Jalapeño Popper Meatballs with Italian Sausage
These Jalapeño Popper Meatballs bring everything you love about the classic appetizer into one irresistible bite. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy, each meatball is packed with Italian sausage, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar, then baked until tender.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 oz. Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 whole Egg
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 small Jalapenos finely diced, seeds removed if desired
- 1/4 cup Chopped bacon about 6-7 slices
- 2 tsp Chile Lime Blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients, use your hands (disposable gloves can help!) to evenly combine the meat mixture.1 lb. Ground Italian sausage, 1 cup Cheddar cheese, 2 oz. Cream cheese, 1 cup Panko bread crumbs , 1 whole Egg, 2-3 cloves Garlic, 2 small Jalapenos , 1/4 cup Chopped bacon, 2 tsp Chile Lime Blend
- Use a portion scoop or measuring spoon to scoop 1-1 1/2 ounce scoops of the meat mixture, roll into balls, and place on a sheet pan about an inch apart. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until the inside of the meatballs temps about 150 degrees F. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese: it is so much easier to mix into the meat!
- Grate the jalapeño: Smaller pieces mix more evenly throughout the meatballs and give balanced flavor in every bite, or finely dice if you want more texture.
- Freshly grated cheese: Always melts better and adds a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese, plus it doesn't have the anti caking agents!
- Control the heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder spice, or leave them in for extra kick.
- Seasoning tip: My Chile Lime Blend adds the perfect flavor, or use a mix of chili powder, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fresh bacon bits: Skip the packaged kind, freshly cooked bacon gives the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 683kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 28gFat: 57gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 1267mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 556IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 266mgIron: 2mg