Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket
These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness. With the creamy filling of jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, wrapped around smoky sausages and soft crescent dough, they make a deliciously irresistible snack or appetizer.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful bite, these little bites pack a punch and are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds—classic pigs in a blanket with a spicy, cheesy twist! The smoky Lil’ Smokies pair perfectly with the creamy, savory filling made from jalapeños, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar.
The addition of crispy bacon adds extra flavor and crunch, while the soft crescent dough holds everything together in a golden, buttery package.
It’s a bold, flavorful snack that’s sure to satisfy cravings for something both indulgent and exciting, making it perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Key Ingredients:
Lil’ Smokies: These mini sausages bring a savory, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the spicy and creamy filling.
Jalapeños: Add a fresh, zesty heat that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that blends with sharp cheddar and bacon for a rich, indulgent filling.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a bold, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory crunch that elevates the flavor profile of this appetizer.
Crescent Dough: The golden, flaky dough wraps everything together, creating a perfectly baked, buttery bite.
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients:
1 14-ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds halved
8 jalapeños stemmed, seeded, and quartered
4 ounces cream cheese softened
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Crescent Dough
Slice each crescent round into two halves to create 16 strips per can.
Set them aside for later use.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and smooth.
Add the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and seasonings, then mix until fully blended.
Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeños
Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice into quarters.
Step 5: Assemble
Fill each jalapeño quarter with the cream cheese mixture.
Top with a Lil’ Smokie, then wrap each piece with a crescent dough strip.
Step 6: Bake
Place the wrapped Lil’ Smokies on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve right away for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes:
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove all the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute them with a milder pepper like banana peppers. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
Bacon Alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking and crumbling bacon yourself. Alternatively, turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute can be used for a lighter version.
Dough Variations: If you can’t find Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, you can use regular crescent roll dough, just cut the dough into strips to wrap around the sausages. You can also experiment with other types of dough, like puff pastry, for a different texture.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the jalapeño poppers in advance. Assemble them, place them on the baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 12 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
Serving Tip: Serve with a side of ranch dressing or a creamy dipping sauce to balance out the heat from the jalapeños and add extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1 popper
Calories: ~90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugars: 1 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Cholesterol: 20 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance!
Assemble the poppers and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed, and they’ll be ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of Lil’ Smokies?
Absolutely! While Lil’ Smokies work great in this recipe, you can use any small, cooked sausage or cocktail sausage that you prefer.
Just ensure that they’re fully cooked before wrapping in dough.
How can I adjust the heat if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove all the seeds from the jalapeños and use only the flesh.
Alternatively, you can swap the jalapeños for a milder pepper variety like bell peppers or banana peppers.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled poppers before baking.
Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s a good dipping sauce to serve with these?
These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy dipping sauce like sour cream mixed with a little lime and garlic.
For an extra kick, you can even offer a spicy Sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce.
How do I prevent the crescent dough from getting too soggy when baking?
To prevent the dough from becoming soggy, make sure the cream cheese mixture is thick enough.
If it’s too runny, you can add a little more shredded cheddar cheese or let it chill in the fridge before assembling.
Also, make sure to fully bake them until the dough is golden and crispy.
Can I use a different cheese instead of sharp cheddar?
Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
What’s the best way to cut the jalapeños?
To cut the jalapeños, first remove the stems and slice them in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes (which contain most of the heat).
Then cut each half into quarters to fit nicely inside the dough.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe without bacon.
You could substitute it with crumbled cooked sausage or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
The recipe will still be delicious without the bacon’s smoky flavor.
How do I know when the poppers are fully cooked?
The poppers are done when the crescent dough is golden brown and crispy.
You can also check by gently pressing on the dough to see if it’s firm and fully cooked through.
If the dough looks too soft, give it a few extra minutes in the oven.