Description
Zesty jalapeño poppers with creamy cheese blend pack serious flavor punch. Crispy exterior and spicy kick make this Mexican-inspired appetizer irresistible for gatherings where you crave something bold and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
- 1 pound large fresh jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
Condiment:
- 1 (8 ounce/237 milliliters) bottle ranch dressing (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare jalapeños by carefully slicing them lengthwise and removing seeds and membranes with a small spoon, creating even boats for filling.
- Brown ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely.
- Combine cooked sausage with cream cheese and Parmesan in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the sausage-cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure even distribution and compact filling.
- Arrange stuffed peppers in a baking dish with sides touching to prevent tipping, ensuring they are stable and level.
- Roast in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 18-22 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and bubbling cheese surfaces.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow filling to set. Optionally, serve with cool ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Choose jalapeños that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Remove seeds and membranes carefully to reduce heat while maintaining pepper’s structural integrity.
- Use lean sausage to prevent excessive grease pooling during baking, ensuring crisp and appetizing results.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg