Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers
Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers are the perfect appetizer to put out at your next party. Loaded with cream cheese, sausage, garlic, and chives, these bite-size peppers have something for everyone!
When I have a party or some kind of get together at my house, I like to offer an assortment of appetizers so there’s something for everyone. Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers are almost always one of those appetizers!
What’s great about these stuffed mini peppers is that unlike jalapeno poppers, they’re not spicy, so they’re perfect for kids or anyone that doesn’t eat spicy foods – yet they’re loved by everyone!
I first tried something like these peppers at a BBQ that I attended years ago. The host used cottage cheese and a different filler, but right away I knew I wanted to make them my own.
I replaced the cottage cheese with cream cheese, added garlic, red pepper flakes, and chives.
The tang and melty texture of cream cheese pairs wonderfully with rich sausage and garlic. Stuff all that goodness in a sweet mini pepper and you have one perfect appetizer!
Ingredients needed for this recipe (scroll down to recipe card for complete recipe):
- Sweet mini peppers
- Cream cheese
- Sausage
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Chives
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepper
Anytime I bring these stuffed mini peppers to a potluck or party at someone’s house, I ALWAYS get asked for the recipe! Be prepared for these to disappear!
The average person will eat 3-4 peppers! This recipe makes 30-40 peppers, depending on how many come in the l lb. bag. This recipe can easily be doubled if necessary.
How long are stuffed peppers good for?
Keep leftover stuffed peppers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze stuffed mini peppers?
Yes! You can freeze stuffed peppers.
The texture of the peppers may soften from freezing and being reheated, but they will still taste great.
What kind of sausage is best for stuffed peppers?
I typically use the tube of regular, unseasoned Jimmy Dean pork sausage.
If desired, you could use Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or turkey sausage.
Looking for more appetizer recipes? Here are some favorites:
- Spicy Korean Deviled Eggs
- Jalapeno Bacon Swill Cheese Ball
- Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Grape Tomatoes
- Cheesy Baked Spicy Italian Dip
- Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball
- Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto (shown below)
NOTES:
- 1 lb. of sweet mini peppers is approximately 15-20 peppers (depending on how big they are), which equals 30-40 stuffed mini peppers
- If you’re looking for a spicier version, double or triple the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and/or add some cayenne pepper to the filling.
- I usually use 8 oz. of cream cheese, however, I have also used 4 oz. successfully. They end up a little meatier, but still delicious.
- This post was updated with new photos on 5/13/2024
Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers
Equipment
- sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet mini peppers
- 8 oz. pork sausage
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- black pepper
- 1 tbsp. fresh chives sliced
- parmesan cheese grated or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Cut peppers in half lengthwise, leaving stems attached. Remove seeds and membranes to make room for stuffing.
- Cook sausage in a pan for a minute or two, breaking it up into small crumbles, then add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until sausage is cooked through.
- Add sausage/garlic mixture to softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add black pepper and chives and mix thoroughly. Spoon sausage/cream cheese mixture into the pepper halves. Sprinkle the tops with a little parmesan cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- 1 lb. of sweet mini peppers is approximately 15-20 peppers (depending on how big they are), which equals 30-40 stuffed mini peppers
- If you're looking for a spicier version, double or triple the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and/or add some cayenne pepper to the filling.
- You can use 4 oz. of cream cheese instead of 8 oz, but there will be a little less filling and the peppers will be a little meatier. Still delicious.
- This post was updated with new photos on 5/13/2024
Did you make this recipe? Rate it and let me know in the comments below! ♥
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I’ve also used the Jalapeno artichoke cream cheese based dip from Costco with the sausage – just add a few bread crumbs (panko) to bind- delicious!
Sounds like a nice touch! I love anything jalapeno :)
Everyone loved these mini peppers!
These were so good! My husband and kids donnormally enjoy stuffed peppers of any sort, but there was competition for who would get the leftovers. Thanks for the easy, tasty recipe!
Thank you for letting me know these were a hit! You can’t go wrong with sausage, garlic, and cream cheese :) Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
These are so good!
Absolutely wonderful!! Filled my tongue with amazingness!!
So delicious and easy to make!
Place raw on baking sheet before storing to keep them from sticking together. When ready to cook defrost them and drain any water from defrosting. Bake as you usually do. It works for me all time. If your reluctant do a test Before making for for company. If it doesn’t work for, please don’t kill the messenger!!
These were fantastic! We had them at a recent girls wine night and they were perfect as an appetizer!
These are always a hit!
Very good!!!! I used spicy sausage meat, omitted the chilli flakes, and shredded a little mozzarella cheese on top instead of Parma, was salty enough, and cooked them for 16 mins.
These are amazing but what’s the nutritional information?
Hi Audrey! I’m so glad you liked the stuffed mini peppers! There is no nutritional information on this site, but there are some free nutritional calculators online where you just plug in the ingredients. Have a great day!
Wonderful recipe! I’m from Texas so I used your suggestion in your notes by adding extra pepper flakes & cayenne pepper!! Thanks for this easy yet impressive recipe!
I’ so glad you enjoyed the stuffed peppers! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback :)
Can u freeze peppers?
Hi Lynn! I have never frozen these peppers, as I never have any leftovers! I imagine that the texture of the pepper would change and possibly get mushy though. Hope that helps :)
I love taking these to holiday party’s. There taste amazing and look festive and beautiful. Everyone loves them!
I wonder if you can freeze these after cooking? I have a million small peppers left from my CSA share and am running out of ideas. Thanks.
To be honest, they disappear every single time I make them, so I have never had leftovers! I’m thinking the peppers might get a little mushy, but it’s worth a shot! Let me know how it turns out for you :)
I love these you can’t eat enough. If you make them for a get together play on running out!
These have become one of my go-to recipes for get togethers. Not only are they a party hit but they are so easy to make. Your guests think you’ve worked hours on them.
These stuffed peppers are so flavorful- you can’t just eat eat one or two. They are addicting! I have even substituted turkey sausage for a lower calorie appetizer.
These peppers are mildly tangy and a perfect TV snack. Love them!
These peppers are mildly tangy and a perfect appetizer or snack. Love them!
Great recipe! A crowd pleaser for sure. Everyone loves. I like that it is very easy to make.
Thanks for the feedback! I’m so glad these are crowd-pleasers at your house too :)
Made these for a get together with friends and they were gone in less than 30 minutes! Everyone wanted the recipe!!