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We LOVE food, and we especially center most of our family get-togethers and parties around the menu.
Appetizers always make an appearance and these sausage stuffed jalapenos are a favorite! It’s right up there with our Jalapeno Popper Dip. We do love our spicy peppers here in Arizona!
Since the peppers are seeded in this recipe, there isn’t much spice – that is unless you use spicy sausage or add some heat to the cream cheese mixture which is possible. Either way, they are absolutely wonderful!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- A quick prep snack. Assemble the stuffed peppers in about 5 minutes and let them cook! Now that’s one easy appetizer.
- An extra savory twist. Similar to a jalapeno popper, these are packed with cream cheese, but adding sausage makes them a heartier bite!
- For beginnings. There are just a few simple steps to create this mouth-watering appetizer!

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1 pound ground pork sausage – or ground chicken or chorizo
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded – or cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound fresh jalapeño peppers, about 20, halved lengthwise and seeded – Jalapenos are a milder pepper, but can still pack a punch. To reduce the heat, remove all of the seeds as well as the membrane in the middle you can also soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to help draw out the hot oils. Drain and pat dry before adding the filling.
- 8 ounces ranch dressing – optional for dipping






How to Make Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
- SAUSAGE. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain grease.
- FILLING. In a bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each jalapeño half.
- BAKE. Arrange stuffed halves into a baking dish. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve with Homemade Ranch Dressing.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- The oil in the jalapeños can irritate your skin. Be sure to wear gloves and do not touch your face. When you’re done remove the gloves and wash your hands.
- For even milder jalapenos, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before filling.
- Soften the cream cheese to make it easier to mix with the sausage and other ingredients.


Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 pound fresh jalapeño peppers, about 20, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 8 ounces ranch dressing, (optional) for dipping
Instructions
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain grease.
- In a bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each jalapeño half.
- Arrange stuffed halves into a baking dish. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve with Homemade Ranch dressing.
Video
Notes
- The oil in the jalapeños can irritate your skin, so wear gloves and do not touch your face. When you’re done remove the gloves and wash your hands.
- For even milder jalapenos, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before filling.
- Softened cream cheese will be easier to mix with the sausage and other ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prepare sausage-stuffed jalapenos the day before and store them, covered, in the fridge.
To freeze, place in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer Ziplock. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Store stuffed jalapeños in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or the oven.
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This recipe was originally published May 2016.
Why does the count on jalapeños not change when multiplying recipe?
I didn’t have huge hopes with this due to the simplicity of the recipe. And I had to use chorizo since it’s what I had on hand. OH MY GOODNESS these were so delicious!!!! Thanks for a great and extremely simple recipe! I’m a terrible cook so I’m learning a lot and this was a great lesson on less being just fine!
Oh that makes me so happy to hear!! So glad the recipe was such a hit!
Can u freeze these after being cooked
All of our family and friends love POPPERS….I use a hot sausage and shredded cheese ( use your favorite) mixed with the cream cheese before stuffing the peppers. Once they are filled I sprinkle shredded parm on top , then bake. If in a pinch for time or making it a little easier, or with less fat, I use pre cooked turkey crumbles and if you like extra spice put a couple dashes of hot sauce in while mixing all together. You just can’t go wrong and they’re such a hit at any get together.
Thanks for sharing! Poppers are always such a fun choice!
Simple ingredients and amazing taste! My go to jalapeño poppers!
Delisous and make them all the time. So easy and flavorful
I always make em like this and to add a bit more flavor, I wrap them in bacon. Omg make ya wanna slap ya mama. But don’t please lol
Haha!! Bacon is always a good idea. So glad you enjoyed the jalapeños!
These are delicious and easy to make!!
Yay! So glad you enjoy them!
These are not stuffed they are filled.
I’m using taco hamburger meat with cream cheese and cheddar. Can they be frozen after stuffed; to cook later?
Yep! I’d suggest having them freeze for a couple hours lying flat on a tray until they are solid, then you can move them to a freezer bag to store.
Can I do these as a cold no bake appetizer?
You could but they really do taste better when served warm. You could make them ahead and them pop them in the microwave on low for about 20-30 seconds.
This recipe was Wonderful! It’s my go to for appetizers! Super easy/ delicious!
Thanks for sharing!! So glad to hear you enjoy the recipe!!
Can I use celery instead of Jalapeños
Sure! I think celery would be a great substitution! Let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear!
tHESE stuffed jalapenos are delicious. Made just as directed; although i par-boiled the whole peppers for 5 minutes in boiling water — this takes some of the oil out and helps along with the removal of the seeds and membranes when cut. will be making them again for sure. : )
Sounds perfect! I will have to try! Thank you so much for sharing that!
Can you tell me what type of sausage i should use? Italian or breaKast
Any is fine. Mine might have been ground Italian pork sausage, but your favorite will work 🙂
can you make them the nite befor
Chris, I use Jimmy dean ground sausage, just regular flavor.
It is hard for me to even get one of these when i make them because my family absolutely loves them!! do not microwave them though with thte stem on
My husband is A jalapeno fan. This recipe is Really easy to follow. I love the added instructions on how to grill and fry. Thanks for posting.
Love mixing up my typical jalapeno and cream cheese appetizer and trying this!
Love these for an easy appetizer!
These were incredible! I absolutely loved the cream cheese with the jalapenos!
These are so aWesome! Perfct for sunday family gatherings.
Delicious! I use to prefer stuffed peppers but now i prefer stuffing JALAPEÑOS for the extra kick. great RECIPE!
I had no idea how much I would love these, until now!! Made them for an appetizer & they were super easy to make & so delicious!! I loved the mixture!
A great tasting appetizer for any occasion! You will love how simple and hearty these jalapenos are!
Well that sounds like the perfect flavor combo for sausage. Looks wonderful!
They are so good!!! It’s a great combo for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
This jalapenos must be delicious. Have a good meal. Thanks
They are super delicious!! I hope you give them a try!! Thanks so much!
My Husband would love these so much. He doesn’t get to have many spicy foods because of the kids, and he would probably love them as an appetizer for Father’s Day. Thanks so much for sharing!
That would be a great day to give him, his own special recipe! These are so good and definitely have a kick to them:) Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for this recipe I love jalapenos.
They are so delicious!!! I hope you like them!! Thank you for stopping by!
You’re welcome.
These are easy to make and taste great!
MY family loves them