Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe

Irresistible Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe for Spicy Souls

Crafting a mouthwatering pepperjack cheese sausage recipe brings excitement to any kitchen gathering.

Spicy notes dance alongside rich, melted cheese in this irresistible dish.

Homemade sausages pack a flavor punch that store-bought options can’t match.

Mixing bold seasonings creates a delectable blend perfect for casual dinners.

Meat lovers will appreciate the complex layers of heat and creaminess.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise that keeps you coming back for more.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make something extraordinary that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients in Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

Meat Base:
  • Ground Pork: The primary protein that provides a hearty and rich foundation for the sausage.
  • Pepperjack Cheese: A spicy cheese that adds sharp flavor and creamy texture to the sausage mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Jalapenos, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh and dried peppers that bring a vibrant heat and zesty kick to the sausage.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
  • Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Warm spices that contribute a smoky and earthy undertone to the sausage.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the other flavors in the sausage.
  • Sausage Casings (Optional): Natural or synthetic casings that help shape and contain the sausage mixture during cooking.

How to Prepare Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

Step 1: Combine Spicy Flavor Powerhouse

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground pork with zesty pepperjack cheese, fiery jalapenos, aromatic onion, minced garlic, smoky paprika, earthy cumin, cracked black pepper, sea salt, and vibrant red pepper flakes. Use your hands to thoroughly mix, ensuring each ingredient is perfectly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Casing Options

If using natural casings, submerge them in cool water following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Thoroughly rinse the casings and set them aside, ready for stuffing.

Step 3: Craft Sausage Links

Carefully transfer the seasoned meat mixture into a sausage stuffer. Gently slide the casings onto the nozzle and begin filling, creating uniform links. Twist the links at regular intervals to form individual sausages, securing the ends with kitchen twine.

Step 4: Fire Up The Grill

Heat a grill or heavy-bottomed skillet to medium temperature. Place the sausages on the cooking surface, allowing them to sizzle and brown. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, rotating to ensure even browning and checking that the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes, letting the juices redistribute. Slice and plate with your favorite accompaniments or nestle into a toasted bun for a mouthwatering meal.

Helpful Tips for Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

  • Opt for freshly ground pork with a good fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful sausages that won't dry out during cooking.
  • Wear food-safe gloves when mixing and handling the meat to prevent cross-contamination and keep your hands clean.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the spicy elements.
  • Test the seasoning by cooking a small patty before stuffing the entire mixture to adjust salt and spice levels to your taste preference.
  • Freeze uncooked sausages for up to 3 months in an airtight container if you want to make a larger batch and save for later meals.

Different Takes on Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

  • Smoky Chipotle Sausage: Replace pepperjack with smoked cheddar and add chipotle peppers for a deep, smoky flavor profile.
  • Green Chile Sausage: Swap jalapenos for roasted green chiles and mix in monterey jack cheese for a southwestern-style variation.
  • Herb-Infused Sausage: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to create an aromatic and earthy sausage version.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Sausage: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Pairings for Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

  • Spice Up with Bold Beer Pairing: Grab an IPA or amber ale to match the fiery pepperjack and jalapeno heat, creating a perfect flavor explosion that complements the sausage's zesty profile.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a fresh cucumber and dill salad with light vinaigrette to cool down the spicy sausage and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich meat.
  • Enhance with Tangy Condiments: Prepare a homemade chipotle mayo or spicy mustard to elevate the sausage's flavors, adding an extra layer of complexity and heat that ties the entire dish together.

Keeping Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Fresh

  • Store leftover sausages in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual sausages tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
  • Place sausages on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
  • Slice sausages and warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

FAQs on Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepperjack?

Yes, you can substitute with monterey jack, cheddar, or pepper-monterey jack cheese for similar spicy and melty results.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these sausages?

No, you can make these sausages without casings as loose ground meat patties or meatballs if you don’t have a sausage stuffer.

  • How spicy will these sausages be?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos and red pepper flakes you use. For milder sausages, remove jalapeno seeds or reduce red pepper flakes.

What Makes Pepperjack Cheese Sausage So Tasty

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Pepperjack cheese and jalapenos create a bold, fiery flavor profile that transforms an ordinary sausage into a zesty culinary adventure.
  • Customize with Ease: Whether you prefer using casings or making patties, this recipe offers flexibility to match your cooking style and preference.
  • Quick Protein Power: Packed with ground pork and vibrant spices, these sausages deliver a protein-rich meal that comes together faster than traditional recipes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or a satisfying family dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe

Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy pepperjack cheese sausage brings zesty comfort to dinner tables with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) pepperjack cheese, shredded

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped jalapenos
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Sausage casings

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground pork with crumbled pepperjack cheese, diced jalapenos, minced onion, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  2. For casing preparation, submerge sausage casings in cool water following manufacturer’s recommendations, then thoroughly rinse and set aside.
  3. When utilizing casings, carefully transfer meat mixture into sausage stuffer, ensuring consistent pressure to fill casings without air pockets. Secure ends and create uniform links by twisting at regular intervals.
  4. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature around 375°F. Arrange sausages, allowing each side to caramelize for 6-7 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve even browning and ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  5. After cooking, allow sausages to rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal moisture. Slice diagonally and accompany with complementary condiments or nestle within toasted artisan rolls.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality pepperjack cheese with good melting properties to ensure maximum flavor and texture throughout the sausage.
  • Spice Adjustability: Modify the heat level by increasing or decreasing jalapenos and red pepper flakes to suit personal spice tolerance without compromising overall taste.
  • Binding Technique: Add breadcrumbs or a small amount of cold water while mixing ingredients to help prevent sausage from becoming dry and maintain better moisture retention.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: Besides grilling or pan-frying, these sausages can be baked in the oven at 375F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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