Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

Jalapenos: These spicy peppers are the star of the dish. Make sure to halve and seed them to control the heat.

Sausage: Use cooked and crumbled sausage to add a savory, meaty flavor to the stuffing.

Cream cheese: This soft cheese adds a creamy texture and balances the heat of the jalapenos.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps to bind the stuffing together.

When preparing the jalapenos, ensure they are evenly halved and thoroughly seeded to reduce the heat level. Use a small spoon or a paring knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the capsaicin. This will make the dish more enjoyable for those who prefer a milder spice. Additionally, for a smoother stuffing process, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it with the sausage and cheddar cheese. This ensures a more homogeneous mixture that is easier to work with and results in a more evenly stuffed jalapeno.

• jalapenos - Substitute with mini bell peppers: Mini bell peppers are milder in heat and provide a similar crunchy texture.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic sausage flavor.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage provides a plant-based alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture with fewer calories.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese provides a similar creamy texture and can be used for a lighter option.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and offers a mild flavor similar to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese provides a creamy, melty texture and a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• Allow the sausage stuffed jalapenos to cool completely after baking.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled jalapenos in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze the jalapenos on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the jalapenos to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the jalapenos on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover sausage stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the stuffed jalapenos on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until they are hot.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the stuffed jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the jalapenos are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the stuffed jalapenos in the skillet, cut side up.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the jalapenos are heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the stuffed jalapenos at 400°F (200°C) until they are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese into a uniform stuffing mixture.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the stuffed jalapenos on for baking in the oven.

• Knife: Used to halve and seed the jalapenos, preparing them for stuffing.

• Spoon: Used to stuff each jalapeno half with the sausage mixture.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to halve and seed the jalapenos.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese together in the mixing bowl.

Prepare the filling: Mix the cooked sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use a piping bag: Transfer the sausage mixture into a piping bag to quickly and evenly stuff the jalapeno halves.

Pre-cut jalapenos: Halve and seed the jalapenos in advance to save prep time on the day of cooking.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.