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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes » Easy Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage

    Published: Dec 6, 2020 by Linda Warren

    Easy Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage

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    Delicious, spicy and super easy to make, these baked jalapeno poppers will be a hit at any party. Jalapenos are stuffed with a mix of leftover stuffing and Italian sausage then smothered with ooey gooey cheese. Baked, not fried, will make them a real crowd pleaser. 

    Plateful of poppers with marinara dipping sauce.

    Jalapeno Poppers without cream cheese

    I'm getting so excited about the holidays and the family gathering together. Before dinner, I always have appetizers for munching and this year I've narrowed it down to a few of my favorites. Appetizers like my easy Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs, spicy Mexican Cheese Dip and the best ever Classic Guacamole are on the menu, plus these easy baked jalapeno poppers. 

    Plateful of jalapeno poppers with sausage and a marinara dipping sauce.

    These jalapeno poppers were created after Thanksgiving when I had plenty of leftover stuffing in the refrigerator. Ummm, what to do with it? Stuffing something seemed like a good idea and what could be better than adapting a jalapeno poppers recipe to accommodate the stuffing! And don't despair, you can make these year round too with just a box of packaged stuffing.

    I also did a little switcheroo with the cheese. I left out the usual cream cheese as the stuffing was already moist then added some spicy Italian sausage to the mix.  And since everything is always  better with ooey gooey cheese, I added it to the top. Bingo, a creamy, spicy, cheesy appetizer that will wow everyone!

    Bite of jalapeno popper over plateful.

    Variations and tips

    • Change out the Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella of a combination of all three.
    • Want it cheesier? Add the cheese to the stuffing and sprinkle panko crumbs on top for a little crunch.
    • Love bacon? You can wrap the entire stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon and secure with toothpick.
    • Use cooked bacon, shredded chicken, cooked ground beef or crab in lieu of the Italian sausage in the mixture.

    Pro-tip: Wear gloves when cutting jalapeno and removing seeds and ribs. If you don't, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or any part of your face.

    How to make jalapeno poppers with sausage

    Ingredients for jalapeno poppers and mixing ingredients together.

    1. Gather the 4 simple ingredients. (photo 1)
    2. Cook the sausage, breaking up as it cooks, then combine with the stuffing. (photo 2)

    Halved jalapenos ready to stuff.

    1. Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Wear gloves when removing seeds and ribs to prevent getting any in your eyes or mouth. If you don't have gloves, just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. (photo 3)

    Jalapenos with stuffing in them on cookie sheet.

    1. Heap stuffing mixture into each of the jalapenos. (photo 4)

    Sprinkling poppers with cheese.

    1. Sprinkle with cheese and bake. If you like the cheese a little browned just pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of the cook time.(photo 5)

    Overhead of stuffed jalapeno poppers with sausage on white serving plate with red plaid placemat.

    Now enjoy these deliciously spicy, cheesy jalapeno poppers with sausage appetizers. I like to serve mine with marinara but they're also great with ranch, blue cheese or a creamy dressing. You can also prep ahead of time and keep in refrigerator for 3-5 days then cook as directed. You can also freeze the leftovers for about 1 month, thaw in refrigerator, then reheat for 20-25 minutes. Perfect for the busy holiday season. Enjoy!

    More holiday appetizers

    Easy Chicken Wonton Wraps are a quick and easy finger food filled with chicken & vegetables then baked to a crispy finish. 

    Kahlua Pecan Brie is warmed to a creamy deliciousness then topped with sweet candied pecans that carry a subtle coffee flavor.

    Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies are an easy to make appetizer made with smoky sausages wrapped in bacon and topped with a brown sugar glaze that bakes into a glazed candy-like finish. 

    Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list here and receive a free e-book.

     

    White platter with stuffed jalapenos with marinara on plaid placemat.

    Baked Jalapeno Poppers

    Serve up these easy baked jalapeno poppers at your next party! Full of sausage stuffing and yummy melted cheese they are sure to please any crowd.
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    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 16 appetizers
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups leftover stuffing or a boxed stuffing can be used
    • 2 Italian sausages with casing removed I like to use the hot for a little more kick
    • 8 large jalapeños
    • 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare cookie sheet by lining with foil to make clean-up easier.
    • If you are not using leftover stuffing, prepare boxed stuffing according to package instructions.
    • In a medium-sized skillet cook sausage thoroughly, chopping to break it up into pieces as it cooks.
    • Drain and add to stuffing. Mix well.
    • Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
    • Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Divide sausage stuffing between peppers then sprinkle with cheese.
    • Cook 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and browned.  If it needs a little more browning you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Variations and tips

    • Change out the Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella of a combination of all three.
    • Want it cheesier? Add the cheese to the stuffing and sprinkle panko crumbs on top for a little crunch.
    • Love bacon? You can wrap the entire stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon and secure with toothpick.
    • Use cooked bacon, shredded chicken, cooked ground beef or crab in lieu of the Italian sausage in the mixture.
    Pro-tip: Wear gloves when cutting jalapeno and removing seeds and ribs. If you don't, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or any part of your face.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 8.6mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 0.7mg

    This post has been updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions. It was first published on January 30, 2014.

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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