Cranberry Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Balls are made with creamy, Wisconsin Cheddar intertwined with dried tart cranberries, fresh chopped jalapeños, garlic, onions, and flaky croissant pieces. They make the perfect brunch appetizer and a great addition to your holiday menu!
Okay, it’s clear I love these tasty little appetizers. Vegan and vegetarian friends—I got you, too! You must try these Spicy Cheddar Sausage Balls (made from plants). Also, if you are not vegan/vegetarian, you will not know the difference. Also, check out these Cranberry and Goat Cheese Cheddar Crescent Sausage Balls. Perfect for the holidays!
Cranberry Season
It’s cranberry season over here, all day every day. No, really. I get so excited when I can find an abundance of cranberries at our local grocery store. I always end up buying several bags because they last forever.
By now, you have probably picked up on the fact that I love sausage balls. Especially since sausage balls are my jam. In addition, the cheesier the better.
They Need No Introduction, but Since We’re Here…
These Cranberry Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Balls are made with creamy Wisconsin Cheddar, dried cranberries, flaky croissant pieces, and delicious flavors, and they are perfect with every bite. Did I mention that they are SO CREAMY and delicious?!
Are you looking for a refreshing beverage for the holidays? Check out this delicious Cranberry Orange Rosemary Water!
Ingredients for Cranberry Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Balls:
- Your choice of ground pork, beef, plant-based sausage
- Cranberry Cheddar: You can find this at your local grocery store that carries specialty cheese
- Fresh jalapeños
- Fresh cranberries – optional
- Garlic
- Onions
Cheese Makes Everything Better
Our local Publix always has gems when it comes to a variety of cheeses. When I found this Cranberry Cheddar, I knew what I wanted to make with them. I also like to shred my own cheese off the block. I use a variety of shredded cheese sizes when I use my box grater.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options for Sausage Balls:
- If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or someone who likes to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet and can’t find plant-based ground sausage, you can make your own seasoning with my Spicy Sausage Seasoning recipe here.
- You can find Impossible Sausage at your local grocery store.
- To make your own Vegan Cranberry Cheddar Blend: Violife makes a good Cheddar (on and off the block). You can use 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cranberries to incorporate into your “sausage” mixture.
- Impossible Foods is one of my favorite plant-based options for creating “beef/pork” recipes.
Other Recipes to Enjoy this Season!
Bacon & Blue Cheese Brussels Sprouts
Lemon-Pepper Roasted Cauliflower
We hope you give this recipe a try! If you make these sausage balls. If you make this recipe, tag me (@myprettybrowneats) on social media. You may also find me by following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB and IG! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, PINTEREST, and TikTok.
Cranberry Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 can Original crescent rolls
- 1 pound hot or regular ground sausage For vegetarian/vegan option: see the section dedicated to you!
- 1½ cups Cranberry Cheddar, shredded
- ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped optional if using cranberry cheddar
- 3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped seeds removed
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped or finely chopped
- ¼ to ½ cup onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley garnish
- fresh cranberries garnish
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line baking pan (approximately 15x10x1) with foil; spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix ground sausage, shredded cranberry cheddar, white onions, garlic, chopped jalapeños, and salt and pepper (to taste).
- Unroll crescent dough on surface, dust each side with flour.
- Using pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into about 1/4 inch pieces.
- Add in crescent dough pieces into bowl with sausage mixture, slowly until well blended.
- Shape into 42 (1¼ inch sausage balls).
- Place on baking pan and cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Note: Flip sausage balls at the halfway mark for even cooking.
- Serve and enjoy!
I love the flavor combo here. Never would have thought to combine sausage, cranberries, and cheese but it works!
This looks scrumptious, perfect brunch appetizer.
What a great appetizer or snack recipe for the holidays. We always have guests and I was looking for something more than cheese and crackers to make. These sausage balls are it!
Well these have all the flavours of the holiday in one bite. Party perfect.
These are so delicious and fun! Love the brightness of the cranberries with the hotness of the jalapenos
Mannn, I could eat a who tray of these! AMAZING flavor profile, a lil savory, lil tart…!!! Kudos Ma’am