Quick & Zesty Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe for Flavor Fans

Whipping up a zesty pepperjack cheese sausage brings bold flavors to your dinner table with unexpected flair.

Spicy notes dance through each tender bite, promising excitement for adventurous palates.

Melted cheese weaves its magic into succulent meat, creating a combination that surprises and delights.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

Cooks seeking a quick yet impressive dish will love how effortlessly these sausages come together.

Warm ovens and hungry friends await this mouthwatering creation – start cooking and watch the magic unfold.

Why Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Adds Zest to Any Meal

• Spice Up Your Meal: Loaded with bold pepperjack cheese and fiery jalapenos, this sausage delivers an exciting flavor explosion that will wake up your taste buds.
• Master Cooking Flexibility: Perfect for grilling, skillet cooking, or preparing without casings, this recipe adapts to your kitchen skills and equipment with total ease.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Packed with robust seasonings and customizable serving options, these sausages work brilliantly for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes and jalapenos, making this recipe adaptable for different heat preferences and palates.

Ingredients for Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

• Ground Pork: The primary protein base that provides a rich and hearty foundation for the sausage.
• Pepperjack Cheese: A spicy cheese that adds a zesty and creamy element to the sausage mixture.

• Jalapenos, Onion, Garlic: These fresh ingredients contribute bold flavor and a vibrant kick to the sausage.

• Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Black Pepper, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: These spices create a complex and robust flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the sausage.

• Sausage Casings: A traditional casing for forming and containing the sausage mixture during cooking.

How to Prepare Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

Step 1: Create Flavor Fusion

• Pepperjack cheese
• Diced jalapenos
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Cracked black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Red pepper flakes

Massage and blend everything thoroughly until the mixture looks evenly distributed and vibrant.

Step 2: Prepare Casing Setup

If you’re using sausage casings, submerge them in cool water following the package guidelines. Rinse carefully and set aside on a clean surface.

Step 3: Craft Sausage Shapes

When using casings, slowly guide the meat mixture into casings with a sausage stuffer. Secure the ends by tying them and twist the links into individual portions.

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook

Fire up a grill or skillet over medium heat. Place sausages on the cooking surface and grill for 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature hits 160°F, creating a beautifully browned exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow sausages to rest briefly before slicing. Plate with your preferred accompaniments or nestle into a warm bun for a delicious meal.

Tips for Cooking Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Perfectly

• Choose fresh ground pork with moderate fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful sausages that won't dry out during cooking.
• Wear disposable gloves when mixing ingredients to prevent hands from absorbing spicy pepper oils and causing skin irritation.
• Thoroughly blend spices and cheese to create an even distribution of flavors throughout the sausage mixture.
• Test a small meat patty before stuffing casings to adjust seasoning and confirm taste preferences without wasting entire batch.
• Remove sausages from heat when internal temperature reaches 160F to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking, which can make meat tough and dry.

Variations to Try With Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

• Spicy Chili Cheese Sausage: Replace pepperjack with sharp cheddar and add diced green chilis for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Smoky Bacon Pepper Sausage: Incorporate finely chopped crispy bacon bits and swap jalapenos for roasted bell peppers to create a rich, smoky profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Sausage: Substitute cumin with dried oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Tex-Mex Chorizo Style: Include chorizo spices like dried ancho chili powder, increase red pepper flakes, and add minced cilantro for a bold Southwestern kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

• Spice Up with Mexican-Inspired Sides: Serve alongside fresh pico de gallo and warm corn tortillas for a zesty flavor explosion that complements the pepperjack sausage's bold heat.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to balance the spicy sausage, with the beer's crisp bitterness cutting through the rich, cheesy meat.
• Smoky Southwestern Salad Pairing: Create a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, and a chipotle-lime vinaigrette to echo the sausage's smoky and spicy profile.
• Cool Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime sour cream or avocado crema to provide a cooling contrast to the sausage's intense spiciness and heat.

Proper Storage for Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

• 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 up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F. Place sausages on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Slice sausages and warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water to keep them moist and prevent burning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

FAQs About Pepperjack Cheese Sausage

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

Yes, you can substitute pepperjack with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, cheddar, or pepper cheese for similar flavor and texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make these sausages?

No, while a sausage stuffer helps, you can also form the mixture into patties or loose ground meat without casings if you don’t have specialized equipment.

• How spicy are these sausages?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos and red pepper flakes. For milder sausages, remove jalapeno seeds or reduce red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more jalapenos or use hotter pepper varieties.

Pepperjack Cheese Sausage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy pepperjack cheese sausage blends zesty flavors that dance across taste buds with bold Mexican-inspired zest. Homemade sausage promises a delicious adventure you’ll savor down to the last satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork
• 1/2 cup pepperjack cheese, shredded

Herbs and Spices:

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

Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapenos
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional:

• Sausage casings

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate ground pork with pepperjack cheese, finely diced jalapenos, minced onion, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, ground black pepper, kosher salt, and fiery red pepper flakes until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
2. For cased preparation, immerse sausage casings in lukewarm water following manufacturer’s guidelines, then meticulously rinse and set aside.
3. Utilizing a dedicated sausage stuffer, delicately transfer meat mixture into hydrated casings, securing ends and creating symmetrical links by gently twisting sections.
4. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature around 375°F. Carefully place sausages, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side until exterior develops rich caramelized texture and internal temperature reaches precise 160°F, ensuring complete protein doneness.
5. Allow sausages to rest momentarily, permitting internal juices to redistribute. Slice diagonally and present alongside complementary accompaniments or nestled within toasted artisan roll.

Notes

• Chill the ground pork before mixing to help bind ingredients and prevent fat separation during cooking.
• Wear gloves when handling spicy peppers to protect your skin from potential irritation.
• For a leaner version, substitute some ground pork with ground turkey or chicken while maintaining the cheese and spice ratio.
• Test the seasoning by cooking a small patty first, allowing you to adjust spices before stuffing or forming the entire batch of sausages.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg