This recipe holds a special place among my favorites for several reasons. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but it’s also freezer-friendly and incredibly delectable. The rave reviews and frequent requests for the recipe keep me coming back to it. What’s more, the convenience of being freezer-friendly means I always have a stash, ready to be heated and enjoyed. These versatile bites work wonders as a quick snack, a delightful appetizer, a brunch addition, or a thoughtful hostess gift. And if you’re a fan of our Toasted Phyllo Shells , we have more enticing recipes to explore!
Toasting Phyllo Shells: Follow the recipe for Toasted Phyllo Shells to prepare the shells before filling.
Sausage Preparation:
Cooking the Sausage: In a medium skillet, fully cook 1 lb (454 g) of sausage until it turns a golden brown hue.
Straining Excess Grease: Strain any excess grease from the cooked sausage and transfer it to a spacious mixing bowl.
Cooling the Sausage: Allow the cooked sausage to cool for approximately 10 minutes to prevent premature melting of the cheese.
Dressing Preparation:
Mixing the Dressing: In a small bowl, blend 16 oz (454 grams) of sour cream with 1 package of Hidden Valley® Fiesta Dips Mix until thoroughly combined.
Combining Ingredients:
Adding Flavor: Into the cooled sausage, incorporate 1 cup (245 grams) of prepared Hidden Valley® Fiesta Dip, 1/4 cup (37 grams) finely chopped fresh red pepper, 1/4 cup (37 grams) finely chopped fresh yellow pepper, 1/4 cup (37 grams) finely chopped fresh orange pepper, 2 tsp of red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Gently stir the mixture.
Incorporating Cheese: Mix in 1 1/2 cup (198 grams) of cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cup (198 grams) of Monterey jack cheese until the ingredients are well blended.
Making and Baking the Sausage Fiesta Bites:
Filling the Shells: Fill the toasted phyllo shells generously. This can be done up to 3 hours before baking.
Garnishing: Optionally, top each cup with a half slice of black olive.
Storing: Place the filled shells in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, up to 3 hours before baking.
Preheating: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Assembling for Baking: Arrange the filled shells 1.5 inches apart on a sheet pan or Air Fryer pan.
Baking Times:
Standard oven: Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Convection oven: Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Air Fry oven: Bake for 8 minutes.
Freezing Shells Before Baking:
Filling and Storing for Freezing: Generously fill each shell and return them to the plastic tray. Lay the plastic over the shells in the tray.
Container and Labeling: Place the full tray back into the original Phyllo Shell box. Seal the open end with tape and use a permanent marker to label the box with “Sausage Fiesta Bites,” baking instructions (350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes), and the current date.
Freezing: Place the labeled box in the freezer without stacking until the shells are completely frozen.
Baking Frozen Filled Shells:
Preheating: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Assembling for Baking: Place the frozen filled cups 1.5 inches apart on a sheet pan or air fryer tray.
In the art of creating the ultimate Sausage Fiesta Bites, the inclusion of zesty, spicy sausage is essential.
Choosing the Perfect Cheese Blend
For a harmoniously blended filling that’s easy to work with, opt for mild Cheddar cheese with a fine shred. This choice ensures the filling remains compact and simple to fill into the shells without compromising integrity. If you desire more pronounced cheese flavors, a larger, wider shred will achieve this effect. Additionally, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese is another viable option.
Enhancing Flavor with Monterey Jack and Peppers
To elevate the flavor profile, incorporate Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded, for a delightful complement to the Cheddar. Fresh red, yellow, and orange peppers not only provide a visually “festive” touch but also infuse a light, refreshing flavor into the mix.
Adding Heat and Creaminess
To bring the heat, red pepper flakes and hot sauce are key players, creating a party of flavors in your mouth! While any preferred family hot sauce will work, we suggest Crystal® Hot Sauce for its excellent results. In contrast, we advise against using wing sauce for this recipe. For a creamy base tying all these ingredients together, turn to prepared Hidden Valley® Fiesta Dip.
Understanding Phyllo (also FILO or fillo)
Phyllo (also filo or fillo) is a remarkable ingredient—an ultra-thin, unleavened dough resembling delicate paper. When expertly layered and baked, it transforms into a wonderfully crispy and flaky crust. This versatile dough is prominent in Greek, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cuisines, featuring in well-loved dishes such as spanakopita and baklava, among others. Its unique texture and lightness contribute to the creation of delectable, elegant recipes in various culinary traditions.
Pre-cooking Toasted Phyllo Shells: Pre-cooked Toasted Phyllo Shells is key to keeping the shells crisp during baking. I continuously create filling recipes for these petite bites of goodness.
PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR CREATIVE KITCHEN
We love to share products used in our home kitchens. This recipe may contain affiliate links to those products. Please read our Terms of Use for details.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A GUIDED JOURNEY OF HOW TO MAKE AND BAKE
If you’re in need of some guidance on creating this delightful recipe, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find comprehensive instructions. We’ve enriched these sections with visuals like photos and videos to aid your cooking experience and ensure a successful culinary adventure.
Preparing Phyllo Shells for Sausage Fiesta Bites
Preparing the phyllo shells can be done either at the time you make the filling or well in advance, even up to several days or months ahead. If you opt to prepare them ahead, ensure to store the boxes back in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. For detailed instructions on preparing the phyllo shells, please refer to the Toasted Phyllo Shells recipe.
This step lays the foundation for the perfect Sausage Fiesta Bites and sets the stage for a delicious culinary adventure!
