Hog Pogs
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Need a last-minute appetizer that’s savory, creamy, crispy, and guaranteed to disappear fast? Enter Hog Pogs—golden little toasts topped with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan, baked until bubbly perfection.
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No chopping. No pre-cooking. No fuss. Just four simple ingredients (yes, bread counts!), one bowl, and a baking sheet—and you’ve got a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
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Perfect for game day, potlucks, holiday spreads, or those “surprise guests at the door” moments.
Hog Pogs
Why You’ll Love Hog Pogs
🥖 Just 4 ingredients—pantry staples you probably already have
⏱️ Ready in 20 minutes—faster than delivery
🍴 No pre-cooking—the sausage bakes right on the bread
🧀 Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor
💥 Always a hit—they vanish before you can explain the name
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 loaf | French bread | Sliced into ½-inch rounds |
| 1 lb | Ground Italian sausage | Mild or hot—your choice |
| 8 oz | Cream cheese | Softened |
| ½ cup | Parmesan cheese | Finely grated |
| — | Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Optional | Red pepper flakes or parsley | For garnish |
(Makes 12–16 toasts)
Pro Tips 💡
- Use softened cream cheese for easy blending.
- Spread a thin, even layer—this keeps bread crisp and sausage cooked through.
- Line your pan well—these get juicy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep & Preheat
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Mix the Topping
- In a bowl, combine sausage, cream cheese, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Mix until smooth. Season lightly (sausage is already flavorful).
- Assemble the Pogs
- Arrange bread slices on the sheet.
- Spread about 1½ tsp of mixture on each.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Bake & Broil
- Bake 15 minutes, until sausage is cooked and bread edges are golden.
- Broil 1–2 minutes for a bubbly, browned finish.
Cool slightly before serving—the filling is molten hot!
Serving Ideas
🍷 Classic: Pair with a crisp salad and cold beer
🥓 Brunch twist: Add a fried egg on top
🌶️ Spicy upgrade: Use hot sausage + drizzle of hot honey
🥖 Fancy touch: Garnish with parsley or microgreens
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Prep ahead: Mix filling, refrigerate up to 1 day, then assemble and bake.
- Leftovers: Store in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispness.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cream cheese doesn’t thaw well.
✨ Hog Pogs are proof that the simplest recipes can be the most unforgettable.
