Sausage Cheese Puffs Recipe

Fluffy Sausage Cheese Puffs Recipe: A Fun Bite-sized Delight

Crispy and golden sausage cheese puffs have become my ultimate party snack sensation.

These delightful bites pack an incredible flavor punch that surprises everyone at gatherings.

One bite reveals a perfect blend of savory and rich textures melting together seamlessly.

You’ll appreciate how quickly these appetizers come together with minimal ingredients.

Small pastry shells cradle warm, spiced sausage and melted cheese in each irresistible morsel.

Quick hands and hungry guests mean these puffs vanish within minutes of arriving on the table.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Sausage Cheese Puffs Are A Party Favorite

  • Whip Up Quickly: These sausage cheese puffs are incredibly fast to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous snack cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe offers fantastic flexibility, allowing you to swap sausage types, experiment with different cheese varieties, or adjust spices to match your personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with savory sausage and melted cheese, these puffs are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game nights, or family potlucks, appealing to both kids and adults with their irresistible flavor and crispy texture.
  • No Advanced Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe, with straightforward steps and basic ingredients that come together effortlessly, ensuring delicious results every single time.

Ingredients Needed For Sausage Cheese Puffs

Meat Base:
  • Sausage: A savory protein that adds rich flavor and texture to the puffs. Choose ground pork sausage with good seasoning for best results.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Eggs, Butter: Creamy ingredients that bind the puffs and provide richness. Sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Baking Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Dry seasonings and base that create the puff's structure and provide depth of flavor. Use fresh spices for the most vibrant taste. All-purpose flour recommended for consistent texture.

Easy Steps To Make Sausage Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Toss ground sausage into a hot skillet over medium heat. Break it down into tiny, crispy crumbles. Once it’s perfectly browned, drain away the extra grease and let it cool for a moment.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Give everything a good stir to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese and the cooked sausage. Toss until every morsel gets a nice coating of the flour mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Liquid Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Melted butter

Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 6: Create the Perfect Blend

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should look thick and slightly bumpy.

Step 7: Shape Delightful Puffs

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some breathing room between each puff – about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the puffs turn a beautiful golden brown and look irresistibly puffy.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the puffs rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them up while they’re warm and watch them disappear! Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra excitement.

Pro Tip: These savory treats are perfect for parties, game day, or when you’re craving something super delicious and easy to make!

Tips To Get Sausage Cheese Puffs Perfectly Golden

  • Customize Sausage Selection: Experiment with different sausage types like spicy Italian, breakfast, or turkey sausage to create unique flavor profiles for your cheese puffs.
  • Reduce Gluten Naturally: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture and taste.
  • Boost Protein Power: Add finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley to increase nutritional value and create a more complex, fresh flavor in each bite.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep easier and stress-free.
  • Freeze for Future Snacking: Cool completely, then freeze puffs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for quick reheating whenever unexpected guests arrive.

How To Store Sausage Cheese Puffs Without Losing Crunch

  • Refrigerate leftover sausage cheese puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep them sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior.
  • Freezing works wonderfully for long-term storage – place cooled puffs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Frozen puffs will stay delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
  • Avoid microwaving, as this can make the puffs soggy and less appetizing.
  • Pro tip: For best texture and flavor, consume within the first 2 days of preparation.

What Goes Well With Sausage Cheese Puffs

  • Pair with Zesty Dipping Sauces: Complement these savory sausage cheese puffs with tangy marinara, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic honey mustard for an explosion of complementary flavors.
  • Match with Crisp Beverage Companions: Enjoy these hearty puffs alongside a cold craft beer like an amber ale or a dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc to balance the rich, cheesy texture.
  • Create a Game Day Spread: Serve these puffs as part of a football watch party platter with pickled vegetables, jalapeño poppers, and fresh vegetable crudités to provide variety and balance.
  • Elevate with Fresh Side Salads: Offset the richness of the puffs by serving a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber and dill salad to refresh the palate.

Tweak Your Sausage Cheese Puffs With These Ideas

  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Puffs: Replace some cheddar with cream cheese and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Sausage Puffs: Swap sausage for ground lamb, add feta cheese, and mix in chopped fresh oregano and rosemary.
  • Breakfast Morning Puffs: Include crumbled bacon instead of sausage, sprinkle chives on top, and serve with scrambled eggs.
  • Vegetarian Spinach Cheese Puffs: Substitute sausage with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, use goat cheese for extra richness.

FAQ Section For Sausage Cheese Puffs

  • Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap out regular sausage for spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo to add a unique flavor twist to your cheese puffs.

  • Is it possible to make these puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked puffs and bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

No worries! You can adjust the spices based on what you have in your pantry. The key is to maintain a balance of savory flavors that complement the sausage and cheese.

  • Can these cheese puffs be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your sausage is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

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Sausage Cheese Puffs Recipe

Sausage Cheese Puffs Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory sausage cheese puffs deliver irresistible party appetizer magic with golden, flaky pastry. Crisp edges and rich, melted cheese create an addictive bite that guests will devour in seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) breakfast sausage (pork or chicken), cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), arranging a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure effortless release of the savory morsels.
  2. Transform the sausage in a skillet, rendering it into delicate, golden-brown crumbles, carefully eliminating excess grease to maintain a light texture.
  3. Craft a flavor foundation by whisking together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, aromatic garlic and onion powders, smoky paprika, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper.
  4. Introduce shredded cheddar and the prepared sausage into the flour mixture, gently coating each morsel to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.
  5. Separately, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter into a silky emulsion that will bind the ingredients together.
  6. Merge the wet and dry components with a gentle hand, creating a thick, slightly textured batter that promises a perfect puff.
  7. Artfully portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a cookie scoop to create uniform, bite-sized droplets spaced to allow even browning.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the puffs to transform into golden, puffy delicacies over 15-20 minutes of careful baking.
  9. Briefly rest the puffs on a wire rack, allowing them to settle and reach the ideal serving temperature, ready to be enjoyed with an accompanying dipping sauce or savored in their pure, delectable form.

Notes

  • Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the same savory flavor profile and texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda to create unique taste variations and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Freeze unbaked puffs on the baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future appetizers that can be baked directly from frozen with minimal extra cooking time.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium sausage and minimizing added salt, making the recipe more heart-friendly without compromising delicious taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 238
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 58 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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