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
Scale
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