If you are searching for a snack that instantly becomes the life of any gathering, look no further than Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine the smoky savoriness of fully cooked smoked sausage with a rich, gooey cheese blend all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Each bite offers a perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and crispy textures that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day, casual get-together, or just craving something irresistible, this recipe delivers an unforgettable burst of flavor and comfort in every morsel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet incredible flavor harmony. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from the creamy cheeses enhancing texture and richness to the smoked sausage providing that distinct, savory backbone. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re ready to whip up a crowd-pleaser everyone will adore.
- Fully cooked smoked sausage (2 packages, 14 oz each, sliced into 1-inch pieces): The smoky, meaty star of the show that makes these bites so satisfying.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds creamy smoothness and helps bind the cheesy mixture beautifully.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides a punch of bold, tangy flavor to the cheese blend.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings melty, stretchy goodness for that perfect ooey-gooey effect.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle nutty sharpness to deepen the overall flavor profile.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Injects a fragrant aroma and slight bite that lifts the entire dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): A mild, savory undertone that enhances the filling’s depth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Compliments the sausage’s smokiness and adds a gentle warmth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough spice to balance the richness.
- Puff pastry sheet (1 sheet, thawed): Creates a buttery, flaky shell that wraps everything up in perfect harmony.
- Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Gives the pastry that golden, glossy finish you can’t resist.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by combining the cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Use a spoon or mixer to blend everything until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. This mixture will be the luscious cheesy heart inside your sausage bites, providing richness and an enticing flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky sausage.
Step 2: Get the Puff Pastry Ready
Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the thawed puff pastry just enough to smooth out any creases. Then cut it into 2-inch squares. This will be the delicate yet sturdy casing that envelops the cheese and sausage, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior that holds all those delicious layers inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sausage Bites
Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, then top with a slice of smoked sausage. Carefully wrap the pastry around the filling, pinching the seams to seal tightly. This step is where our Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe starts to take shape, transforming simple ingredients into little bundles of joy.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Arrange each wrapped bite seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pastry with the egg wash to ensure a shiny, golden finish once baked. Pop them into the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastries have puffed beautifully and turned an inviting golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving—this helps the cheese set so it won’t ooze out immediately. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch if you like. Now they’re ready to steal the spotlight at your party table!
How to Serve Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a splash of vibrant green but also balances the richness with subtle freshness. For a little extra zing, serve alongside a small bowl of spicy aioli or honey mustard for dipping—both pair wonderfully with the smoky, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Kilted Sausage Bites are quite the star, but they shine even brighter alongside crisp, refreshing sides. Consider pairing them with a crunchy coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables to add contrasting textures and flavors that complement the richness of the bites perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or casual parties, serve these bites stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful dipping sauces for easy sharing. If you’re aiming for a more refined spread, arrange them on individual mini plates with a sprig of parsley and a small dollop of dip. Either way, they’ll look as irresistible as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bites remain flavorful but the pastry may lose some crispness, so reheating properly is key.
Freezing
You can freeze these sausage bites either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble and place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. For baked leftovers, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated Kilted Sausage Bites in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry regains crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
While fresh sausage can be used, it requires full cooking before assembly to ensure it’s safe to eat. The smoky flavor from smoked sausage really makes this recipe special, so if you opt for fresh, consider seasoning it well and fully cooking it beforehand.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
Puff pastry is key for that flaky, buttery shell. If unavailable, phyllo dough or crescent roll dough can work as alternatives, but the texture will differ and might be less rich or flaky.
Can I make the cheese mixture spicier?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or swap mild smoked sausage for a hot variety to introduce some heat. Adjust the spice levels according to what your guests enjoy.
How many bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 individual Kilted Sausage Bites, perfect for serving a crowd or for multiple snack sessions.
Are these sausage bites gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can seek out gluten-free puff pastry alternatives from specialty stores if you need to avoid gluten.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe enough. It’s simple to prepare, impressively flavorful, and utterly addictive. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for comfort food, these cheesy, savory bites will brighten any table and bring smile after smile to your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to party favorite!
Print
Kilted Sausage Bites — Cheesy Party Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Kilted Sausage Bites are cheesy, savory party appetizers featuring smoked sausage wrapped in puff pastry with a flavorful cheese mixture. Perfectly golden and puffed, these bites combine sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese with spices for a delicious snack ideal for game days and gatherings.
Ingredients
Sausage and Filling
- 2 packages (14 ounces each) fully cooked smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares ready for filling.
- Assemble the bites: Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, then top it with a slice of smoked sausage. Carefully wrap the pastry around the sausage and cheese, pinching the seams tightly to seal so no filling escapes during baking.
- Apply egg wash and arrange on sheet: Place each wrapped bite seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake until golden and puffed: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully cooked, puffed up, and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the sausage bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, substitute hot smoked sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- These bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serve with honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping to enhance flavor.
