Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of savory sausage, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese, making them a delightful appetizer for any occasion.

Lara

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2025-12-09T21:53:31.993Z

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are a delightful twist on the classic appetizer, perfect for game day, parties, or simply a delicious snack. The combination of spicy jalapeños and savory sausage brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of heat and flavor
  • Easy to make and perfect for gatherings
  • Cheesy goodness in every bite

The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. These bite-sized delights pair exceptionally well with a variety of beverages, making them an ideal choice for parties. Their unique combination of flavors will tantalize your guests' taste buds, leaving them craving more.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday celebration, or simply a weekend get-together, these sausage balls are sure to impress. Their satisfying crunch and creamy filling create a delightful contrast that your friends and family will love. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of these Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or sausage to cater to your personal taste. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or opt for a less spicy sausage, while cheese lovers can add a blend of their favorite cheeses for extra flavor.

Additionally, these sausage balls can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. Simply prepare the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them an excellent option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance your experience with these Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls, consider pairing them with a zesty dipping sauce. A creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing works beautifully to balance the heat. Alternatively, a tangy salsa or guacamole can add a refreshing touch that complements the savory flavors of the sausage and cheese.

For drinks, craft beers or a chilled white wine can elevate your appetizer spread. A light lager or a fruity Pinot Grigio can help to cool down the spice while enhancing the overall flavors. Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand, as these delicious bites can get a little messy—but that’s all part of the fun!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground sausage
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten

Make sure to mix all the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, flour, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Balls

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spicy jalapeño popper sausage balls!

These sausage balls can be served warm or at room temperature.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls left over, storing them is simple. Just place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to restore their original texture and flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked sausage balls. Lay them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Nutritional Information

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are not only delicious but also pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. With a base of protein-rich sausage and creamy cheeses, they provide a satisfying snack that can keep you energized during your gatherings. However, keep in mind that they are best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your caloric intake.

If you're looking to lighten the recipe, consider using low-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage as substitutes. This way, you can still enjoy the rich flavors without compromising your dietary goals. Regardless of how you prepare them, these sausage balls are a delightful treat that everyone will adore.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I freeze the sausage balls?

Absolutely! You can freeze the raw sausage balls. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these sausage balls?

Creamy ranch, spicy mustard, or a cheese dip are great options to accompany these sausage balls.

→ How can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of savory sausage, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese, making them a delightful appetizer for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Lara

Recipe Type: World Cuisine

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground sausage
  2. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  3. 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  4. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  5. 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  10. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  11. 1 egg, beaten

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, flour, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spicy jalapeño popper sausage balls!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g