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Golden crispy cheese balls piled in a white dish on a wooden table, with a small bowl of dip behind them

Iowa Party Bites (Cheesy Sausage Bites)

Golden baked bites of pork sausage, cream cheese, cheddar and tomatoes with green chilies — the classic Midwestern party appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 36 bites
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork breakfast sausage at room temperature
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) drained well
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix Bisquick
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ranch dressing, spicy mustard or warm queso for dipping, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sausage and softened cream cheese until evenly blended.
  3. Stir in the drained tomatoes with green chilies, biscuit mix and cheddar until the mixture holds together.
  4. Roll tablespoon-size portions into 1-inch balls and space them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then serve warm with dip if you like.

Notes

  • Drain the tomatoes with green chilies very well, or the bites will be soft instead of golden.
  • Use hot sausage and a diced jalapeno for a spicier batch; plain diced tomatoes for a mild one.
  • Freeze raw balls on a tray, then bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen with 5 extra minutes.
  • Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to restore the crisp edges.