Sausage Jalapeno Poppers

If you’re a fan of spicy, cheesy, and savory appetizers, then get ready to meet your new obsession: Spicy Sausage Jalapeño Poppers! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill popper recipe; it’s an amped-up version inspired by my uncle’s famous game-day snack1. Forget the basic cream cheese and cheddar filling – we’re diving headfirst into a flavor explosion with hot Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of Parmesan1.

Why You’ll Love These Poppers

• Flavor Fiesta: The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh jalapeños creates a taste sensation that will leave you craving more1.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these poppers come together in no time1.
• Prep-Friendly: You can easily prep these ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve1. They can even be frozen for up to 2 months1!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and addictive appetizer1.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Varies (depending on the number of jalapeños)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed if needed1
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese1
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese1
• 10-12 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded3

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat a large cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the sausage, breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan, draining as much oil as possible, and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Let cool completely1.
2. Process the Filling: Add the cooled sausage to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse a few times until the sausage is finely ground. Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chives, blending until just combined1.
3. Prep the Peppers: Heat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a paring knife or spoon and discard1.
   • Tip: Wear gloves when cutting and stuffing the peppers to avoid any burning sensations from the jalapeño oils1. If you do get any Capsaicin on your hands, soaking them in milk helps1!
4. Stuff and Bake: Spoon the cream cheese filling into the scooped-out jalapeños and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet1. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the jalapeño is tender and the filling is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving1.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these poppers as an appetizer at your next party or game day gathering1.
• Pair them with a cool and creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Add a side of tortilla chips or crackers for scooping up any extra filling.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it up: Use hotter varieties of sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or a jack blend3.
• Bacon Wrap: Wrap each popper in a slice of bacon before baking for added smoky flavor6.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?A: Absolutely! You can stuff the jalapeños in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve1.

Q: How do I freeze these?A: To freeze, prepare the poppers up to the baking step. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time1.

Q: How do I handle the jalapeños safely?A: Wear gloves when cutting and seeding jalapeños to prevent skin irritation. Avoid touching your eyes or face while handling the peppers1.

Enjoy!

I hope you love these Spicy Sausage Jalapeño Poppers as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.