Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious appetizer or snack? Look no further! These sausage stuffed jalapeno poppers are the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness. They're incredibly versatile, perfect for game day, parties, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe provides a simple guide to creating these addictive bites from scratch, using readily available ingredients. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade culinary delights!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 12 large jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos:
Carefully slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the spiciness, if desired. (Tip: Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid getting the oils on your skin!)
Step 2: Cook the Sausage:
Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. (Tip: For a leaner version, you can drain the sausage more thoroughly or use a leaner ground sausage.)
Step 3: Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Jalapenos:
Spoon the sausage mixture generously into each jalapeno half. (Tip: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop for even distribution.)
Step 5: Bake (Optional: Breadcrumb Topping):
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the stuffed jalapenos. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the jalapenos are tender.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Poppers:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of your favorite chili powder or smoked paprika to the sausage mixture.
- Don't overfill the jalapenos; leave a little space to allow for expansion during baking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the jalapenos for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- These poppers are also delicious air-fried! Simply arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra spicy punch.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Meatless Marvel: Substitute the sausage with black beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per popper, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on sausage and cheese choices)
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Protein: Approximately 7-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-8g
These sausage stuffed jalapeno poppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and a perfect addition to any gathering or a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy!