Hidden Valley Ranch Sausage Stars
Sausage Stars are savory, bite-sized appetizers combining flavorful sausage, cheeses, and a hint of ranch seasoning. Wrapped in wonton wrappers and baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion needing delicious finger foods that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, crumbled sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup prepared Hidden Valley Ranch original Ranch salad dressing mix
- 1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1 package fresh or frozen won ton wrappers ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Blot cooked sausage dry with paper towels and combine with grated Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, sliced black olives, and chopped red pepper.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and press one wonton wrapper into each cup. Brush each wrapper with vegetable oil.
- Bake the wrappers for 5 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from the muffin tin and place on a baking sheet.
- Fill each with the sausage mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or switching up the cheese to pepper jack. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage can be a great shortcut. Use pre-made ranch seasoning if you don’t have the dressing mix. If won ton wrappers are unavailable, phyllo dough can work as a substitute, but adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage stars are perfect for parties or game day, pairing well with a fresh salad or vegetable platter. For a fun twist, serve with extra Hidden Valley Ranch dressing for dipping. They also make a delightful appetizer alongside Creamy Pineapple Pie for dessert, balancing savory and sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Sausage Stars contains roughly 1097 calories, with 58g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), protein (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2140mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative for a lighter version of this recipe. It will still provide excellent flavor while reducing fat content. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make these vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also add black beans for protein while keeping the flavors vibrant and delicious.
Can I freeze these sausage stars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the filled, unbaked wontons. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).