Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouth-watering sausage appetizer recipes! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack to serve at your next gathering or a show-stopping dish to impress your friends, we’ve got you covered. Sausages are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of creative and delicious applications.
From classic combinations like sausage and cheese to bold and spicy flavors like jalapeño poppers, these 18 savory sausage appetizer recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and require minimal prep time, so you can focus on what really matters – enjoying the company of your guests!
In this article, we’ll be diving into some of our favorite sausage-based appetizers that are perfect for any occasion. From bite-sized snacks to more substantial finger foods, we’ve got a variety of options to suit every taste and preference.
Stay tuned for some serious inspiration and get ready to elevate your entertaining game with these irresistible sausage appetizer recipes!
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls Recipe
Elevate your snack game with these flaky and savory Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls, perfect for parties or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 4-6 sausage links (such as breakfast sausage or Italian sausage), casings removed
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut the sausage links into 1-inch pieces.
4. Place a sausage piece in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around it.
5. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Fold the pastry over the sausage, forming a triangle or a cylinder shape, and press the edges to seal.
7. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
8. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizers with this savory and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the richness of sausage.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with about 1/4 cup of the sausage mixture.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Cheese Dip
Get ready to score a touchdown with this mouth-watering sausage and cheese dip! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, cut into cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in Worcestershire sauce and paprika.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cheese and half-and-half. Stir until smooth.
5. Add the cooked sausage to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the dip into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Mini Sausage Balls with Biscuit Mix
Mini Sausage Balls with Biscuit Mix
Get ready to satisfy your snack attack with these bite-sized sausage balls, made easy with biscuit mix!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of biscuit mix (7.5 oz)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
– 1 pound of breakfast sausage, casings removed
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix and melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
3. Add sausage to the biscuit mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Beat in egg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small balls, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage Jalapeño Poppers
Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Sausage Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect combination of spicy and savory, featuring juicy sausage stuffed inside crispy jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 jalapeño peppers
– 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the jalapeños and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Stuff each jalapeño with about 1-2 tablespoons of sausage, dividing it evenly among the peppers.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage in each pepper.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
A delicious twist on traditional crescent rolls, these sausage and cream cheese bites are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of croissant dough (8-10 pieces)
– 1/2 pound sweet or hot sausage, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out each crescent piece into a triangle.
3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of crumbled sausage in the center of each triangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese on top of the sausage.
5. Fold the triangles into balls by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point, and then press the edges to seal.
6. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bite.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Sausage-Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Sausage-Stuffed Cherry Peppers Recipe
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines sweet cherry peppers with savory sausage for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 12 cherry peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
4. Stuff each pepper with about 1/4 cup of cooked sausage.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and garlic.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Cheddar Pinwheels
These savory pinwheels are perfect for a quick snack or lunch on-the-go. Soft tortillas wrapped around sausage, cheddar cheese, and herbs make for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 mini tortillas
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage (such as chorizo or Italian sausage), cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley.
3. Lay a tortilla flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the sausage-cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the pinwheel into a neat cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Place pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Sausage Bites with Honey Mustard
Get ready to elevate your tailgating game or weekend gathering with these bite-sized BBQ sausage bites smothered in a sticky honey mustard glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
4. Add the honey mustard glaze to the cooked sausage and stir to combine.
5. Spoon the sausage mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bite.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Sausage and Pepper Skewers
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional skewers! These Sausage and Pepper Skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun BBQ gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite BBQ sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread sausage, bell peppers, onions, and garlic onto metal skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Sausage Spinach Artichoke Cups
These bite-sized cups are a delicious twist on traditional spinach and artichoke dip. Perfect for parties or game-day gatherings, they’re easy to make and always a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of sausage balls (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for the muffin tin
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Wrap each sausage ball in a piece of plastic wrap, then press into muffin tin cups, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Fill the cup with the spinach-artichoke mixture, dividing it evenly among the sausage balls.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Onion Tartlets
These savory tartlets are perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for your next gathering. Flaky pastry, sweet caramelized onions, and juicy sausage come together in a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 4 Italian sausage links, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Spoon a small amount of sausage onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Top with a spoonful of caramelized onions.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Press edges to seal.
7. Place tartlets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage-Wrapped Dates with Bacon
Sausage-Wrapped Dates with Bacon Recipe
Discover the perfect sweet and savory combination with these indulgent sausage-wrapped dates. A flavorful twist on a classic appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 4 Italian sausages, casings removed
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the dates in half lengthwise.
3. Stuff each date with a small spoonful of sausage meat.
4. Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of crumbled bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sausage Cornbread Muffin Bites
A twist on traditional cornbread, these bite-sized muffins combine the savory flavors of sausage and corn with a moist and crumbly texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (such as breakfast links or Italian sausage)
– 1 cup corn kernels
– Butter, melted (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and crumbled sausage until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in corn kernels.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Hash Brown Bites
Elevate your snack game with these savory sausage and hash brown bites, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a party appetizer. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 sausage links (such as chorizo or Italian-style)
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine diced sweet potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Using your hands, shape into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place sausage links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Place a sweet potato ball on top of each sausage link.
7. Drizzle beaten egg over the sweet potatoes to help them brown.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until sausage is cooked through and hash browns are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage Garlic Bread Pizza Bites
Sausage Garlic Bread Pizza Bites Recipe
Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized pizza bites packed with sausage and garlic flavor! These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
3. In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Place a piece of dough on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sausage mixture onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Seal the edges with a fork.
8. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy your Sausage Garlic Bread Pizza Bites!
Sausage-Filled Phyllo Cups
Sausage-Filled Phyllo Cups Recipe
Summary: This savory treat combines the flaky goodness of phyllo dough with the flavor and texture of sausage, making for a perfect finger food or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 pound of cooked sausage (such as Italian sausage or Chorizo), crumbled
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. Cut the phyllo into squares, approximately 3 inches per side.
4. Place a spoonful of crumbled sausage in the center of each square.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of cheese over the sausage.
6. Fold the phyllo into triangles by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
7. Brush the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Place the cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Apple Brie Bites
Elevate your appetizer game with these sweet and savory bites, featuring sausage, apple, and creamy brie cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 8 ounces brie cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Arrange a piece of sausage in the center of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around. Top with diced apple and a small slice of brie cheese.
5. Drizzle honey over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the pastry squares into triangles or squares, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 18 savory sausage appetizer recipes that are simply irresistible! From classic combinations like puff pastry sausage rolls and cheese dip, to creative twists such as sausage-stuffed mushrooms and jalapeño poppers, there’s something for every sausage lover. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or an impressive party spread, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to impress.