Spicy Sausage & Cream Cheese Bites
These spicy sausage and cream cheese bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for parties or game day. A creamy, savory, and slightly spicy mixture is served warm with crackers or in mini phyllo shells.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Small crackers or mini phyllo shells for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, diced red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cooked sausage.
- Stir continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and all ingredients are well combined into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
- Serve the mixture immediately while warm as a hot dip with crackers, or spoon it into mini phyllo shells and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, let it cool slightly and serve as a spread on crackers.
Notes
For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes and use mild sausage. These bites are great for meal prepping; simply reheat gently before serving.