Jalapeño Popper Pigs In A Blanket

Ingredients

14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half

8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded

4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama

½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Cut the crescent dough in half to create 16 strips of dough. Repeat with other dough. Set aside.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and seasonings. Stir to mix well.

Cut jalapenos in half vertically, then in half horizontally, and end up with 4 pieces per jalapeno.

Fill with cream cheese mixture. Place a lil’ smokie on top of cream cheese mixture and wrap with a dough strip. Place wrapped lil’ smokies on a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes, you can control the spiciness by adjusting the number of jalapenos you use.

If you prefer it milder, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat.

Can I make these in advance and reheat them later?

While these are best when served fresh from the oven, you can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and then reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their texture.

However, they may not be as crispy as when first baked.

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of Lil’ Smokies?

Yes, you can use other types of mini sausages or cocktail wieners if you prefer.

Just ensure they are the right size to fit inside the dough.

What can I substitute for Slap Ya Mama seasoning?

If you don’t have Slap Ya Mama seasoning, you can use other Cajun or Creole seasoning blends, or simply replace it with a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat and a bit of paprika for flavor.

Can I freeze these for later use?

Yes, you can freeze these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket.

After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven until heated through.

Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?

While Pillsbury Crescent Rounds are recommended, you can experiment with other types of dough, like puff pastry or biscuit dough, to create a different texture and flavor for your pigs in a blanket.

How can I make these less spicy for people who can’t tolerate heat?

To reduce the spiciness, you can use mild peppers instead of jalapenos or remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated.

Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pigs in a blanket.

Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the Lil’ Smokies and bacon to make a vegetarian version of these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket.

Consider adding some diced vegetables or meat alternatives for extra flavor and texture.

Can I freeze these before baking for later use?

Yes, you can assemble these pigs in a blanket, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.