“Listen up, y’all! When it comes to throwing a party or get-together, the food is key. And let me tell ya, appetizers are like the first impression of the whole meal. But, who’s got time to be slaving away in the kitchen all day? That’s why I’ve got a killer recipe for you, three simple appetizers with a mouthwatering sausage and cream cheese filling that’ll have your guests begging for more!
First things first, we’re gonna be making the Sausage & Cream Cheese filling for all three appetizers. We’re throwing the sausage in a cast iron pan with some Elite BBQ Smoker’s SPG seasoning, cooking that up until it’s browned, then mixing in some cream cheese. Giving it a little kick with some Jalapeno Relish and throwing in some shredded Mexican Four Cheese blend. Set that aside while we get to the sides.
This sausage and cream cheese combination has been a staple of party spreads for decades, and for good reason: it’s a winning combination of savory sausage and rich cream cheese that’s sure to please any palate. But where did it come from? The history of sausage and cream cheese appetizers is a bit of a mystery, but it’s likely that the combination has been around for quite some time. The first mention of a sausage and cream cheese spread can be found in the cookbook “The Fannie Farmer Cookbook” published in 1896. But it wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that the pairing became popular as an appetizer.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Next up, we’ve got stuffed mushrooms. These classic appetizers are a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared in advance. Start by removing the stems from the mushrooms, stuffing them with that Sausage & Cream Cheese filling, and putting them on a baking sheet. Cooking them in a preheated grill/smoker/oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and the filling is golden brown.
Crescent Roll Bites
Crescent roll bites are a quick and easy option that can be made in advance and heated up just before serving. Start by preheating your grill/smoker/oven to 350 degrees. Unroll the crescent dough, cutting it into 1-1/2” squares. Put a small amount of the sausage mixture and cream cheese mixture on the center, folding up the corners and pinching together at the top. Place them on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Pig Shots
Finally, we’ve got Pig Shots. These are a fun and unique option that are sure to be a hit with guests. Start by preheating your grill/smoker/oven to 350 degrees. Slice the Hillshire Farm Beef Sausage into 3/8” thick slices, wrapping them with half a slice of bacon, and secure the bacon to the sausage slice with a toothpick. Stuff the Pig Shots with the Sausage & Cream Cheese filling and place them on a grill safe rack in the grill or oven. Cook ’em up until the bacon is crispy and the filling is golden brown.
These three easy appetizers with a sausage and cream cheese filling are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Stuffed mushrooms are a classic option, crescent roll bites are convenient and easy to make in advance, and pig shots are a unique and fun option that will impress your guests. These recipes are easy to follow and will save you time and hassle in the kitchen, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your own party. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the taste to your preference. Happy cooking!
We hope that you watch these videos and that it helps you. Please know that if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me and I will be happy to help. Good luck and hope to see you at a BBQ competition somewhere.
3 EASY Appetizers with 1 FILLING
Equipment
- 9" Cast Iron Skillet
- Baking Pan
- Baking Rack
Ingredients
Sausage Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 lbs, Jimmy Dean Sausage - Regular
- 1 lbs, Jimmy Dean Sausage - Country Mild
- 16 oz, Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Mexican Four Cheese - Shredded
- 3 tbsp. Wagyu Tallow or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Jalapeno Relish
- 2 tbsp. Elite BBQ Smokers’ SPG seasoning
Elite BBQ Smokers’ SPG seasoning
- 4 tbsp. Kosher Salt
- 3 tbsp. Course Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp. Granulated Garlic
Stuffed Mushrooms
- 16 oz. Whole White Mushrooms
Crescent Roll Bites
- 1 package Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheet
Pig Shots
- 1 package Hillshire Farms Beef Smoked Sausage
- package Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon
Instructions
Making the Sausage & Cream Cheese filling.
- In a cast iron skillet, add in the 3 Tbsp - Wagyu Tallow and set on High heat.
- Add in the Jimmy Deans - Regular & Country Mild Sausage and break up.
- Add in 2 tbsp of the Elite BBQ Smokers SPG Seasoning
- Stir in and cook until the Sausage is completely cooked
- Add in the cream cheese and mix until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is mixed together well
- Add in 2 tbsps of Jalapeno Relish for a little extra kick (optional) and mix
- Remove from the burner and add in 1/2 of Mexican 4 cheeses and mix together.
- Set to the side and start working on the appetizers
Making the Stuffed Mushrooms
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and discard
- Wash the mushroom caps to remove all grit and set on a cooling rack with the stem down to allow them to dry
- Preheat the Recteq smoker to 350°
- Take the mushroom caps and fill them with the Sausage & Cream Cheese filling
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a Grill safe pan with the filling side up
- Set the pan with the Stuffed Mushrooms in the Recteq Smoker and cook for about 22 minutes or until the stuffing starts to brown
- Remove and let them rest
Making the Crescent Bites
- Preheat the Recteq smoker to 350°
- Roll out the Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheet and cut into 1-1/2”x1-1/2” squares
- Place a Spoon full of the Sausage Cream Cheese filling in the center
- Roll up the corners of the dough and pinch together.
- Place the stuffed crescent roll bites on a Grill safe pan with the filling side up
- Set the pan with the Stuffed Crescent rolls in the Recteq smoker and cook for about 15 minutes or until the top is getting golden brown.
- Remove and let them rest
Making the Pig Shots
- Preheat the Recteq smoker to 350°
- Cut the Hillshire Farms Beef Smoked Sausage into slices about 3/8” thick
- Take the Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon and cut the slices in half
- Place one of the Sausage slices on the Bacon
- Roll up the Bacon around the Sausage and secure using a toothpick
- Fill the Bacon Wrapped Sausage with the Sausage Cream Cheese filling
- Place the Pig Shots on a grill safe rack with the filling up
- Set the rack in the Recteq smoker and cook for about 35 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the sausage filling starts to brown
- Remove and let them rest
Plate and Serve
- Plate all these appetizers up on your tray and pair with your favorite sauce and Enjoy
- Let us know how they turned out and Tag #EliteBBQSmokers in your social media post.