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
Scale
- 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.