Spicy Sausage & Cheese Bites
These spicy sausage and cheese bites are a perfect appetizer, featuring a flavorful mixture of pork sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
Equipment
- large bowl
- rolling pin
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pork sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the pork sausage and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, which is easiest to do by hand.
Assembly and Baking
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spread the sausage and cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then place the sliced bites on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Cooking and Serving
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the sausage is cooked through.
- Let them cool slightly before serving; garnish with additional fresh chives if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For a less spicy version, omit the cayenne pepper. These bites can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.