Cooking the Sausage to Golden Perfection
In a medium skillet, embark on the journey of cooking the sausage until it boasts a glorious golden brown hue. To achieve this, crumble the sausage as it sizzles in the pan, breaking up the pieces into smaller, more manageable bits. This approach not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the sausage pieces are delightfully small, making it both easier and quicker to fill those delectable shells. This meticulous cooking process sets the foundation for the perfect Fiesta Sausage Bites!
Removing Excess Grease from the Golden Browned Sausage
After achieving the golden perfection of the sausage, it’s crucial to eliminate any excess grease. This step ensures that the shells remain crispy once filled and baked. To achieve this, I strain the sausage using a fine strainer over a bowl, allowing the grease to be separated and disposed of.
Once the excess grease is strained, I transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for approximately 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when added to the sausage, facilitating an easier and more efficient mixing process.
By following these steps, you’ll not only preserve the crispiness of your shells but also make the mixing process easier and more enjoyable. The end result will be a perfectly balanced and scrumptious dish that everyone will love.
Creating a Flavorful and Well-Blended Mixture of Sour Cream and Hidden Valley® Fiesta Dip
I start by using a whisk, a versatile tool that proves invaluable in achieving the perfect consistency. The whisk not only combines these two ingredients effectively but also aids in breaking down the dry mix and incorporating it smoothly into the wet component. To ensure no pockets of the dry mix are left behind, it’s essential to be thorough. I meticulously scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula, leaving no room for any hidden clumps or dry pockets.
This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every spoonful of the dip delivers a harmonious fusion of flavors, delighting the palate with each bite.
Crafting the Flavorful Fusion.
Once the sausage has cooled adequately, it’s time to infuse it with vibrant flavors. I add the prepared Hidden Valley® Fiesta Dip, finely chopped red, yellow, and orange peppers, a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat. These ingredients collectively elevate the taste profile, bringing in a delightful burst of flavors and a hint of fiery excitement. Carefully and gently, I stir the mixture, ensuring each element is evenly distributed, blending the savory sausage with the tangy dip and the colorful medley of peppers, creating a tantalizing blend that promises a sensational culinary experience.
Infusing Creamy Cheesy Goodness.
Incorporating the richness of cheddar cheese and the creaminess of Monterey jack cheese into the sausage mixture is a pivotal step in achieving a cohesive blend of flavors and textures. This particular step is distinctly separated to ensure optimal blending. By adding the cheeses at this stage, the stirring process becomes more manageable, allowing the ingredients to meld seamlessly and guaranteeing a well-blended mixture.
This deliberate approach ensures that each bite will be a delightful symphony of flavors, where the cheeses perfectly complement the savory sausage, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Baking Perfection
For immediate baking instructions, follow these steps.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, opting for the convection setting if available. Employ a small everyday spoon to generously fill the shells, allowing the mixture to peak slightly beyond the shell’s rim. Optionally, crown the filling with a half slice of black olive.
Arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet approximately 1.5 inches apart then bake until the mixture becomes delightfully bubbly.
Estimated baking times are provided, account for oven variability: Standard oven – bake 30 minutes Convection oven – bake 20-25 minutes Air Fry oven – bake 10 minutes
FREEZING AND BAKING YOUR FROZEN SAUSAGE FIESTA BITES
FREEZING SAUSAGE FIESTA BITES FOR THE FUTURE.
I often prepare extra filled shells for later use, finding them to be a convenient snack or dinner appetizer on busy days or for gatherings.
Using a small everyday spoon, I carefully but generously fill the cups, allowing the mixture to rise slightly above the shell’s rim and ensuring they’re nicely packed. Optionally, I top each with a half slice of black olive for added flavor and presentation.
Once filled, I neatly place them back into the plastic container they came in, covering them with the plastic still attached. Sliding the container into the original box, I secure the end with tape and promptly store them in the freezer for future enjoyment!
BAKING FROZEN SHELLS TO PERFECTION.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, opting for the convection setting if available.
Arrange the frozen filled shells on a baking sheet approximately 1.5 inches apart then bake until the mixture becomes delightfully bubbly.
Estimated baking times are provided, accounting for oven variability: Standard oven – bake 30 minutes Convection oven – bake 20-25 minutes Air Fry oven – bake 10 minutes
DETERMINING THE RIGHT QUANTITY: HOW MUCH TO MAKE
When it comes to party appetizers, it’s all about ensuring there’s enough to go around while minimizing waste. As a general rule of thumb, I usually plan for 3-4 tarts per person when there are various other appetizers on the menu. However, if you have someone personally passing the tarts on a tray, a slightly more conservative estimate of 2-3 tarts per person typically suffices. This approach ensures your guests can savor these delightful treats without overindulging, creating the perfect balance for your gathering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What do I do if the filling is too spicy?
If the baked filling turns out to be excessively spicy, here are some adjustments you can consider. Firstly, you can substitute the spicy/zesty sausage roll with a standard sausage to tone down the spice levels. If the filling is still too spicy, another option is to remove the hot sauce and red pepper flakes from the recipe. These modifications will help tailor the dish to your desired level of spiciness.
What do I do to make the filling more spicy?
To intensify the heat of the filling, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon. This adjustment will add an extra kick of spiciness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
REVIEWS AND COMMENTS
Please send us your rating reviews, comments or questions for this recipe. We would love to hear from you.
Buy Now →
Buy Now →
