I can’t tell you how much I adore these little Sausage Stars. They’re the perfect blend of savory sausage, tangy cheese, and a touch of crunch from the won ton wrappers. They’re so simple to make, yet they pack a major flavor punch that always leaves my guests asking for more! The recipe has its roots in classic party appetizers, but with a unique twist that makes it stand out from the crowd. These delightful bites have become a staple at my family gatherings and parties, and for good reason! They’re not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or the occasion. Plus, they’re a great make-ahead option for busy hosts. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you and I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!
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
- vegetable oil
Baking 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 5 minutes until golden.
- Remove from tin. Place on a baking sheet and fill with sausage mixture.
- Bake 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Makes 4 to 5 dozen.
Calorie: 75
Total cooking time: 20 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Sausage Star Chronicles
Let me tell you about the time I decided to whip up a batch of Sausage Stars. Now, if you’re thinking these are some sort of celestial delight, you’re… well, not entirely wrong. These little appetizers are out of this world and they’ll have your taste buds orbiting in a galaxy of flavor.
The Grand Assembly
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked, crumbled sausage. I used Italian, because why not add a little international flair to my kitchen? Then, I moved on to the cheese. The recipe calls for a mix of 1 1/2 cups of grated sharp Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese. If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I don’t take cheese lightly. It’s like the glue that holds my life together.
Next up: the dressing. One cup of Hidden Valley Ranch original salad dressing mix was added to the cheese and sausage. After that, I tossed in a 2.25 oz. can of sliced ripe olives and 1/2 cup of chopped red peppers. At this stage, I felt like a mad scientist, creating a delicious concoction of flavors.
The Wrapping Situation
This is where things got interesting. I had a pack of fresh won ton wrappers on hand. The recipe said to cut them into fourths, but my cutting skills are more Picasso than Michelangelo. I decided to roll with it, though. Perfectly square wrappers are overrated anyway.
Prepping the Scene
The oven was preheated to a cozy 350 degrees. The won ton wrappers were then given a light brush of vegetable oil, like a mini spa treatment before their big moment in the spotlight. I placed each little Picasso-inspired wrapper into a lightly greased mini muffin tin.
Into the Fire
The wrappers were sent into the oven for their first round of baking. After 5 minutes, or the time it took me to perform a one-man rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, they came out golden and crispy. I then carefully removed them from the tin and placed them on a baking sheet, where I filled each one with the sausage mixture.
The Finale
Back into the oven they went for 5 more minutes. When they emerged, I was met with a tray of bubbling, mouth-watering Sausage Stars. They were far from perfect – some of the wrappers were a bit crooked, and a few of the olives had made a daring escape from the cheese – but they were mine, and they were delicious.
The Aftermath
In the end, I was left with 4 to 5 dozen Sausage Stars, a kitchen that looked like a tornado had blown through, and a newfound respect for anyone who can cut a perfect square. But you know what? It was worth it. The flavors of the sausage, the two types of cheese, the olives, and the red peppers, all nestled inside those crisp, golden wrappers, were a taste sensation I’ll never forget.
So, if you’re in the mood for a culinary journey to the stars, give these Sausage Stars a try. Just remember, it’s not about the destination (or the perfect cutting skills), it’s about the journey… and the cheesy, sausage-filled goodness waiting for you at the end.
