Prepare the Sausage Ball Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and halal sausage. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the two together until they’re well incorporated.
3. Add Rotel and Seasonings: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. The Rotel will add a nice burst of flavor and moisture to the mixture.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage mixture and stir until well combined. The cheese adds richness and helps bind the mixture together.

Add the Flour and Bind the Mixture

5. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the sausage mixture, stirring until it’s fully incorporated. You’ll want the mixture to come together and form a thick dough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
6. Add the Egg (Optional): If you want to ensure the sausage balls hold together even more firmly, add the egg to the mixture. It will help bind everything together and make the texture slightly more cohesive.

Shape the Sausage Balls

7. Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the sausage mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.

Bake the Sausage Balls

8. Bake the Sausage Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the sausage balls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy

10. Serve: Once the sausage balls have cooled slightly, serve them warm. You can serve them on their own or pair them with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy mustard.