Easy Jalapeno Popper Sausage Balls Recipe: Spicy-Cheesy Bliss
Spice lovers rejoice with these mouthwatering jalapeno popper sausage balls that pack a serious flavor punch.
These irresistible bite-sized treats blend creamy cheese, zesty sausage, and fiery jalapeno peppers into one perfect appetizer.
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create a rich, smooth base that complements the spicy kick of sausage and fresh jalapenos.
Each golden-brown ball delivers a crispy exterior with a molten center that melts in your mouth.
The combination of savory sausage and tangy cheese makes these appetizers impossible to resist.
Serve them at your next game day party or casual gathering, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Prepare to elevate your snack game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings serious heat and flavor to the table.
Why Jalapeno Popper Sausage Balls Are a Hit
Jalapeno Popper Sausage Balls Ingredient Lineup
Meat Base:Cheese and Binders:Flavor Enhancers:Sausage Ball Tools for Spicy Success
How to Make Jalapeno Sausage Balls Easily
Step 1: Fire Up The Oven
Turn your oven to a toasty 400°F.
Grab a parchment-lined baking sheet and set it nearby.
Step 2: Mix Flavor Explosion
In a stand mixer, toss in these mouthwatering ingredients:Blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks irresistibly delicious.
Step 3: Shape Tasty Bites
Using your hands or a scoop, roll the sausage mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until the sausage balls turn golden brown and are completely cooked through.
The edges should look crispy and tempting.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Transfer to a serving platter and watch them disappear at your next gathering.
These spicy, cheesy bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Sausage Ball Pro Tips for Cheesy Results
Creative Twists for Jalapeno Sausage Balls
Fun Ways to Serve Sausage Balls at Parties
Keeping Sausage Balls Fresh and Tasty
FAQs
These sausage balls have a moderate heat level from the jalapeno peppers and hot sausage. If you prefer less spice, remove the jalapeno seeds or use mild sausage.
Yes, you can prepare the sausage ball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked sausage balls for up to 1 month.
Hot sausage provides the best flavor, but you can use mild or medium sausage if you prefer less heat. Ensure the sausage is ground and uncooked when mixing with other ingredients.
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Jalapeno Popper Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Spicy jalapeño popper sausage balls blend creamy cheese, zesty peppers, and savory sausage into irresistible bite-sized appetizers. Guests will devour these crowd-pleasing morsels at parties, game nights, and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) hot sausage, uncooked
Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 4 ounces (4 oz) canned diced jalapeno peppers, undrained
- 1.5 cups Bisquick
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend hot sausage, cream cheese, diced jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, Bisquick, and shredded Mexican cheese blend until the mixture becomes uniform and sticky.
- Using a small scoop or clean hands, roll the mixture into compact 1-inch spheres, arranging them with slight spacing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote consistent browning and ensure the sausage balls are completely cooked with a golden exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly before serving, which helps maintain their shape and prevents burning mouths.
Notes
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust jalapeno quantity to control spiciness, removing seeds for milder taste or adding more for extra kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to enhance flavor complexity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare sausage balls in advance, refrigerate uncooked, and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free Bisquick and turkey sausage for lighter, alternative version that maintains delicious taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed
Founder & Food Content Creator
Expertise
Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation
Education
Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.
Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.