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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!
Peppers, sausage, cheese, and herbs on a kitchen counter.

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
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How to Make Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos

  1. SAUSAGE. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain grease.
  2. FILLING. In a bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
    • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each jalapeño half.
  3. BAKE. Arrange stuffed halves into a baking dish. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.
  • 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.
Close up of sausage stuffed jalapenos served on a white tray.
5 from 35 votes

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos

By: Lil’ Luna
Quick and simple sausage stuffed jalapenos are filled with cream cheese and baked to perfection in only 30 minutes.
Servings: 10
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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

Recipe tips.
  • 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.
Prep ahead. These can be prepped several hours in advance and stored in the fridge before baking.
Freeze ahead. Place in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer Ziploc. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. 
Store leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 770mg, Potassium: 279mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 915IU, Vitamin C: 54.9mg, Calcium: 157mg, Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

Prep ahead of time?

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. 

How to store?

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.

This recipe was originally published May 2016.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 35 votes (35 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




46 Comments

  1. Dennis Barnett says:

    Why does the count on jalapeños not change when multiplying recipe?

  2. Kim V says:

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh that makes me so happy to hear!! So glad the recipe was such a hit!

  3. Jenn says:

    Can u freeze these after being cooked

  4. Sher Baker says:

    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.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks for sharing! Poppers are always such a fun choice!

  5. Tiffany L says:

    5 stars
    Simple ingredients and amazing taste! My go to jalapeño poppers!

  6. Hs says:

    5 stars
    Delisous and make them all the time. So easy and flavorful

  7. Sally says:

    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

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Haha!! Bacon is always a good idea. So glad you enjoyed the jalapeños!

  8. Paula Erbe says:

    5 stars
    These are delicious and easy to make!!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yay! So glad you enjoy them!