Name: Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 jalapeño peppers, cut in half lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed.; 4 ounces softened cream cheese.; 1 ¼ cups shredded Cheddar cheese.; 16 cocktail wieners (such as Hillshire Farms Lil Smokies®).; 2 (8 ounce) packages crescent roll dough (8 count each).

Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect combination of two classic party favorites: jalapeño poppers and pigs in a blanket. This fun fusion appetizer starts with fresh jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy cheddar and cream cheese mixture. Each pepper is topped with a cocktail wiener, then wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown. The result is a spicy, cheesy, and savory bite that’s perfect for any gathering. These poppers are sure to be a hit at your next game day party, family gathering, or potluck!

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.