Description
These Savory Stuffed Jalapeño Bites are a perfect appetizer featuring fresh jalapeño halves filled with a flavorful mixture of browned sausage, creamy cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a spicy, cheesy bite ideal for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeño Peppers
- 20 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
Filling
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking dish or sheet by lightly greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended and creamy.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Arrange the halved and deseeded jalapeños on the prepared baking dish. Generously fill each jalapeño half with the sausage and cheese mixture, pressing the filling firmly to pack it well.
- 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 from the oven and serve the jalapeño bites hot, optionally accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from the oils.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for sausage if desired.
- For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or microwave.
