Hey there, food lovers! Whether you’re gearing up for the big game or just looking for a mouthwatering appetizer, these Game Day Sausage Jalapeno Poppers are your ticket to flavor town. These poppers are packed with a savory sausage and cheese filling, all nestled in spicy jalapeno halves. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a tailgate party, a cozy gathering, or just a Friday night treat. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible poppers right at home!
Ingredients
- 10-12 large jalapeno peppers (halved lengthwise and seeded)
- 1 cup ground pork sausage (browned)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill/Oven
Set your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it come to temperature. This high heat will help get those poppers crispy and golden brown. - Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked ground pork sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy. - Stuff the Jalapenos
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cheese mixture into each halved jalapeno. Make sure to pack it in nicely, so each popper gets a good amount of that delicious filling. - Arrange for Baking/Grilling
Place the stuffed jalapeno halves into a baking dish. If you’re using a grill, you can also place them directly on the grill grates. - Bake/Grill
Bake or grill the poppers for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be bubbly and lightly browned on top. The heat will cook the jalapenos just right while melting and browning the filling. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove the poppers from the grill/oven and let them cool slightly. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and spicy goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Jalapenos: Opt for large, firm jalapenos. Smaller ones might be too spicy and can become mushy when cooked.
- Handling Heat: If you prefer less heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. For extra spice, leave some seeds in.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and to achieve a smooth, creamy filling.
Variations
- Cheddar Bacon Poppers: Replace the Parmesan cheese with shredded cheddar and add crumbled bacon to the filling.
- Mexican-Style Poppers: Mix in some taco seasoning and chopped cilantro for a Mexican twist.
- Spicy Sausage: Use a spicy sausage or add hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Herbed Poppers: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the filling for added freshness.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for a vegetarian sausage or a mix of finely chopped vegetables.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the filling for a smoky depth of flavor.
- BBQ Poppers: Brush the poppers with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking or grilling.
- Italian Poppers: Use Italian sausage and add some Italian seasoning and a bit of marinara sauce to the mix.
- Creamy Ranch: Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the filling for a creamy, herby twist.
- Blue Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy flavor.
What to Serve With
- Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the poppers.
- Sour Cream: Cool and creamy, it helps balance the heat.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, it adds a refreshing contrast.
- Mexican Rice: A hearty side that complements the flavors.
- Chips: Tortilla chips or pita chips work well for scooping up any extra filling.
- Queso Dip: For cheese lovers, a warm queso dip is a great addition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw provides a nice textural contrast.
- Nachos: Add these poppers on top of nachos for an extra special touch.
- Cucumber Slices: For a fresh and cooling side.
- Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread is a great side for these poppers.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked poppers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Quantity Suggestions for Family Gatherings
- For a small gathering, prepare 18 poppers.
- For a larger crowd, consider doubling or tripling the recipe, depending on the number of guests and their appetites.
Advance Preparation Advice
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the jalapeno poppers a day in advance. Stuff the jalapenos and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or grill.
- Freezing: Freeze the stuffed jalapenos before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Game Day Sausage Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10-12 Large Jalapeno Peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 cup Ground Pork Sausage browned
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the grill/oven to 425°F
- In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and onion powder
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each jalapeno half. Arrange stuffed halves into a baking dish
- Bake/Grill for 20 minutes in the preheated grill/oven, until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately and Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
