Hidden Valley Sausage Stars
Sausage Stars are savory, cheesy bites wrapped in crispy wonton skins, perfect for parties or snacks, combining sausage, cheeses, and ranch flavor in a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blot cooked sausage dry and combine with grated Cheddar, Monterey Jack, ranch dressing, sliced olives, and chopped red pepper.
- Lightly grease muffin tins and press one wonton wrapper into each cavity.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the wrappers are golden.
- Remove from muffin tins and place on a cookie sheet.
- Add the sausage and cheese filling on top of each wrapper.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until filling is heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using spicy sausage or adding jalapeños for extra heat. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the ranch dressing for a lighter version. If you can't find wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers work well too. Ensure the sausage is well-drained to avoid soggy bottoms. Consider pairing this with Easy Bread Sticks or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Stars make a great appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping. They pair nicely with a fresh vegetable platter or a light dip. For a complete meal, consider serving with a salad or alongside Heavenly Pies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the wrappers chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hidden Valley Sausage Stars contains roughly 1175 calories, with 38g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), and protein (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% 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 make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the Sausage Stars in advance. Store the assembled stars in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze these after baking?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without using dairy. Adjust spices to enhance the flavor profile, ensuring it complements your filling.
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).