WW Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: A Savory Snack for Every Occasion
Introduction
WW Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a delicious and versatile appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties, game day, or as a satisfying snack during the week. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they are also relatively low in points for those following the Weight Watchers program. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and tips for making these scrumptious sausage balls.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls:
- 1 pound ground sausage (use your preferred type: mild, spicy, or turkey for a lighter option)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (reduced-fat or full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (you can adjust spice level based on variety)
- 1 cup almond flour (or regular flour, if not following a low-carb diet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
- Line the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and ground sausage. Using your hands or a spatula, mix until well combined. The cream cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the sausage.
- Incorporate Cheese and Rotel: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and the drained Rotel tomatoes to the mixture. Be careful to drain the Rotel well to prevent excess moisture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley on top of each ball for added color and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check that it is no longer pink inside.
- Rotate the Pan: Halfway through baking, consider rotating the baking sheet for even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove from Oven: Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to Serving Plate: Using a spatula, transfer the sausage balls to a serving plate. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Garnish and Enjoy: If desired, garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving. These sausage balls pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or a spicy mustard.
Step 7: Storing Leftovers
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
- Freezing: These sausage balls freeze well. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Step 8: Reheating
- Reheat from Frozen: When ready to enjoy frozen sausage balls, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but the texture may be less crispy.
Step 9: Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These sausage balls are perfect for tailgating, holiday gatherings, or as an easy appetizer at any party. They can also be served as a protein-packed snack throughout the week.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the flavors by using different types of cheese or adding herbs like dill or chives to the mixture for a unique twist.
Step 10: Nutritional Information
- Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving): This recipe makes approximately 20 sausage balls. Each sausage ball contains roughly:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Step 11: SmartPoints
- Weight Watchers Points: For those on the Weight Watchers program, each sausage ball is approximately 3 SmartPoints. This makes them a fantastic option for satisfying cravings without exceeding your daily points allowance.
Step 12: Tips for Success
- Choosing Your Sausage: When selecting sausage, consider using turkey sausage for a leaner option or a spicy sausage for an extra kick. The choice of sausage will significantly influence the overall flavor of the balls.
Conclusion
WW Irresistible Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are an easy and delicious snack that will delight your family and friends. With their savory flavors and satisfying texture, these sausage balls are not only a hit at gatherings but also a convenient option for meal prep. Low in SmartPoints and full of taste, they exemplify how healthy eating can be enjoyable. Prepare a batch today and watch them disappear! Enjoy these mouthwatering sausage balls guilt-free and savor every delicious bite!