Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Sausage Balls (Print Version)

Creamy, cheesy jalapeño popper sausage balls baked until browned outside and tender inside, with bacon and a cool ranch dip.

# Ingredients:

For the sausage balls

01 - 1 lb (450 g) pork breakfast sausage, regular or hot
02 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
05 - 1 1/2 cups (180 g) biscuit baking mix
06 - 1/2 cup (55 g) cooked crumbled bacon
07 - 1/3 cup (45 g) finely diced fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for milder heat
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1-2 tablespoons milk, only if needed

For the jalapeño ranch dip

14 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) ranch dressing
15 - 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
16 - 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeño
17 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, biscuit mix, bacon, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix by hand or with a sturdy spoon until evenly combined.
03 - Squeeze a little mixture in your hand. If it crumbles and will not hold together, mix in milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Use only what you need.
04 - Scoop rounded tablespoons of the mixture and roll into 1 inch balls. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch between each one.
05 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, until browned on the outside and the center reaches 160°F for pork sausage. Rest on the pan for 5 minutes.
06 - While the sausage balls bake, stir together ranch dressing, sour cream, minced jalapeño, and lime juice. Chill until serving.
07 - Transfer the sausage balls to a platter and serve warm with the jalapeño ranch dip.

# Notes:

01 - Makes about 36 small sausage balls.
02 - Nutrition is an estimate per 3 sausage balls with a small spoonful of dip.
03 - Use hot breakfast sausage for a spicier batch.

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