Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage

Spice up your game day with this Jalapeño Poppers recipe!

Are you ready to add a delicious twist to your appetizer game? Look no further than this tantalizing Jalapeño Poppers recipe. It’s a classic appetizer with a flavor that’s sure to be your new game-day favorite.

At the heart of this recipe are the jalapeño peppers, providing the perfect spicy bite.

I use full-fat cream cheese, blending it with a mixture of freshly cooked breakfast sausage, finely diced onion, and a hint of garlic powder.

This cream cheese mixture turns into a creamy, rich filling that pairs wonderfully with the heat of the peppers.

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Preparation

Preparing your jalapenos is a crucial step. Remember to wear gloves while handling these smaller peppers to avoid any spicy mishaps.

A paring knife works best for slicing the peppers in half and removing the seeds. Once you’ve prepared your jalapeno halves, it’s time to focus on the filling.

Cooking the sausage until it crumbles, and sautéing the onions to a translucent perfection, not only adds texture but also layers of flavor to your cream cheese filling.

The blend of these simple ingredients, combined with the creaminess of the cheese, creates a filling mixture that’s both flavorful and comforting.

Adding the Extras

Though this recipe is delicious as is, why not experiment with different flavors?

Adding a slice of bacon, especially thick-cut bacon, wrapped around the stuffed jalapeno halves, introduces a savory bacon note and a little extra kick.

For those who love cheese variety, mixing in some sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese with the cream cheese mixture can add extra flavor and a delightful melted cheese experience.

Cooking to Perfection

Whether you choose to bake these poppers in the oven or cook them on a grill, the key is to achieve that perfect balance where the jalapeño popper filling is hot and bubbly, and the peppers are just soft enough.

If you have a Traeger pellet grill or a pellet smoker, smoking the poppers adds an unbeatable smoky jalapeno poppers flavor. Cooking them on indirect heat with some wood chips can also introduce new layers of smoky flavor.

For those who prefer a quicker method, using an air fryer can cut down on cooking times while still delivering that irresistible crunch and gooey center.

Place the poppers in a single layer on the wire rack or baking sheet, and watch as they transform into a mouth-watering appetizer.

Serving and Storing

Once cooked, these jalapeño poppers make great appetizers for any gathering, from a tailgate party to a cozy family get-together.

If you find yourself with leftover poppers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They reheat well, so you can enjoy them the next day with the same vibrant flavors.

Share the Love

Don’t forget to share this favorite appetizer with your friends and family on social media.

Whether it’s your original recipe or this new game-day appetizer, food is always a good reason to come together and celebrate.

Conclusion: A New Twist on a Beloved Classic

This Jalapeño Poppers recipe is a perfect way to bring bolder flavors to your table.

With its combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy filling, and optional smoky bacon, it’s sure to become a popular appetizer at your next event.

Enjoy experimenting with the recipe, and don’t forget to print a recipe card to keep this gem handy for your next party!

Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 12-15 jalapenos
• 8 oz. of block cream cheese
• 1 small onion
• 12 oz. package of uncooked breakfast sausage
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

Note: Take cream cheese out of the fridge and place it on the counter for about 30 minutes to allow it to be easier to mix.

First, prepare the jalapenos.  Caution: when working with spicy food, do not touch your eyes, nose, or face.    

To prepare the jalapenos, cut off the tops and then slice each of them in half.  Next, take out the seeds and veins from the inside of the jalapenos.  This can be done with a spoon or a butter knife. If you do decide to use your hands, please wear gloves.  Then set the jalapenos aside.

Next, cook the 12oz package of breakfast sausage.  Rather than cut the sausage into patties, empty the entire roll of breakfast sausage into the frying pan, and stir until the sausage is cooked through and crumbled. 

Then, finely dice an onion.  Once diced, add the onion into the rendered pork sausage fat.  Let the onions saute until they are translucent and the edges just start to become brown. 

Next, in a large mixing bowl, add the cooked sausage, onions, and ¼ tsp of garlic powder to the softened cream cheese.  Stir until mixed well. 

Once the cream cheese, sausage, onion and garlic powder are mixed well, scoop a spoonful into each jalapeno half. 

The size of your jalapenos and the size of the scoops will determine if you have any left over filling.  If you do have any left over filling, don’t fret!

You can easily add the cream cheese as a topping or dip with corn chips at your dinner or party.

Finally, when the jalapenos are all filled, pop them into a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Putting them in the oven or even on the grill for a few minutes softens the jalapeno and toasts the cream cheese and sausage filling. 

Set them out at your next party and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jalapeño Poppers

Can I make these poppers in advance?

You can prepare the jalapeño poppers up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. This is a great way to save time on game day or at your tailgate party.

How can I make my jalapeño poppers less spicy?

To reduce the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes (the white stuff) inside the peppers, as they contain most of the heat. Choosing larger, milder jalapeño peppers can also help, as smaller peppers tend to be spicier.

What are some variations I can try for the filling?

The filling for jalapeño poppers is very versatile. Apart from the cream cheese and sausage, you can add ingredients like spinach dip, pimento cheese, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for different flavors. Experimenting with various cheeses, like sharp cheddar or pepper jack, can also add extra layers of taste.

Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?

You can freeze the stuffed jalapeño halves before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and add more vegetables to the cream cheese mixture, like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. Alternatively, substitute the sausage with a vegetarian protein like soy chorizo or veggie crumbles.

Can I use bacon in this recipe?

Wrapping each jalapeno half with a half slice of uncooked bacon before baking adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crisp texture. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon. Just make sure the bacon cooks through in the oven.

What’s the best way to serve jalapeño poppers?

Jalapeño poppers are best served warm, straight from the oven or smoker. They can be served on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy mayo for an extra kick.

How do I store and reheat leftover poppers?

Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Can I make these poppers in an air fryer?

Air frying is a great option. Preheat your air fryer, and cook the poppers in a single layer for about 8-10 minutes at 370°F, or until they are golden and crispy.

Any tips for wearing gloves while handling jalapeños?

Wearing gloves is important to avoid skin irritation or accidentally rubbing your eyes with spicy fingers. Disposable kitchen gloves work best. Remember to dispose of them immediately after use to avoid cross-contamination.