If you are craving a bite-sized snack that combines creamy, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors all wrapped in a golden blanket of dough, then this Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is just what you need. It’s the perfect party appetizer or game day treat that takes classic pigs in a blanket to a whole new level by adding that irresistible jalapeño popper twist. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of jalapeño heat, making this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial, each contributing to the perfect texture and rich flavor of the Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. From the spiciness of fresh jalapeños to the creamy goodness of cheese and the smoky crunch of bacon, every component plays its part.
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies: Mini smoked sausages that pack a punch of savory flavor and fit perfectly into each bite.
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half: Flaky, buttery dough that crisps beautifully when baked, enveloping all the fillings.
- 8 jalapeños, stem and seeds removed, cut into fourths: Fresh jalapeños bring just the right amount of spicy warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy base that balances the heat and adds luscious texture.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded: Sharpness that cuts through the creaminess and complements the smokiness.
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled: Adds a crispy, smoky crunch that elevates the flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning: A zesty Cajun spice mix that enhances depth and gives a subtle kick.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Essential for savory depth and a hint of garlic aroma.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild peppery bite that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°. While it warms, cut each crescent dough can in half lengthwise to make 16 strips from each can. This gives you 32 strips total — enough for each popper to be evenly wrapped and beautifully golden after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy. Then add the shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a rich and flavorful filling that’s the heart of the Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Jalapeños
Cut the jalapeños carefully by slicing them in half vertically, then halve again horizontally so you have four small pieces per jalapeño. Make sure you remove all seeds to control the heat precisely — you want a nice kick, not an overwhelming blaze.
Step 4: Assemble the Poppers
Fill each jalapeño piece generously with the cream cheese mixture. Next, place one Lil’ Smokie sausage on top of the cheese-stuffed jalapeño piece. Wrap each stack with a crescent dough strip, sealing it carefully. Arrange your wrapped poppers on a baking sheet with a little space between each one for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Bake the wrapped little gems in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the crescent dough turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will be mouthwatering, signaling that these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe are ready to shine.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm for the best creamy, melty, spicy experience that everyone will be begging for seconds.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can make your Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe even more inviting. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and mild herbal freshness. A small drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side also complements the spicy filling brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs excellently with crispy veggie sticks like celery or carrot for refreshing crunch. A tangy coleslaw adds a cooling contrast, while a simple mixed greens salad can lighten up the richness. If you want to keep it indulgent, crispy seasoned fries or tater tots always do the trick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive twist, serve your Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe on a tiered platter for parties, or skewer them for easy dipping. You can create a mini dipping station with various sauces like spicy mustard, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo to let guests customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a convenient snack to enjoy later without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these poppers before baking for quick future use. Arrange the assembled poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and can be baked directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350° for about 10 minutes or until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and the filling less appealing. Proper reheating preserves the crunchy exterior and melty interior that make this Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make the recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Removing all seeds from the jalapeños already reduces the heat considerably. For an even milder version, you can substitute jalapeños with mild green bell peppers or use fewer jalapeños.
What can I use instead of Lil’ Smokies?
If you can’t find Lil’ Smokies, small cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs work just as well. Just make sure they are pre-cooked or smoked for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the Lil’ Smokies and bacon, and consider using vegetarian sausage links or smoked tofu bites instead. You can also add extra cheese or veggies to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Is there a gluten-free option?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternatives available in many stores. Just check the packaging to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes to prep, including chopping and mixing, with a 20-minute bake time. It’s a fantastic recipe to make ahead and enjoy fresh when ready!
Final Thoughts
If you want a snack that combines comfort, spice, and that perfect balance of cheesy goodness wrapped in flaky dough, you really should try this Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that turns every gathering into a celebration and every bite into a little moment of joy. Give it a go and watch how quickly these poppers disappear!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 32 poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a delicious appetizer featuring smoky Lil’ Smokies wrapped in crescent dough with a spicy, creamy jalapeño and cheese filling. Perfectly baked until golden brown, they offer a savory bite with a kick of jalapeño heat combined with creamy cheese and crispy bacon bits.
Ingredients
Sausage and Dough
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half
Filling
- 8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut into fourths
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the poppers.
- Prepare Dough Strips: Cut each Crescent Roll dough in half lengthwise to create 16 strips per can and set aside for wrapping.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Combine with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Wash jalapeños, remove stems and seeds, then cut each jalapeño into four pieces, creating a manageable size for filling.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño piece with the cream cheese and cheddar mixture ensuring they are well filled to balance the smoky sausage.
- Assemble Poppers: Place a stuffed jalapeño quarter and a Lil’ Smokie sausage together, then wrap them securely in one dough strip, repeating until all are wrapped. Place the wrapped poppers evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the assembled poppers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapeños reduces the heat; leave some seeds in if you prefer spicier poppers.
- Use cooked and crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor and texture in the filling.
- If Pillsbury Crescent Rounds are unavailable, any similar crescent roll dough can be used.
- These poppers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; garlic salt and Slap Ya Mama seasoning add a distinctive flavor profile but can be substituted or omitted.
