Easy Sausage And Cream Cheese Bites Recipe for Parties
When it comes to entertaining, having a crowd-pleasing appetizer is essential. That’s where these delightful sausage and cream cheese bites come in! These tasty morsels are easy to whip up, making them perfect for parties, game day, or whenever you’re in the mood for a savory snack. The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese makes each bite delightful. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken or turkey sausage
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of mini phyllo pastry cups or puff pastry
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools:
– Mixing bowl
– Baking sheet
– Baking paper (optional)
– Whisk or spatula
– Oven
Prep & Cook Time
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
4. Prepare the Cups: Place the mini phyllo pastry cups or puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with baking paper for easy cleanup.
5. Fill the Pastry Cups: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture into each pastry cup, filling them generously.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutritional Benefits or Advantages
These sausage and cream cheese bites are a great source of protein thanks to the ground chicken or turkey sausage. The cream cheese adds calcium, while the optional parsley garnish provides vitamins and minerals. These bites are not only delicious but also offer a little nutrition to your party spread!
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
– Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
– Cheese Variations: Try swapping out cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
– Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overfilling the Cups: Be careful not to overfill your pastry cups, as they can overflow during baking.
– Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover sausage cream cheese appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
These easy sausage and cream cheese bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! With their comforting flavors and simple preparation, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—your guests won’t be able to get enough!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day before and assemble right before baking.
2. How spicy are these sausage bites?
The recipe can be adjusted according to your preference; choose mild sausage for low heat and spicy sausage for more kick.
3. Can I freeze these sausage and cream cheese bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked bites. Just reheat directly from frozen, extending the baking time by a few minutes.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?
Sweet and sour sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha sauce complements these bites perfectly!
