Spicy Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Indulge in these irresistible Spicy Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers—a delightful and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering! Made with hearty pork sausage and creamy cheeses, these poppers pack a flavorful punch with just the right amount of heat. Ideal for spice lovers and guaranteed to impress your guests, they’re best served hot from the oven with a side of cool ranch dressing to balance the heat. Remember to wear gloves while handling jalapeños to avoid any skin irritation.
44
Servings
50
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk pork sausage
1 lb (cooked and drained)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup (none)
jalapeño peppers
22 large (halved lengthwise and seeded)
ranch dressing
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the bulk pork sausage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
4
Fold the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture until evenly combined.
5
Carefully halve the jalapeño peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. If you prefer a spicier popper, leave some seeds in.
6
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
7
Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in two 9x13x2 inch baking dishes, ensuring they fit snugly.
8
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is lightly browned and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
0.5g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers?
They are a flavorful appetizer made by stuffing halved jalapeños with a mixture of cooked pork sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baking until bubbly.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of bulk pork sausage, which should be cooked and drained before use.
How many jalapeños do I need for this recipe?
You will need 22 large jalapeño peppers, which will be halved to create 44 poppers.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
How long do the poppers need to bake?
Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is lightly browned and bubbly.
What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling is made with one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and one cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
Carefully halve the peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds before stuffing.
How can I make the poppers extra spicy?
If you prefer more heat, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeño halves instead of removing them all.
What safety precaution should I take when handling jalapeños?
It is highly recommended to wear gloves while handling and seeding jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
How much filling goes into each pepper?
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe recommends using two 9x13x2 inch baking dishes to fit all 44 poppers.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
No, the jalapeños should be baked uncovered.
What is the best way to serve these poppers?
Serve them warm, ideally with a side of ranch dressing for dipping to balance the heat.
How many calories are in one popper?
Each serving (one popper) contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat in each serving.
Are these poppers low in carbohydrates?
Yes, they are very low in carbs, with only 0.5g per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each popper provides about 3.3 grams of protein.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook the sausage and mix it with the cheeses ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Do I need to drain the sausage?
Yes, it is important to drain the excess fat after browning the sausage to prevent the filling from being too greasy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 44 individual stuffed jalapeño halves.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional data indicates there is 0g of sugar per serving.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 5 main ingredients: sausage, cream cheese, Parmesan, jalapeños, and ranch dressing.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While the recipe specifies Parmesan and cream cheese, you could experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
What should I look for to know they are done?
The filling should be bubbly and have a light brown color on top.
Is ranch dressing mandatory?
No, ranch dressing is optional but recommended for dipping.
How do I mix the ingredients?
First combine the softened cream cheese and Parmesan, then fold in the cooked sausage until evenly distributed.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage crumbles?
Yes, as long as you have 1 lb of cooked sausage, pre-cooked crumbles can save time.
What kind of Parmesan is best?
Shredded Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best texture in the filling.
Should the poppers be cooled before serving?
They should be allowed to cool slightly after coming out of the oven so they are comfortable to handle and eat.
Are these suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, given the high protein, high fat, and very low carbohydrate content, they are keto-friendly.