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Crispy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls

jalapeño popper sausage balls - featured image

These crispy jalapeño popper sausage balls combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and savory sausage in a golden, crunchy bite-sized appetizer. Perfect for parties, brunch, or game day, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground pork sausage
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
  • 23 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for coating)
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional, for coating)
  • Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo (for serving, optional)
  • Extra sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, baking mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out equal-sized balls (about 1–1.25 inches in diameter). Roll between your palms for a smooth finish.
  4. In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Roll each sausage ball lightly in the mixture to coat the outside (optional for extra crunch).
  5. Arrange sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Let sausage balls rest on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to keep them crispy.
  8. Serve warm with ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping, and garnish with extra sliced jalapeños if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free baking mix and breadcrumbs. For low-carb/keto, swap baking mix for almond flour and panko for pork rinds. Chill mixture if sticky before rolling. Sausage balls freeze well; reheat in oven for best texture. Adjust jalapeños for desired spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper sausage balls, cream cheese appetizer, party snack, easy sausage balls, spicy appetizer, game day food