These Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese are an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for game day gatherings and summer parties. Fresh jalapeno peppers are generously stuffed with Italian ground sausage, cream cheese, green onions, and cheddar cheese delivering a perfect kick of savory heat.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- Selecting Jalapenos for Jalapeno Poppers
- Tips for Cleaning Out Jalapenos
- Easy Steps to Make Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- What to Serve with Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- Tips for Making Jalapeno Poppers In Advance
- Storage and Reheating Instructions for Baked Jalapeno Poppers
- Essential Tools for Making Jalapeno Poppers
- Explore More Easy and Delicious Appetizer Recipes
- Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Italian Sausage: You can also use traditional ground pork, ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage.
- Cream Cheese: I prefer to use full-fat cream cheese, but Neufchatel cheese is a lower-fat alternative that also works well.
- Cheddar Cheese: You can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Green Onions
- Optional: Kosher salt to taste, if desired. I find that if your Italian sausage is well-seasoned, you don't need any additional salt, but if you're swapping in an unseasoned ground meat you may consider adding some. I suggest tasting the cooked filling before adding any extra salt.
Selecting Jalapenos for Jalapeno Poppers
Not sure how spicy your jalapenos will be? Here are some tips to help you choose and understand their heat levels based on appearance:
- Stress Marks: Look for white lines or "stretch marks" on the peppers, which indicate stress during growth and can result in spicier jalapenos.
- Smoothness: Smooth and waxy jalapenos with no stretch marks are generally milder.
- Color: Older jalapenos may turn red, offering a sweeter flavor, but they can still be spicy, so don’t underestimate them.
Fine-Tune Spiciness in Jalapenos with This Tip
Many believe capsaicin, the compound responsible for heat, is primarily concentrated in the seeds of jalapenos. However, it is actually found in the highest concentrations in the pith and ribs (white inner membranes). When present in high concentrations, capsaicin itself can appear as a yellowish vein running through the white. Scraping out these parts can reduce the heat while preserving the flavor of the pepper.
Tips for Cleaning Out Jalapenos
Tools
Gloves: To avoid the capsaicin burn on your hands, wear clean kitchen gloves when handling jalapenos to clean out the seeds, pith, and ribs of the peppers.
Spoon Method: Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds, pith, and ribs of the jalapeno. This method is particularly successful if you want to remove as much of the ribs and pith as possible in the easiest way.
Knife Method: Alternatively, you can carefully use a small paring knife for precise cutting and cleaning.
Additional Tips for Handling Jalapenos
Avoid Rinsing: Rinsing jalapeno halves under water can wash away their flavor. Instead, gently scrape them to clean thoroughly.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Be careful not to touch your face, especially your eyes, while handling jalapenos.
How to Remove Capsaicin From Your Hands: If capsaicin does come into contact with your hands, using acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or dairy can often help remove it. Alternatively, a splash of alcohol or a grease-cutting dish soap can also be effective for removal. Avoid getting these substances in your eyes.
Easy Steps to Make Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit / 190 degrees Celcius. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Jalapenos:
- On a cutting board, carefully slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Optionally, slice off the tops.
- Scoop out all the seeds and remove as much of the white pith and ribs as desired to adjust the heat level. You can use a knife or a spoon to do this.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add chopped green onions and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and combined.
- Mix in two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz or 1 cup). Stir until the filling is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.
- Fill the Jalapenos: Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeno half.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the filled jalapenos.
- Bake: Place the jalapeno poppers on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the jalapenos are tender.
- Serve: Allow the jalapeno poppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious appetizers!
What to Serve with Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
These easy spicy stuffed jalapenos are a versatile addition to any menu, perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a flavorful dinner option. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
Pair with Other Appetizers:
Create an impressive party spread by serving alongside other easy appetizer recipes like deviled eggs, chicken wings, or a selection of dips and salsa.
As a Main Course:
Transform these peppers into a satisfying dinner by pairing with a hearty green salad or other side dishes such as baked potatoes, corn on the cob, or a tasty quinoa salad.
Tips for Making Jalapeno Poppers In Advance
Planning to prepare your Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese ahead of time? Here are some helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:
Prepping & Refrigerating:
You can assemble the jalapeno poppers up to 24 hours ahead of baking. Prepare them as instructed up to the baking step, then cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container before storing in the refrigerator.
Freezing for Later:
These peppers can also be frozen for 2-3 months, but note that they are best enjoyed when baked fresh or refrigerated, as baking from frozen can influence the texture of the peppers. To freeze, follow the assembly instructions and place the unbaked poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer (This flash-freezing method helps prevent the peppers from sticking together when frozen). Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Baking Instructions:
When ready to bake this make-ahead appetizer, preheat your oven as directed and place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For refrigerated peppers, add a few extra minutes to account for the chill. For frozen poppers, bake at the same temperature, adding additional time as needed until they are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Refrigerator:
Store baked jalapeno poppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 175 degrees Celsius. Bake on a sheet for 10-15 minutes until warm. To reheat in the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, noting texture changes.
