meal prep staple.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl – You’ll need plenty of space to mix sausage, cheese, and flour together without making a mess.
• Wooden Spoon or Sturdy Spatula – The mixture is thick, so having something strong makes combining everything easier.
• Baking Sheet – A flat surface ensures even cooking and that golden-brown crust on the sausage balls.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
• Cookie Scoop or Clean Hands – To keep the sausage balls uniform in size. I like using my hands – feels more homemade.
• Oven – The heart of the recipe! Consistent heat gives you those perfect, bite-sized savory snacks.

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Ingredients (with Substitutions)

• 1 lb ground sausage – Spicy sausage adds great flavor, but you can also use mild if you prefer less heat. Swap: ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The sharpness balances the spice. Swap: mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Adds richness and keeps the balls moist. Swap: full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.
• 1 can Rotel (drained) – Brings that signature Tex-Mex kick. Swap: diced tomatoes with green chilies if Rotel isn’t available.
• 1 cup almond flour – Low-carb binder that replaces regular flour. Swap: coconut flour (use less, about 1/3 cup).
• 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together. Swap: flax egg if dairy-free.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps them puff up slightly for a lighter texture.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder – Flavor boosters that make them taste like little bites of heaven.
• Pinch of salt and pepper – Adjust based on sausage seasoning.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel. Stir until the tomatoes are evenly distributed.
3. Add the dry ingredients – Sprinkle in almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
4. Add the egg and cheese – Crack in the egg and fold in shredded cheddar. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to fully incorporate. The mixture will be thick.
5. Shape into balls – Roll into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut). Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.
7. Cool slightly before serving – they’ll firm up as they rest.

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Health & Nutrition Insights

These Keto Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are:

• Protein-rich – Perfect post-workout snack or filling appetizer.
• Low in carbs – With almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, each serving is keto-friendly.
• Blood sugar steady – No refined carbs means no spikes or crashes.
• Satisfying fats – Keep you fuller longer, making it easier to stay on track with your goals.

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Serving + Pairing Ideas

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a quick lunch.
• Serve with sugar-free dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or avocado crema.
• Great with keto-friendly cocktails at a party.
• Perfect as a high-protein breakfast alongside scrambled eggs.

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for easy future baking. They’ll last up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep them crispy.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and swap cheddar for a vegan cheese alternative.

2. Why are my sausage balls falling apart?
They likely need more almond flour or a bit more egg for binding.

3. Can I make them spicier?
Absolutely – use hot sausage and even add diced jalapeños.

4. Can I air fry them instead of baking?
Yes, cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway.

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Nutrition Breakdown (per serving, 4 sausage balls)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 26g
• Total Carbs: 5g
• Net Carbs: 3g

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Course: Appetizer, Snack
• Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
• Servings: 6 (about 24 sausage balls)
• Calories per serving: 320

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Closing Note

If you’re craving something spicy, cheesy, and low-carb, these Keto Rotel Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese are going to be your new favorite. They’re simple enough for a weekday snack but tasty enough to serve at a party. Give them a try and let me know if they become a staple in your kitchen like they did in mine!