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Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls

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These jalapeño popper sausage balls combine the creamy, cheesy flavor of classic poppers with the hearty bite of sausage balls. They’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you need a spicy, savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pork sausage (mild breakfast sausage preferred, or turkey sausage for lighter option)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 large fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat, or use 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
  • Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Set the cream cheese out to soften. Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finely dice the jalapeños (wear gloves if sensitive to spice).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix by hand or with a sturdy spatula until smooth and fully blended. Do not overmix.
  3. Add the shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, and diced jalapeños to the bowl. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the sausage mixture. Gently fold everything together until no dry spots remain. If the mix feels too wet, add a tablespoon more flour; if too dry, add a splash of milk or water.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and sizzling. The cheese should be bubbling and the tops lightly browned.
  9. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for better melting. If the dough is sticky, chill for 10-15 minutes before rolling. Adjust the number of jalapeños for desired spice level. Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free or low-carb version. Sausage balls can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

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