Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls

Name: Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 balls
Ingredients: 1 pound ground sausage; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup jalapeños, diced; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipes

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are the perfect combination of flavor and heat, making them an irresistible appetizer for any gathering.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-09T21:49:32.588Z

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, bringing together the creamy goodness of jalapeño poppers with the savory flavor of sausage. Perfect for game days or any festive occasion, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors
Easy to make and ideal for gatherings
Creamy cheese filling that complements the sausage

      

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls are a fantastic choice for a variety of gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game day party, or a festive holiday celebration, these savory bites will undoubtedly be a hit. Their irresistible combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese makes them an appealing option for guests of all ages.

Not only are they delicious, but they also come together quickly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with friends and family. Serve them as a standalone appetizer, or pair them with your favorite dips for an extra layer of flavor. Regardless of how you choose to present them, these sausage balls are sure to impress.

Spice Level Customization

One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to spice. While the jalapeños provide a nice kick, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference. If you’re looking for a milder version, simply reduce the amount of diced jalapeños or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

Conversely, if you crave more heat, consider adding extra jalapeños or even some crushed red pepper flakes. This flexibility allows you to cater to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors, making these sausage balls a crowd-pleaser no matter the audience.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls can be made ahead of time, making them even more convenient for busy hosts. Prepare the mixture and form the balls, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake the frozen sausage balls straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to have a delicious appetizer on hand whenever the occasion arises, ensuring you’re always prepared for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls

1 pound ground sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup jalapeños, diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, form 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 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

These sausage balls are best enjoyed warm.

Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options include ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a zesty chipotle mayo. Each dip adds a unique twist, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

For a more adventurous take, try serving them with avocado crema or a fresh salsa. The coolness of these toppings balances the heat from the sausage balls, creating a delightful contrast that will leave your guests reaching for more!

Nutritional Information

While these sausage balls are undeniably delicious, it's also important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each ball is packed with protein from the sausage and cheese, making them a satisfying appetizer. However, they are also high in calories and fat, so moderation is key.

Consider serving them alongside a fresh veggie platter or a light salad to create a balanced appetizer spread. This way, your guests can enjoy the delicious flavors without overindulging, making for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Refrigerate them and bake when ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze the sausage balls?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked sausage balls. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What kind of dipping sauce goes well with these?

They pair well with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a tangy BBQ sauce.

→ How spicy are these sausage balls?

The heat level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or using milder peppers if preferred.