Name: Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground spicy sausage; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well; 1 package crescent roll dough or puff pastry; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are one of my favorite appetizers to make for parties, game days, or even just casual get-togethers. They’re savory, creamy, and perfectly spiced, all wrapped up in a bite-sized package that disappears fast from the serving tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and smooth cream cheese creates the perfect balance of flavor. I also love that I can prep the filling ahead of time, then just assemble and bake when I’m ready to serve. Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground spicy sausage
Cream cheese, softened
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained well)
Crescent roll dough or puff pastry
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess grease.
I stir in the Rotel, cream cheese, and seasonings until smooth and well combined.
I roll out the crescent dough (or puff pastry) and cut it into squares or triangles.
I place a spoonful of the sausage mixture in the center of each piece and fold or wrap it securely.
I place the bites on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired, and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
I let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bites. It usually takes me around 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, ready in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use mild sausage if I want less heat, or jalapeño sausage if I want to kick things up. I’ve also swapped the crescent dough for wonton wrappers, baking them in a muffin tin for a crispy twist. For extra cheesiness, I like adding shredded Monterey Jack to the filling.

storage/reheating

I store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes so they stay crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the pastry softens a bit. They can also be frozen before baking and then baked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes of cook time.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, I just assemble and bake.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely, I freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer them to a bag. I bake them straight from frozen when needed.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, I sometimes use puff pastry for a flakier, more buttery bite.

Do I need to drain the Rotel?

Yes, I always drain it well, or else the filling gets too watery.

What’s the best way to serve these bites?

I usually serve them warm with a side of ranch, sour cream, or even salsa for dipping.

Conclusion

Rotel Spiced Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites are one of those appetizers that I can count on to be a hit every time. They’re easy, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit different tastes. Whether I make them for a holiday party, a game day spread, or just a fun family snack, they never last long on the table.