Freezer:
Freeze baked poppers in a single layer until firm, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 175 degrees Celsius. Bake frozen poppers for 20-25 minutes until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking for desired temperature.
Essential Tools for Making Jalapeno Poppers
- A cutting board
- A kitchen scale
- A chef's knife (can also use a paring knife)
- A spoon (for filling each pepper and for scooping seeds, ribs, and pith out)
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Optional: Kitchen gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin
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Explore More Easy and Delicious Appetizer Recipes
Love these Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese? Here are some more of my favorite easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers perfect for game day parties and backyard barbecues:
- Artichoke Spinach Dip
- Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing
- Jalapeno Corn Fritters with Peach Butter
- Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs
- Deviled Eggs with Smoked Chorizo
- Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Wings with Firewhisky BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Wings with Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce
Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers & Bites, Mains
- Method: Oven / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage and Cream Cheese are an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for game day gatherings and summer parties. Fresh jalapeno peppers are generously stuffed with Italian ground sausage, cream cheese, green onions, and cheddar cheese delivering a perfect kick of savory heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jalapenos (about 8-10 large or 16 small)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz (1 ½ cups) cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 80 g (1 cup) green onions, chopped
- Optional: kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375 degrees Fahrenheit / 190 degrees Celcius. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the jalapenos:
- On a cutting board, carefully slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. If you prefer, you can also slice the tops off as you won't eat that part, but I prefer to leave them on because they look nicer.
- Scoop out all of the seeds, taking as much of the white pith and ribs as you prefer based on your heat preference (the white ribs and pith are where the majority of the heat is). You can carefully use a knife to do this or scoop them out with a spoon.
- Transfer the jalapeno halves onto the baking tray, cut side up.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Add the green onions and softened cream cheese to the pan with the sausage. Stir until melted and semi-combined.
- Add two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz or 1 cup) and stir until evenly combined. Remove from heat.
- Fill the jalapenos: Spoon the sausage mixture into each jalapeno half.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the cheddar cheese (2 oz or ½ cup) over the filled jalapenos.
- Bake: Transfer the jalapeno poppers to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges of the peppers start to darken and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
I find that if your Italian sausage is well-seasoned, you don't need any additional salt. I suggest tasting the cooked filling before adding any extra salt. If it needs it, add to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 295 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Carolyn says
This is the only jalapeño popper recipe I ever use now. I have made these countless times and everyone loves them. The green onions are the secret weapon! Sounds odd but it’s true. Also don’t overlook them. 25 minutes in my oven is perfect. The peppers still have some integrity and everything else is done. I have over cooked them and they are still delicious but limp and harder to handle.
Whip & Wander says
I'm so glad you enjoy these Jalapeno Poppers, Carolyn! They are one of our favorites too. You're right, the green onions are a secret weapon! They just aren't the same without them.
Teresa says
Can they be frozen?
Whip & Wander says
You can definitely freeze these. Cook the meat and assemble as normal, allow to cool, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven unless you plan to defrost.
Anna says
One of my all-time favourite snacks! They are perfect for any gatherings with friends and family too! Love your version of this recipe!
Paula Montenegro says
One of our favorite appetizers! And I learned about the peppers stretch marks. Such a great way to choose less spicy ones! Thanks for sharing.
Leslie says
I haven't had jalapeno poppers in a LONG time! You did an excellent job with this recipe! The flavors are perfect!
Sharon says
The sausage in these jalapenos makes this into a filling appetizer or meal. So spicy!
Jacqui DeBono says
We all like spice in our house, even the kids. These would last about 5 minutes! We are planning to make them the next game day!
Amanda says
I just love these jalapeno poppers! The sausage adds so much flavor, and you can never go wrong with an abundance of creamy cheese. These were such a hit!
Linda says
I actually made these for a March Madness party we were having that has since been cancelled due to the corona virus. So, that meant we had to eat them all ourselves - such a hardship! lol They were delicious with a hot Italian sausage I used and with the slight heat from the jalapenos too it just hit the spot. Can't wait to make them again when we can share the deliciousness.
Denise says
These are amazing! I can make and eat these any time and they are loved by everyone!
Kelly Anthony says
Jalapeno poppers are always first to disappear when we host a party too. I love your addition of Italian sausage taking these perfect appetizers to the next level.
Kay says
Wow wow wow, these are going to be fantastic at my next family gathering to add to my sharing plate selection! We are a lover of spicy foods, so these will be enjoyed by all!!
William says
Stars of Superbowl Sunday! So easy and so tasty. Mixed ground turkey with Italian sausage herbs and spices.
Thanks!
Marilyn Richardson Ortega says
I use Jimmy Dean Sausage, cream cheese, Mexican blend cheese...but I use the canned pickeled jalapenos remove seeds and add the pickled vegetables from.the can and mix them with the cheeses and sausage..
Michelle says
Yum! I love spicy foods and would love a plate of these right now. I really like the idea of adding sausage to it too