Description
These Savory Stuffed Jalapeño Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring fresh jalapeños filled with a flavorful blend of browned ground sausage, creamy cream cheese, and sharp Parmesan cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for parties or snacking, they offer a spicy kick balanced with creamy richness.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking dish or sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground sausage until it is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease from the pan and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly blended and smooth.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Arrange the halved jalapeños on the prepared baking dish with the cut side up. Generously fill each jalapeño half with the sausage and cheese mixture, pressing it in so it is well-packed.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the stuffed jalapeños are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the jalapeño bites from the oven and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For less heat, you can leave some or all of the seeds in the jalapeños off.
- Make sure to drain the sausage well to prevent greasy filling.
- Allow the cooked sausage to cool slightly before mixing to keep the cream cheese from melting too much.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Pair with ranch dressing or a creamy dip to complement the spiciness.
