These Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket are a fun and zesty twist on a classic snack! They wrap tasty little sausages in soft dough, with spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese tucked inside.
They make the perfect bite-sized treat for parties or movie nights. Plus, who can resist the crunch of the dough combined with the cheesy goodness? I love serving these with a side of ranch for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño peppers: These are the star of the show! Fresh jalapeños give a nice spicy kick. If you find them too hot, try using banana peppers or mini sweet peppers for a milder option.
Cream cheese: This provides the creamy base for the filling. Neufchâtel cheese is a great lower-fat substitute, or you can use goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Cheddar and mozzarella: Both add excellent flavor and gooeyness. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you want extra heat. Use vegan cheese if you need a dairy-free alternative.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch. You can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. Consider using prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
Crescent roll dough: This dough gives a flaky texture. If you want to avoid processed ingredients, you can make your own dough or use puff pastry. Just cut it into strips!
How Do I Handle Spicy Jalapeños?
Cutting jalapeños can be tricky if you’re sensitive to spices. To keep your hands safe:
- Wear gloves while cutting and seeding the peppers to avoid irritation.
- Removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat, so do it carefully to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Always wash your hands after handling jalapeños to avoid touching your eyes or face.
Using a spoon can help scoop out the insides without losing too much pepper meat. Happy cooking!
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (reserve 3 whole slices for wrapping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wrapper:
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 45-50 minutes! You’ll quickly prep the filling, wrap everything up, and bake these tasty bites until golden brown.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Prep the Jalapeños:
Carefully cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes with a spoon. This helps dial down the heat but feel free to leave a few seeds if you want more spice! Rinse the peppers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, chopped bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will be the delicious stuffing for your jalapeños!
4. Stuff the Jalapeños:
Scoop the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, making sure they’re filled generously. Don’t be shy—this is what makes them pop with flavor!
5. Bacon Wrap Time:
For added flavor, cut the reserved whole bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, covering it snugly without squishing the filling out.
6. Wrap with Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Depending on the size, you may want to cut each triangle into smaller strips. Wrap each bacon-wrapped jalapeño with a strip of crescent dough, sealing the edges slightly to help keep everything inside.
7. Bake:
Place each wrapped jalapeño popper seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once golden and delicious, remove the jalapeño poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm! Serve them with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistibly tasty treat.
Enjoy your homemade Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket, the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! If you want to tone down the heat, you can use sweet mini peppers or banana peppers instead of jalapeños. Just remember that the flavor will vary slightly based on the pepper you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make these poppers vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives. They’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and the dough is crispy again!
