Sausage Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers get an upgrade with smoked gouda cheese and fresh chives; the perfect jalapeno appetizer for your next party!
One of Jason’s go-to appetizer recipes are these Sausage Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers. He’s made this party dish for football watch parties, New Year’s Eve, and over the summer to hold friends over while he’s grilling outside. It’s been his go-to appetizer for years, and now I’m sharing it with YOU.
If you like the flavors of fresh jalapeños, make a batch of Jalapeno Ranch Dip next!
ingredients for jalapeno poppers with sausage
You only need 5-ingredients to make a batch of sausage stuffed jalapeños. I like smoked gouda cheese to elevate the flavors, but you can easily use cheddar cheese, if you prefer to keep it classic.
- jalapeno peppers: fresh peppers, sliced in half.
- 1lb breakfast sausage: mild or spicy. You can also use Italian pork sausage or chicken or turkey sausage to lower the fat.
- cream cheese: softened to room temperature for easy spreading. full fat or 1/3 fat will both work for this recipe.
- gouda cheese: smoked, and shredded.
- herbs: fresh chives and/or green onions for the filling, and garnish.
Can I use a different cheese instead of gouda?
Absolutely. Shredded cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even smoked mozzarella are all delicious swaps, if you don’t have gouda or don’t like gouda cheese for these jalapeno poppers with sausage.
How to cut and seed a jalapeno pepper:
First, I recommend using gloves: It’s not 100% necessary, but for most people (yours truly included), handling raw jalapeno peppers can burn your hands. And even if it doesn’t burn, if you rub your eye after cutting said jalapeno, you’ll definitely burn your eye. So just a tip for you. In a pinch, you can also use a plastic grocery bag to protect your hands.
- Halve the jalapeno pepper lengthwise: you’ll be able to see the inside (membrane, also called, “rib”) to remove the seeds with a spoon.
- Remove the seeds: Use a small spoon to scrape the seeds and rib from each half.
Can I make sausage stuffed jalapeños ahead of time?
Yes. You can cut and seed the jalapeños, and fill them with the sausage and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. I’d suggest removing from the refrigerator 20-minutes before baking to come to room temperature.
Can I freeze jalapeno poppers with sausage?
Yes! Similar to making ahead, assemble them but do not bake until ready to serve.
- Freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or vacuum seal.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake. Serve and enjoy!
more easy appetizer ideas
Sausage Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers made with Cream Cheese and gouda
Ingredients
- 15 medium fresh jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or hot) - or Italian pork sausage, chicken or turkey
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature - full-fat or 1/3 fat
- 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- handful of scallions, chopped, to garnish - optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉
- Using kitchen gloves or a plastic grocery bag to protect your hands, halve each jalapeno lengthwise. Remove seeds and ribs using a spoon.
- To a medium skillet, cook sausage on medium-high heat approx 8-10 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain fat.
- To the skillet with cooked sausage, add cream cheese, smoked gouda and chives; mix well. Fill each pepper with a generous portion of sausage mixture.
- Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, until peppers are roasted and filling is lightly browned. Top with scallions, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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First of all, thank you for adding the macros. I try to eat clean and so many “low carb” recipes never add the macros so when I go to do it myself I find out that they aren’t really low carb. But this recipe for sausage stuffed jalapenos looks totally awesome. Plus Darcee LOVES gouda so if I make this for her she will Love me even more! The only problem is how much heartburn I will get after eating them all!
I’m glad I could help, Eric! I use My Fitness Pal to calculate macros, and whatever brand gouda or cream cheese could change numbers a bit but it shouldn’t too much, if at all. Hope you enjoy!
These look great and easy!
I always touch my eye after handling jalapenos.