These Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer. Flaky pastry, savory sausage, and gooey cheese come together in a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or game days!
Sausage puff pastry bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring savory sausage and cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Inspired by classic sausage balls, these bites are easier to make, thanks to store-bought puff pastry. They’re ideal for holiday entertaining or quick snacks.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Flaky and Buttery Texture: Puff pastry adds a delicate, crisp bite to the savory filling.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep with just a few steps and ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for holidays, game days, or any festive occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Adults and kids alike love the cheesy, savory flavor.
If you like this appetizer recipe, you may also love our Mini Cheese and Sausage Quiche or our Mushroom and Gruyere Tart with Puff Pastry.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought and thawed to save time.
- Breakfast Sausage: Mild or spicy, depending on your flavor preference.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness of the sausage.
- Cream Cheese: For a creamy filling.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Egg: For an egg wash that gives the pastry a golden finish.
- Optional Garnish: Everything Bagel Seasoning or sesame-seeds.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites
STEP ONE: Prepare the Sausage Filling
Combine uncooked breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Mix well until fully incorporated and shape into a log.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to thin it slightly. Place the sausage log along one edge and roll tightly, ensuring only one layer of pastry surrounds the filling. Trim any excess.
STEP THREE: Chill the Log
Transfer the rolled log to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Bake the Puff Pastry Bites
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the log with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 35–40 minutes (cover halfway) or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Cheddar Cheese: Use Gruyère or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Sausage: Swap for Italian sausage or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet-Friendly: Use reduced-fat cheese and turkey sausage.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture.
- Presentation: Sprinkle paprika on the egg wash for a vibrant, festive look.
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover sausage puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap the unbaked log tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and bake cold.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Use cold puff pastry for easier handling and better puff.
Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid it bursting during baking.
Spray parchment paper with oil before baking or bake on a wire rack to drain grease.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warm and crispy.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use puff pastry for homemade Blueberry Turnovers with Puff Pastry.
- Add sausage to these delicious Cowboy Potatoes.
- Shred leftover cheese into these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- A light salad to balance the richness.
- A creamy dipping sauce like honey mustard.
- Sparkling cider or wine for festive gatherings.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels
- Mini Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Mushroom and Gruyere Tart with Puff Pastry
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- Tomato Quiche Recipe with Puff Pastry
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More game-day recipes you will love:
FAQ
To avoid soggy pastry, make sure the sausage filling is evenly mixed and not overly moist. Chilling the assembled log before baking helps firm up the pastry and filling, ensuring a flaky texture.
These rolls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include honey mustard for sweetness, spicy maple syrup for a kick, or a tangy cream cheese dip.
To make sure the sausage is fully cooked, bake the log at 400°F (200°C) until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Additionally, chilling the log before baking helps the sausage and pastry cook evenly.
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites: Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage uncooked
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for a slight kick
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Garnish
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into a long, even log about 1 ½ inches thick.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to thin it slightly. Place the sausage log along one edge of the pastry. Roll the pastry tightly around the sausage, ensuring just one thin layer of pastry encases the filling. Trim any excess pastry to avoid overlap.
- Slice into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Brush the top of each with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning for added flavor (optional).
- Place the sausage rounds on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, seam-side down. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up the pastry and allow the filling to blend.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the log for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the sausage is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Let the log cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauces like honey mustard, tangy cream cheese dip, or spicy maple syrup.
Notes
- Cheddar Cheese: Use Gruyère or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Sausage: Swap for Italian sausage or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
Nutrition
These Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect appetizer for your next holiday gathering. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Try this recipe today and don't forget to share your results in the comments! Happy cooking!
Important Food Safety Tips
Cook sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F. Store leftovers promptly to avoid bacterial growth.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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