Sausage stuffed jalapenos are like a party in your mouth, kicking off with that delightful crunch as you bite into them. The smoky aroma wafts through the air, mingling with the savory notes of sausage and cream cheese, creating an irresistible allure that beckons you to dive right in. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Growing up, these spicy little bites were my go-to at family gatherings. They never failed to steal the show, leaving everyone clamoring for seconds. Picture this: a backyard barbecue filled with laughter, friends teasing each other while these jalapeno poppers disappeared faster than you could say “jalapeño.” It’s the perfect dish for game day or just a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll be whipping these up in no time
- Their flavor profile balances spice with creamy richness, making them addictively delicious
- These vibrant poppers not only taste amazing but look stunning on any platter
- You can easily customize the filling to suit any occasion or dietary preference
A memorable evening unfolded when my friend brought over a batch of sausage stuffed jalapenos for our weekly game night. Everyone was blown away by how delicious they were, which led to some good-natured competition over who could eat the most.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Jalapenos: Choose firm, vibrant jalapenos for the best flavor and heat level; larger ones work great for stuffing.
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Sausage: Italian sausage adds a savory punch; feel free to use spicy or mild based on your preference.
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Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing; it gives a rich texture and balances the spice.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a melty goodness; sharp cheddar works well for extra flavor.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish; fresh garlic is also an option.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy topping that makes every bite satisfying; seasoned panko adds more flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
Prep Your Jalapenos: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove seeds carefully; this keeps them less fiery yet still flavorful.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat but keep all that savory goodness.
Mix It All Together: In a bowl, combine cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.
Stuff Those Peppers: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each jalapeno half with the cheesy sausage mixture. Pack it in tightly so they don’t fall apart during baking.
Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over each stuffed jalapeno for added crunch. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve Hot and Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. These poppers are best enjoyed warm when they’re oozy and bursting with flavor!
You Must Know
- Sausage stuffed jalapenos are not just spicy snacks; they bring joy at any gathering
- The creamy cheese combined with savory sausage creates a flavor explosion that makes guests come back for seconds
- Perfect for game days or family get-togethers, they are always a hit!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then prepare the jalapenos while your sausage cooks on medium heat. This sequence ensures efficiency and perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for ground turkey or add spices like cumin for a unique twist. Experimenting keeps things exciting and personalizes your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed jalapenos in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh jalapenos for better flavor; older ones may lose their crunch
- Ensure even cooking by placing stuffed jalapenos cut-side up on a baking sheet
- Don’t overstuff with cheese; it can ooze out during cooking!
I remember the first time I made these sausage stuffed jalapenos for a potluck. Friends devoured them, leaving only crumbs and a few stray seeds behind!
FAQ
Can I make sausage stuffed jalapenos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff them, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cream cheese is ideal, but cheddar or pepper jack adds extra flavor.
How can I make these less spicy?
Remove all seeds from the jalapenos or use milder peppers like Anaheim instead.
Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5 (2 stuffed jalapenos per serving) 1x
Description
Sausage stuffed jalapenos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. These flavorful poppers feature fresh jalapenos filled with a savory sausage and cheesy mixture, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Ideal for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, they’re always a hit at gatherings. Whip up this easy recipe to delight your guests with an irresistible treat that truly packs a punch!
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapenos (medium-sized)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cooked sausage with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeno half generously with the sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed jalapeno.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapenos (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: - For less spice, remove all seeds or use milder peppers like Anaheim. - Feel free to replace sausage with ground turkey or add spices like cumin for variation. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
