Hog Pogs are the ultimate no-fuss party starter—the kind of recipe you make once and then get asked about every single time you bring them somewhere. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, these savory bites deliver big flavor in a small package. Crispy bread, creamy sausage topping, and a salty hit of parmesan make them completely irresistible.
This is one of those dependable, old-school appetizer recipes that works for everything from holiday parties to game nights and casual get-togethers. They’re fast, filling, and guaranteed to disappear the minute they hit the table.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 12 people as an appetizer.
Prep time is 5 minutes, with 20 minutes of cook time, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into sturdy rounds that can hold the topping without getting soggy. The base of the spread is 1 pound ground Italian sausage, which brings plenty of flavor on its own. Add 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, for richness and a smooth texture. Finish with ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese for saltiness and depth. Season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix until fully blended and smooth. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until evenly incorporated. Taste and season lightly with salt and black pepper if needed.
Spread a thin, even layer of the sausage mixture onto each slice of French bread. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them in a single layer. Repeat until all the bread is topped. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan over the top of each piece.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the edges of the bread are lightly browned. Switch the oven to broil and broil for about 2 minutes, just until the tops turn golden and slightly crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Serving Tips
Hog Pogs are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the topping is creamy and the bread is crisp. Serve them as-is or alongside a simple dipping sauce like marinara or honey mustard. They pair perfectly with cold drinks and casual conversation.
Why You’ll Make Them Again
These little bites check all the boxes: quick, inexpensive, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly reliable. Hog Pogs prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients or long prep times to make something memorable. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your party recipe rotation.