The ultimate party appetizer is here: Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites! These irresistible little pockets are stuffed with savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and a zesty pop of Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Trust me, they vanish in minutes at any gathering—which is why I always make a double batch! Whether you serve them at game night, brunch, or just as a snack, these bites deliver bold flavor, just enough spice, and the perfect crunch in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites is working overtime to bring layers of flavor, texture, and color. It’s a no-fuss grocery list, but each item was chosen for max deliciousness!
- Ground pork sausage: Go for a good-quality, flavorful sausage—it’s the savory backbone of this recipe.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: This single can brings tangy tomato, a kick of green chili heat, and gorgeous color.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy element that binds everything together and gives that dreamy melted texture inside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts into all the nooks and crannies, with a sharpness that plays off the sausage perfectly.
- Garlic powder: For savory depth—don’t skip it!
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a smoky, complex note.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who like just a hint of extra zing.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Makes these bites flaky, tender, and so easy to assemble. You’ll need two packages!
How to Make Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground pork sausage. Cook, stirring often, and break up the meat into crumbles as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease so your filling stays rich—not greasy!
Step 2: Add Rotel and Cook Down
Tip in your drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together—let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so most of the liquid evaporates. This step concentrates the tomato flavor and keeps your crescent dough from getting soggy.
Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese
Lower the heat and scoop in the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s fully melted and the filling is creamy and well combined—a luscious sauce will coat every bite of sausage. Give the pan a few minutes off the heat to cool slightly, which will help the cheddar stay stretchy instead of greasy when you add it next.
Step 4: Add Cheddar and Spices
Now toss in your shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give everything a good mix so you have a cheesy, spiced, and slightly cooled filling—absolutely packed with flavor!
Step 5: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Here’s a pro tip: cut each triangle in half for perfectly snackable, bite-sized portions. You want just enough dough to wrap around that generous sausage filling.
Step 6: Fill and Seal
Place a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture in the center of each dough piece. Fold up the edges and pinch them tightly, sealing the filling inside and forming a little pocket. It’s okay if some filling peeks out—a little crispy cheese at the edge is always a treat!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled bites on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space for them to puff up. If you’d like extra shine and crispness, brush the tops with a quick egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and delightfully puffy. Let them cool for just a few minutes before digging in—these are best served warm!
How to Serve Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
Garnishes
Dress them up with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of extra smoked paprika or even a little shredded cheddar on top before baking also creates impressive results—these little details make your Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
You can serve these bites on their own, but pairing them with fresh veggies like celery or bell pepper strips brings a crunchy contrast. They’re also amazing with a simple green salad, kettle chips, or even alongside a bowl of chili for heartier fare. This recipe fits right in with classic finger foods or can be the star of a brunch buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving them with dipping sauces for extra fun—think ranch, chipotle mayo, or a cool sour cream dip. For parties, arrange the Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites in a big circle on a platter with the dips in the center, or pile them onto a board with pickles, olives, and cheese cubes for a playful take on a sausage board!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), just let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—ideal for quick snacks or work lunches!
Freezing
Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites freeze beautifully. Assemble them up to the baking step, then arrange on a baking sheet and freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time, and they’ll emerge just as golden and delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes so the dough crisps back up. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave will do, though they may be a tad softer. Either way, the flavor of these little bites is irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a spicy Italian sausage in place of pork. Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled well so you get the same versatility and savory punch in your Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites.
How spicy are these bites?
They’re mildly spicy thanks to the Rotel and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level—choose regular or mild Rotel, and simply skip the red pepper if you want a gentler bite.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble and freeze them unbaked, or keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. That makes Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites perfect for prepping before a party or game day.
What kind of dipping sauces go best?
Classic ranch, creamy jalapeño, or a zippy sriracha mayo are top choices, but even a bit of barbecue sauce complements the savory-cheesy filling. Dipping is highly encouraged for added fun!
Can I make these vegetarian?
While this recipe stars sausage, you can use a plant-based sausage substitute for a similar texture and spice. Just check that your substitute is pre-cooked and seasoned to pull off the spirit of Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites have a fan club in my house—they’re unfussy, loaded with flavor, and the first thing to disappear at a party. I hope you fall in love with them too! Give them a try at your next get-together and watch how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite snack.
Print
Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are a perfect appetizer for your next gathering. They are savory, spicy, and packed with flavor, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. The combination of sausage, Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese wrapped in a flaky crescent roll dough creates a delicious bite-sized snack that will disappear fast!
Ingredients
For the sausage mixture:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the crescent roll dough:
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add Rotel: Add the drained Rotel and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Combine ingredients: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Place about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture in the center of each piece, then fold and pinch the edges to seal into a bite-sized pocket.
- Bake: Arrange on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and frozen unbaked; just bake straight from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time.
- For a crispier crust, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
