Sausage Stars
Sausage Stars are delightful bite-sized treats bursting with the savory flavors of crumbled sausage, sharp cheddar, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese. These mini pastries are perfect for parties or game day, offering a delicious combination of textures and tastes that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cooked, crumbled sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. prepared Hidden Valley Ranch original salad dressing mix ⓘ
- 1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped red peppers ⓘ
- 1 pkg. fresh or frozen won ton wrappers or egg roll wrappers, cut in 4ths ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Blot sausage dry with paper towels. Combine with cheeses, salad dressing, olives, and red peppers.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and press 1 wrapper in each cup. Brush with oil.
- Bake for 5 minutes until golden.
- Remove from tin. Place on a baking sheet and fill with sausage mixture.
- Bake for 5 minutes until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the flavor. If you don't have won ton wrappers, egg roll wrappers cut into quarters work just as well. Ensure the wrappers are pressed firmly into the muffin tin for easier removal after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sausage Stars as a fun appetizer at parties or game day gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a side salad dressed with Hidden Valley Ranch for a cohesive flavor profile. For more delicious party ideas, explore recipes like 7-Layer Cookies or Hot Sausage Pick-Ups to complement your menu.
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 for about 10 minutes, or until heated through to maintain crispiness. These can also be enjoyed cold as a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Stars contains roughly 91 calories, with 5g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% 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 Sausage Stars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and fill the won ton wrappers a day in advance. Store the filled wrappers in the refrigerator, then bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use as a dip for these appetizers?
These Sausage Stars are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a creamy ranch dip or a zesty salsa. For a unique twist, consider a spicy aioli or a cheese sauce to complement the flavors.
Can I freeze the Sausage Stars?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Sausage Stars for up to a month. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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).