Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a creative twist on two classic appetizers, blending the spicy heat of jalapeño poppers with the savory goodness of pigs in a blanket. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want to impress guests with something deliciously cheesy and flavorful.
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this recipe a hit.
INGREDIENTS
- Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños bring a spicy kick, and their sturdy shape makes them perfect for stuffing with cheese and wrapping in dough.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the base of the cheesy filling, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, savory flavor that melts beautifully inside the jalapeño poppers.
- Cocktail Wieners: These small sausages, like Hillshire Farms Lil Smokies®, add a savory bite to complement the cheese and jalapeño.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky, buttery crescent roll dough wraps everything up, baking to a golden brown and adding a crispy texture to each bite.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Step 2:
- Rinse the jalapeño halves to remove any remaining seeds and membranes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they’re ready for filling.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. The cream cheese should be smooth and the cheddar evenly distributed.
- Step 4:
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese and cheddar mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers. Top each filled jalapeño with one cocktail wiener.
- Step 5:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 16 individual triangles. Place each cheese-filled jalapeño with a cocktail wiener at the wide end of the triangle. Roll the dough around the pepper and wiener, ensuring the pepper is fully encased in the dough.
- Step 6:
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each to allow the dough to puff up as it bakes.
- Step 7:
- Bake the Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 8:
- Let the poppers cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mustard.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are best served hot and fresh from the oven. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy queso. These snacks are perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freezing: You can also freeze Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket after baking. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder snack, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or substitute mini sweet peppers for the jalapeños.
- Mixing Up the Cheese: While cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for more spice or mozzarella for a milder, creamier texture.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining easier and ensures you have a fresh, hot appetizer ready to go!
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Laura suggests adding a slice of bacon wrapped around the jalapeño before rolling it in the crescent dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chef Diego recommends brushing the tops of the crescent dough with melted butter or egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Chef Kelly advises sprinkling the tops with a pinch of sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.