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Fire Balls

Fire Balls recipe image
These Fire Balls are a bold, interactive appetizer that balances heat with savory richness. Canned jalapeño peppers are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, then wrapped in a mixture of ground sausage and buttermilk baking mix. The result is a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a spicy, cheesy center. They are perfect for game day parties, potlucks, or as a unique starter before a main course. The combination of the tangy baking mix, spicy peppers, and melted cheese creates a comforting yet exciting flavor profile that guests will love. Simple to assemble and cook, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 528.0
Description
These Fire Balls are a bold, interactive appetizer that balances heat with savory richness. Canned jalapeño peppers are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, then wrapped in a mixture of ground sausage and buttermilk baking mix. The result is a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a spicy, cheesy center. They are perfect for game day parties, potlucks, or as a unique starter before a main course. The combination of the tangy baking mix, spicy peppers, and melted cheese creates a comforting yet exciting flavor profile that guests will love. Simple to assemble and cook, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
  • 12 ounce Jalapeno peppers, canned
  • 1 cup Buttermilk baking mix
  • 6 ounce Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound Ground sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 0.5 cup Seasoned bread crumbs (optional, for coating)
  • 2 tablespoon Oil for frying
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 375ðF (190ðC) if baking, or have a skillet ready for frying.
  2. 2
    Drain canned jalapeño peppers and rinse them under cold water.
  3. 3
    Cut off the stem ends of the peppers and remove most of the seeds, leaving a few if you prefer extra heat.
  4. 4
    Lightly stuff each pepper with a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. 5
    In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, buttermilk baking mix, and remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. 6
    Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
  7. 7
    Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a small flat patty.
  8. 8
    Place a stuffed pepper in the center of each patty.
  9. 9
    Wrap the dough around the pepper, sealing it completely to form a ball.
  10. 10
    If using bread crumbs, place them in a plastic bag and shake the balls inside to coat, or roll them in the crumbs on a plate.
  11. 11
    Heat oil in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat.
  12. 12
    Brown the fire balls on all sides, turning frequently, until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and the exterior is golden brown.
  13. 13
    Serve warm as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 528.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34.7g54%
Saturated Fat 21.7g109%
Cholesterol 106.2mg36%
Sodium 982.5mg41%
Total Carbohydrate 26.5g9%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g24%
Sugars 19.5g
Protein 38.2g77%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use only the baking mix and cheese, or substitute with a plant-based sausage crumble.

You can bake these instead of frying. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375ðF for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Adjust the heat level by controlling how many seeds remain in the jalapeños.

Serve with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for dipping.

Keywords: appetizer, jalapeno, stuffed, sausage, cheese, mozzarella, spicy, party, snack, baked, fried, savory, game day, buttermilk, pepper
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/fire-balls/