When it comes to sausage appetizers, most people think of sausage balls and Velveeta sausage dip (which is why those are the first two entries on the list).
However, there are so many other fun, tasty sausage appetizers from which you can choose.
From bacon-wrapped smokies to sausage corn cakes, there’s plenty you can do with sausage.
If you are a sausage fanatic – or just an avid meat eater – you’ve come to the right place because these 15 sausage recipes are juicy, spicy, cheesy, smoky, and everything in between.
The only problem you’ll have now is choosing between them to decide which one you want to try next.
1. Sausage Balls
All you’ll need to make these scrumptious sausage balls is sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick, though you can add milk and chives if you like.
They take only 5 minutes to prepare and another 20 to bake, making them the ideal appetizer when you don’t want to spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen.
These warm, cheesy treats are most popular during the holiday season, but they taste phenomenal all year long.
2. Velveeta Sausage Dip
When it comes to quick and easy sausage appetizers, it doesn’t get much better than this three-ingredient, 20-minute Velveeta sausage dip, which is probably why it’s so popular!
It’s creamy and cheesy, and the sausage chunks are thick and juicy.
The ROTEL adds a bit of tomatoey freshness, and you can always go with hot ROTEL if you want some extra heat.
3. Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
If you like the idea of sausage dip but aren’t a massive fan of Velveeta, you can use a teaspoon of olive oil and 16 ounces of cream cheese for your base instead.
This dip is thicker and tangier than the Velveeta version, but both taste incredible.
4. Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
These are similar to sausage balls; only they use crescent rolls instead of Bisquick and include cream cheese along with the sausage and cheddar.
Still, the two appetizers are pretty similar, though this one has a creamier texture and tastes just a bit different, thanks to the cream cheese.
5. Sausage Cheddar Bites
If you love sausage balls but think they should have more cheese and less breading, then these sausage cheddar bites are the perfect snack for you.
Each bite contains nothing but succulent, juicy sausage and sharp cheddar cheese.
There’s also just a hint of spiciness to them from the cayenne and black pepper.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Why choose between bacon and sausage when you can have both?
If you’re a breakfast meat lover, you won’t be able to get enough of these sweet and smoky treats.
Between the bacon, sausage, and brown sugar, it’s hard to know which flavor tastes best.
7. Mini-Sausage Bites
Each of these mini-sausage bites features a fat, tender piece of sausage surrounded by a thick, buttery crescent shell.
Add an egg wash to the top and sprinkle them with your favorite small topping (everything seasoning, poppy seeds, etc.) for extra crunch and flavor.
Whether you serve them as-is or with an array of dipping sauces, people are sure to love them.
8. Smoked Sausage and Pepper Bites
If you’re looking for something a bit smokier and zestier, you can’t beat these easy-to-assemble skewers.
Simply heat your smoked sausage, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Then add the pieces, a few equally small pieces of roasted red pepper, and a piece of a mozzarella stick to your skewer.
Finally, drizzle the entire thing in Italian dressing for some zesty freshness.
9. Cheesy Sausage Wontons
When you think of wontons, you probably picture your favorite Chinese restaurant, but there are plenty of things you can do with wontons that aren’t related to Asian fare at all.
For this recipe, you’ll stuff them with sausage, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, chopped green peppers, buttermilk ranch dressing, and salt for added flavor.
Then, you’ll bake them until the sausage is hot, the cheese is gooey, and the wonton shells are delightfully crispy and crunchy. Yum. Yum. Yum.
10. Maple-Glazed Chicken Sausage Apple Bites
I love using pretzel sticks in place of toothpicks or skewers, and that’s what initially drew me to this recipe.
However, it was so easy to make and tasted so fantastic that now it’s a regular staple in my appetizer repertoire.
All you’ll need to make it are apple-flavor chicken sausage links, maple syrup, stone ground mustard, crushed sage, and pretzel sticks.
These treats are sweet, salty, and savory, and you won’t want to stop eating them once you start.
11. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Not to be corny, but these sausage-stuffed mushrooms are “the stuff.” They’re cheesy and full of Italian sausage, onions, Parmesan, and all kinds of other yummy goodies.
Each one is just large enough for a mouthful, but don’t be surprised if it’s the most heavenly mouthful you’ve tasted in quite some time.
12. Sausage Corn Cakes
The ingredients list on these is a little long, and they take almost an hour to make, but as they say, “You can’t rush perfection.”
And these are just about perfect.
They’re wonderfully crispy and a little bit spicy.
Between the sausage, corn, jalapenos, green onions, cilantro, and more, they’re overflowing with flavor.
Top them with sour cream, diced green onions, or salsa, and these things will start flying off the table before you can say, “They’re ready!”
13. Jalapeno Popper Dip
Most people add bacon to jalapeno poppers and jalapeno popper dip, but this recipe calls for sausage instead.
The other ingredients – onions, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, cream cheese, etc. – are pretty much the same.
The sausage adds a slightly more savory taste, which complements the spice of the jalapenos and the cheese well.
Also, this is one of the prettiest recipes for this dip I’ve ever seen.
14. Sausage-Stuffed Jalapenos
If you can make jalapeno popper dip taste better with sausage, then it stands to reason that sausage-stuffed jalapenos would be just as good.
Spoiler alert: They are!
You’ll only need sausage, cream cheese, parmesan, and jalapenos to make them.
If you’re the kind of person who likes your sausage hot, then you’ll definitely appreciate these.
Serve them with ranch dressing for dipping for an extra bit of tanginess.
15. Crockpot Grape Jelly Smokies
People have been cooking smokies and BBQ sauce in their Crockpots for years, but not everyone knows the secret ingredient for making them absolutely perfect – grape jelly.
Yep! You read that right. The next time you make little smokies in the Crockpot, add about ¾ of a cup of grape jelly in with them and the BBQ sauce.
It gives them a sweet smokiness that’s unbelievably tasty.
15 Sausage Appetizers You’ll Love
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a sausage appetizer in 30 minutes or less!
