These Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños are the ultimate appetizer for any gathering! They’re spicy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly delicious, combining the heat of jalapeño peppers with a creamy, flavorful filling of sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan. I love how this recipe is both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for game day, parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful snack.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
- Spicy and Savory: The combination of jalapeños and seasoned sausage creates a delicious kick.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The cream cheese and Parmesan filling is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These stuffed jalapeños are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level and add your favorite variations.
Ingredients for Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Here’s what you’ll need to make these spicy appetizers. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Jalapeño peppers, halved and seeds removed (Vegetable)
- Ground sausage (Meat)
- Cream cheese (Dairy)
- Parmesan cheese, shredded (Dairy)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Sausage: Use Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage.
- Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to the filling.
- Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling.
- Add Bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon before baking.
- Different Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs.
- Add Veggies: Add chopped onions
How to Make Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños:
Preheat Oven
- I preheat my oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C).
Cook Sausage
- In a pan, I cook the sausage until brown, then drain any grease.
Mix Filling
- I mix the cooked sausage, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese together in a bowl.
Prepare Jalapeños
- I halve the jalapenos.
- Remove seeds
Stuff Jalapeños
- I arrange the jalapeño halves on a baking dish.
- I stuff each half with the sausage and cheese mixture.
Bake
- I bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage and cheese mixture turns a golden brown.
Serve
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Stuffed Jalapeños
Here are my secrets for making these jalapeños truly exceptional:
- Wear Gloves: When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to protect your skin from the capsaicin (the compound that makes them spicy).
- Remove Seeds and Membranes: Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños reduces the heat. If you like it spicier, leave some of the seeds in.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is much easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overstuff: Don’t overfill the jalapeño halves, or the filling will spill out during baking.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Baking until the filling is golden brown ensures that the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sausage is cooked through.
How to Serve
These Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños are perfect for:
- Appetizers: A great appetizer for parties, game days, or potlucks.
- Snacks: A satisfying and flavorful snack.
- Side Dish: Serve them alongside your favorite main course.
Serve them with your favorite jalapeño poppers dip, such as:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Sour cream
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the stuffed jalapeños ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover baked jalapeños can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs about Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
- Can I use a different type of sausage?
- Yes, you can use Italian sausage, chorizo, or any type of sausage you like.
- Can I make these without the cream cheese?
- The cream cheese adds a lot of creaminess and flavor to the filling, but you can try omitting it or substituting it with another type of cheese.
- Can I freeze these jalapeños?
- Yes
Enjoy these spicy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños! They’re a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Print
Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 40 jalapeño halves 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: American, Tex-Mex
Description
These Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños are a spicy, savory, and cheesy appetizer. Jalapeño halves are filled with a mixture of cooked ground sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 20 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed (see notes)
- 1 pound ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or spicy)
- 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeño peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or a paring knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and drained sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves, filling each one generously.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed jalapeño halves on a baking sheet (lining with parchment paper or foil is optional, for easier cleanup).
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and bubbly, and the jalapeños are tender.
- Serve with favorite dip.
Notes
- Jalapeño Heat: The heat level of jalapeños can vary. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat significantly. For a spicier popper, leave some of the seeds and membranes intact. Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños, and avoid touching your eyes.
- Sausage: You can use any type of ground sausage you like, such as Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), breakfast sausage, or even chorizo.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these stuffed jalapeños as an appetizer or snack. They’re great for parties, game days, or any gathering. They’re often served with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or sour cream for dipping.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept.