Hog Pogs: 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this simple yet indulgent treat that has become my go-to snack for any gathering: Hog Pogs. This 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe brings together creamy, savory, and slightly crispy textures in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that’s so easy to whip up, yet always impresses guests and family alike. If you want an appetizer that feels special without complicated steps, this recipe is a real winner in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Hog Pogs: 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe

I think what makes this Hog Pogs recipe truly special is the way the flavors balance each other effortlessly. The rich, creamy softness of the cream cheese marries perfectly with the spiced Italian sausage, and the parmesan adds that little nutty kick that keeps you coming back for more. Every bite sizzles with flavor and just enough texture to make it interesting without being too heavy.

Another thing I appreciate is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I really don’t enjoy complicated recipes when I’m hosting, and this one requires just four ingredients and minimal prep—no chopping, nothing fancy required. Plus, it bakes quickly, making it perfect for last-minute guests or those nights when you want tasty finger food without the hassle. I often bring this appetizer to parties and potlucks, and it’s always the first to disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface with a long, golden brown baguette on the left side. To the right of the baguette, there is a block of Johnsonville mild ground Italian sausage in a yellow plastic tray with red and white ground meat visible inside. Above the sausage is a wedge of Parmesan cheese wrapped in clear plastic with a beige color and smooth texture. In front of the sausage tray, there is a silver-blue rectangular box of Philadelphia original cream cheese. A blue cloth with white stitching is partially visible underneath the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of Hog Pogs lies in its simple ingredient list where each component plays an essential role. The ingredients are easy to find but combine to create a complex flavor and texture experience that’s irresistible.

French bread: Provides the perfect crispy, chewy base that holds all the toppings beautifully and adds a lovely contrast to the creamy sausage mixture.
Ground Italian sausage: Brings savory, herby flavor and a juicy texture that’s the star of the dish.
Cream cheese: Adds creamy richness that balances the sausage and keeps every bite smooth and luscious.
Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create that golden crust on top.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup super easy. This setup helps the Hog Pogs bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the ground Italian sausage and softened cream cheese until you get a smooth, well-incorporated mixture. Then fold in the grated parmesan cheese carefully so it’s evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Take your sliced French bread and spread a thin, even layer of the sausage and cream cheese mixture over each slice. Make sure each piece is coated generously, but not overflowing, so they bake nicely without making a mess.

Step 4: Place the prepared bread slices on your baking sheet and sprinkle a light additional layer of parmesan cheese on top. This helps develop a delicious browned crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the edges of the bread become golden and crisp. Finish by broiling for 2 minutes to get that perfect light brown top—just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Let your Hog Pogs cool slightly before serving so the sausage sets a bit, making them easier to handle and even more enjoyable.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, which is ideal for a medium-sized gathering or party. The prep time is around 10 minutes—mostly mixing and spreading—while the cook time is about 15 minutes plus 2 minutes under the broiler. All-in-all, you’re looking at a total time of roughly 27 minutes from start to finish. There’s no significant resting time needed other than a brief cooling before serving.

How to Serve This Hog Pogs: 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe

Three thick slices of toasted bread are stacked on top of each other on a wooden board, each slice topped with a golden brown layer of melted cheese mixed with small bits of cooked meat. The bread has a rough, crunchy crust and a soft inside, visible from the edges. The cheese topping looks bubbly and slightly browned in some spots, giving a crispy texture. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture beneath the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When serving, I like to present Hog Pogs on a large wooden board or a rustic serving platter to showcase their warm, golden tops. They are best enjoyed warm or just slightly cooled so the sausage remains juicy and the cream cheese keeps that silky texture. For an extra touch, I sometimes sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper on top for color and a pop of freshness.

These appetizers pair wonderfully with light, crisp beverages. I personally enjoy serving them alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity, slightly hoppy craft beer. For non-drinkers, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a tangy iced tea complements the richness perfectly. Hog Pogs also fit right in at any occasion—holiday parties, game day snacks, or casual weeknight get-togethers where finger food is king.

I also find adding a simple side salad with fresh greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of these appetizers nicely, making it feel a little more substantial if you’re enjoying them as a light meal. These little bites are great as party finger food too, so plan on 2-3 per person depending on your crowd’s appetite.

Variations

One of the best things about this Hog Pogs: 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe is how versatile it is. For a different twist, I sometimes swap out the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo or a milder breakfast sausage depending on my mood or what I have on hand. This swap brings a new layer of flavor without complicating the process.

If you’re cooking for someone who needs gluten-free options, using gluten-free bread works perfectly and still delivers great texture and crunch. For a vegetarian version, I’ve experimented with plant-based sausage alternatives and vegan cream cheese, which surprisingly comes together nicely if you’re open to alternative products.

Sometimes I like to add herbs like finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the sausage mixture for a fragrant aroma. For cooking methods, while baking is standard, you could try toasting the slices in a hot skillet to crisp bottom edges before topping and finishing under a broiler for a quicker option. I love playing around and seeing what subtle changes elevate this simple favorite.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Hog Pogs, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 2 to 3 days without losing too much texture or flavor. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess from steam buildup.

Freezing

Freezing is also possible with Hog Pogs, and it’s a great way to prep ahead of time for parties. Place the baked and cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I find the best method is to warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain that crispy edge and ensures the sausage mixture gets warm without drying out. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make the bread soggy and the texture less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of French bread?

Absolutely! While French bread gives the best crispiness, you can substitute with a baguette, Italian bread, or even sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread slices are firm enough to hold the sausage mixture without becoming too soggy.

Is the sausage mixture cooked before baking?

Nope! The sausage is raw when mixed with the cream cheese and parmesan, but it fully cooks during the baking process. The oven ensures it reaches a safe temperature while the bread crisps up nicely.

Can I prepare Hog Pogs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the slices with the sausage mixture and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven for even cooking.

What can I serve alongside Hog Pogs for a fuller appetizer spread?

I love pairing them with fresh vegetable platters, olives, pickles, or a bright salad. Cheese boards with fruit and nuts also complement the rich sausage flavors beautifully.

Are Hog Pogs spicy?

That depends on the sausage you choose! Traditional Italian sausage is mildly spiced, but if you want more heat, you can opt for spicy sausage varieties or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a subtle kick.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an impressively delicious appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, I can’t recommend the Hog Pogs: 4-Ingredient Sausage and Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipe enough. It’s become a beloved classic in my home, perfect for any occasion when you want to wow without the fuss. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!