Easy Sausage and Cheese Puffs. Flaky puff pastry stuffed with spiced turkey sausage, melty cheese then rolled into balls. Brushed with egg wash and baked until golden and puffy. Fresh out the oven, they’re tossed in melted garlic and herb butter, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. Easy to make and incredibly addictive. An appetizer you and your guests will love.

It’s officially August, which means football season is right around the corner. And I’m sure you’re looking for some fun, easy game day snacks. Over on Instagram I partnered with my friends over at Land O’ Lakes to create this delicious appetizer. And who would I be not to share with you guys here?
Why you’ll love these Sausage and Cheese Puffs
- Perfect game day snack: the perfect hand held treat that’s packed with flavor.
- Easy to make: when I say these Sausage and cheese puffs are so easy to make, they are SO easy to make.
- Customizable: feel free to add your favorite mix ins to customize the puffs.
Best Way to serve these Sausage and Cheese Puffs?
These are the perfect game day snack or girl dinner. They also work as an easy after school snack.
This recipe has quickly become one of my family’s favorite snacks. They come together easily and when I know people are coming over, they’re that one recipe I know I can throw together and make everyone so happy because they are that good.

Ingredients for Sausage and Cheese Puffs
The ingredients to make these sausage and cheese puffs are really simple.
- Puff pastry: This gives the puffs their buttery, flaky layers. I always keep a box in my freezer for easy appetizers. (Shop my favorite puff pastry here.)
- Ground sausage: I used ground turkey sausage, but pork breakfast sausage works just as well depending on your preference.
- Cheese cubes: I used a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the perfect melty center, but any good melting cheese will work.
- Garlic and herb butter spread: This adds so much flavor with very little effort. (Shop the garlic and herb butter spread I used.)
- Dry seasonings: I used a mix of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Egg: to make egg wash mix with few tablespoons of water.
Recipe Variations:
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to mix things up with your favorite add-ins or swaps!
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Cream cheese for an extra creamy filling
- Swap the turkey sausage for pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy Italian sausage
- Add a spoonful of chimichurri for a fresh, herby twist
- Switch up the cheese with pepper jack, mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite melty cheese

Serving Suggestions
Here are some Game Day snacks you can pair this appetizer with
- Zesty Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
- Crispy Air Fried Honey Sriracha Wings
- Game-Day Catfish Po’Boy Sliders You Must Try
- Summer Steak Crostini with Bruschetta
Hosting Tip
Serve these sausage and cheese puffs warm straight from the oven for the best flaky texture and cheesy, savory flavor.
Need to make them ahead or warm up leftovers? Pop them in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 325°F to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness.
More Summer Recipes
- Ultimate Summer BLT Sandwich
- The Ultimate Steak Sandwich with Chimichurri
- Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
- Loaded Caribbean Dense Bean Salad
If you try this Game Day Sausage and Cheese Puffs, tag me @cookwithci or use #cookwithci. I love seeing your recreations!

Sausage and Cheese Puff Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of Puff pastry
- 4 oz Turkey sausage
- Colby Jack and Pepper jack cheese cubes
- 2-3 tbsp Land O’Lakes Garlic & herb butter spread melted
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp Parsley
- 1 egg + tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
- Defrost the puff pastry according to the package instructions and preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until browned and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Lightly roll out the puff pastry and cut it into equal-sized squares. Place a spoonful of the cooked sausage in the center of each square, followed by 2 cubes of cheese.
- Bring two opposite corners together and pinch to seal. Repeat with the remaining corners, then gently roll into a ball shape. Repeat until all of the puff pastry has been used.
- Place the sausage puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each one with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Melt the Land O' Lakes Garlic & Herb Butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until fully melted. Pour the butter over the sausage puffs, then add the red pepper flakes and parsley. Toss gently to coat, transfer to a platter, and serve immediately.
Notes
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi


