One of the best culinary adventures I learned is making jalapeno cheddar sausage at home. My kids don’t make a fuss about plain sausages. You can try that, too.

Jalapeno cheddar sausage combines the smoky richness of sausage, the bold kick of jalapeños, and the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese. You can craft your sausages by controlling the ingredients and customizing the flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a mouthwatering sausage to elevate your grilling experience.

Recipe Ingredients

There are a handful of ingredients for spicy jalapeno cheddar sausages;

• 2 pounds of ground pork
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste)
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• One teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Natural hog casings, soaked and rinsed
• Cooking oil (for greasing the grill)

Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage Recipe Instructions 

• Prepare your ingredients by dicing the jalapeños finely. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and ensure the ground pork is cold before mixing.
• Mix the sausage blend in a large bowl and combine the ground pork, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. If you desire an extra kick or hotness, add the cayenne pepper and mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon.
• Test the seasoning to ensure that it is to your liking. You can cook a small portion of the sausage mixture in a pan and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
• Prepare the hog casings by rinsing them under cold water. Also, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to make them pliable and easier to work with.
• Attach the stuffing tube to your meat grinder and stuff the sausage mixture into the casings. Ensure that the fill is even.
• Twist the sausages into your desired size (typically 4-6 inches).
• Allow your sausages to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight. The longer they stay, the better the flavors and melding.
• Remove your sausages from the refrigerator and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 
• Brush your sausages with a bit of cooking oil to prevent sticking. 
• Grill the sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), turning occasionally for even cooking.
• Once cooked, let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice them up and savor the explosion of flavors from the smoky sausage, spicy jalapeños, and gooey cheddar cheese.

Final Word

Congratulations! You’ve just created a batch of tantalizing homemade jalapeño cheddar sausages. Whether you enjoy a bun, pair it with your favorite sides, or simply eat it alone, these sausages will surely be a hit at your next barbecue or family gathering. Enjoy the bold and savory experience you’ve crafted with your own hands. I will be back with jiffy jalapeno cornbread and muffins!