Cozy Grandma’s Hog Pogs are the kind of warm, savory party bites that instantly make a kitchen feel lived-in and welcoming. This is the recipe that always seemed to be ready when guests dropped by unexpectedly—pulled from the oven just in time, bubbling and golden, with everyone hovering nearby waiting for the first tray.
These little bites are rich, comforting, and wonderfully simple. Crispy French bread forms the base, topped with a creamy sausage and cheese spread that bakes into something irresistibly cozy. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just honest, old-fashioned flavor that never goes out of style.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 12 people as an appetizer.
Prep time is 5 minutes, and cook time is 20 minutes, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, and casual family gatherings.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into sturdy rounds. For the topping, use 1 pound ground Italian sausage, which brings plenty of seasoning and depth. Add 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, for that signature creamy texture, and ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese for savory richness. Finish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese 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 in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Once all slices are topped, sprinkle a little extra parmesan over each one.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the sausage is fully cooked and the edges of the bread begin to brown. Switch the oven to broil and broil for about 2 minutes, just until the tops are lightly golden and slightly crisp. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Cozy Grandma’s Hog Pogs are best served straight from the oven while the topping is creamy and the bread is crisp. They’re perfect on their own, but they also pair well with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or a simple green salad on the side.
Why This Recipe Never Fails
This is the kind of recipe that gets written on index cards, shared between neighbors, and requested again and again. Cozy Grandma’s Hog Pogs are comforting, filling, and endlessly reliable—proof that the simplest recipes are often the ones people remember most. Once you make them, they’re guaranteed to become a regular part of your entertaining tradition.
Enjoy !!!!
