Preparing Phyllo Shells:

• 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.
• Baking Times:
  • Standard oven: Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Convection oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Air Fry oven: Bake for 10 minutes.