Zesty Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeno Delights
These irresistible Zesty Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeno Delights are a staple at family gatherings, thanks to my cousin's wife who introduced me to this winning recipe. The blend of savory bulk pork sausage, creamy cheese, and the spicy kick of jalapenos creates an appetizer that tantalizes the taste buds and brings people together. Ideal for parties, game days, or BBQs, each popper is a flavor explosion that will keep everyone coming back for more. With about 44 poppers in this recipe, you’ll have plenty to share! If you're hosting a more intimate gathering, feel free to halve the ingredients for a smaller batch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bulk pork sausage
1 lb (Bulk sausage, no casing)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Large jalapeno peppers
22 (Halved lengthwise and de-seeded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk pork sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4
Fold in the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.
5
Carefully halve the jalapeno peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. If you prefer extra heat, leave some seeds in.
6
Using a spoon, generously fill each jalapeno half with the sausage and cheese mixture, about 1 tablespoon per half.
7
Arrange the filled jalapenos in two ungreased baking dishes, spacing them slightly apart to allow even cooking.
8
Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is slightly golden and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. If desired, serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeno Delights?
They are a savory and spicy appetizer featuring bulk pork sausage, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese stuffed into fresh jalapeno halves and baked until bubbly.
How many jalapeno poppers does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 44 poppers, using 22 large jalapeno peppers.
What ingredients do I need for the filling?
The filling consists of 1 lb of bulk pork sausage, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
What is the best oven temperature for baking these poppers?
The oven should be preheated and set to 425°F (220°C).
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The bulk pork sausage should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Should I drain the grease from the sausage?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess grease after cooking the sausage to ensure the filling isn't too oily.
How should the jalapenos be prepared?
The jalapenos should be halved lengthwise and de-seeded. Removing the seeds helps manage the heat level.
Can I make the poppers less spicy?
Yes, carefully remove all seeds and internal membranes from the jalapenos to achieve a milder flavor.
What if I want extra heat in my poppers?
If you prefer more spice, you can leave some of the jalapeno seeds inside the peppers before stuffing them.
How much filling goes into each jalapeno half?
Use about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cheese mixture to generously fill each jalapeno half.
Do I need to grease the baking dishes?
No, the instructions state to arrange the filled jalapenos in two ungreased baking dishes.
How long should the poppers bake in the oven?
Bake the poppers for 15-20 minutes until the filling is slightly golden and bubbly.
Is there a recommended dipping sauce for these?
Ranch dressing is a great choice, though they can be served with any of your favorite dipping sauces.
Can I halve the recipe for a smaller gathering?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be halved if you are hosting a more intimate group.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low carb as it consists mainly of meat, cheese, and vegetables.
What type of sausage is best to use?
The recipe calls for bulk pork sausage with no casing, which allows for easy browning and mixing.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
Shredded parmesan cheese is recommended for the best texture when mixed with the cream cheese.
Should I let the poppers cool before serving?
Yes, it is best to let them cool slightly after removing them from the oven so the filling can set and they are easier to handle.
Are these poppers suitable for game days?
Absolutely, they are a staple for game days, BBQs, and parties due to their finger-food nature.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
While you could, the recipe recommends browning bulk pork sausage fresh for the best flavor and texture.
How do I ensure the cream cheese mixes easily?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the parmesan and sausage.
What should the texture of the filling be before stuffing?
The filling should be smooth and well-combined, with the sausage evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
How should I arrange the peppers in the baking dish?
Space them slightly apart in the baking dish to allow for even heat circulation and cooking.
Can I use different types of peppers?
This specific recipe is designed for large jalapenos, but you could use mini sweet peppers for a non-spicy version.
Is this a good recipe for large crowds?
Yes, since it yields 44 poppers, it is an excellent choice for large gatherings and family events.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredients list of sausage, cheese, and peppers, this recipe contains no added sugar.
Can these be prepared in advance?
You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
What category of food is this?
This recipe falls under the category of appetizers or party snacks.
Can I use a different cheese besides parmesan?
While parmesan provides a specific savory saltiness, you could experiment with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for different results.
How do you know when the sausage is fully cooked?
The sausage is fully cooked when it is entirely browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.