If you love the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory bites, you’re going to absolutely adore this Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. These irresistible little treats bring together smoky Lil’ Smokies, creamy cheese, and vibrant jalapeños all wrapped in buttery, golden crescent dough for a party-perfect appetizer or snack. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or craving an exciting twist on the classic pigs in a blanket, this recipe delivers a flavor punch in every bite that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe uses a simple but perfectly balanced list of ingredients, each one contributing a unique pop of flavor, texture, or richness. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese blend, smokey bacon, and tender mini sausages wrapped in flaky dough is truly a match made in foodie heaven.
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies: These smoky mini sausages are the savory core of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful bites.
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half: The buttery dough creates a golden and tender blanket that wraps all the deliciousness together.
- 8 jalapeños, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths: They add that perfect level of fresh heat and crunch to liven up every bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creamy and smooth, it blends all the filling ingredients into a luscious spread.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded: Sharp cheddar packs a bold and tangy flavor that balances out the heat and enhances richness.
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled: Bacon brings a smoky saltiness and crispy texture for extra indulgence.
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning: Adds a little Cajun spice boost that makes the filling even more exciting.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Garlic salt seasons the filling for deeper savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper adds mild warmth and rounds out the spices perfectly.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the crescent dough to cook evenly until golden and flaky, while heating the filling just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Take both cans of Pillsbury Crescent Rounds and cut each dough sheet in half, creating 16 strips from each can for a total of 32 strips. These strips will wrap around each smokie sausage, perfectly sealing in all the cheesy, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled cooked bacon, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This mixture is the creamy, flavorful heart of your jalapeño poppers.
Step 4: Cut and Stuff the Jalapeños
Remove the stems and seeds from the jalapeños to control the heat level, then cut each pepper vertically and horizontally so you have four pieces from each jalapeño. Fill each jalapeño piece with the cream cheese mixture. This step ensures you get that signature jalapeño popper kick inside every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
Place a dollop of the cream cheese stuffed jalapeño on each dough strip. Top that with a Lil’ Smokie. Carefully wrap the dough strip completely around the smokie and jalapeño cheese, sealing the edges to prevent any filling from escaping during baking. Place each wrapped smokie on a baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Step 6: Bake until Golden
Bake your Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible, with mouthwatering hints of smoky bacon, melted cheese, and spicy peppers filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Fresh
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect melty, gooey cheese-filled poppers wrapped in a flaky blanket of dough that everyone will love.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A drizzle of ranch or spicy mayo on the side also pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and smoky sausage.
Side Dishes
These poppers make an excellent appetizer alongside crisp vegetable sticks, tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. They’re also delicious served with classic party dips like salsa, guacamole, or a cheesy queso dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the poppers on a charcuterie board surrounded by fresh fruit, nuts, and a variety of dipping sauces for a festive presentation. Skewer a couple of poppers with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go finger food at parties or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the dough from getting soggy and preserves their ooey-gooey filling for a quick snack later.
Freezing
You can freeze these poppers before baking by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their crisp exterior and melty inside. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dough flaky.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply remove all the seeds from the jalapeños, or substitute with a milder pepper like a poblano or banana pepper for less heat while still keeping that fresh pepper flavor.
What can I use instead of Lil’ Smokies?
Mini cocktail sausages, regular hot dogs sliced into smaller pieces, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives work well if you want to customize the dish to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for parties?
Yes! You can assemble the poppers and keep them wrapped on a baking sheet, covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge up to a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them before baking as mentioned earlier.
Is there a substitute for the cream cheese mixture?
If you want a lighter option, you could combine Greek yogurt with shredded cheese and seasonings, but cream cheese gives that classic creamy popper texture and richness that’s hard to beat.
How do I know when the poppers are perfectly baked?
Look for a golden brown color on the crescent dough and a firm feeling when gently pressed. The internal cheese should be melted and hot, so baking around 20 minutes usually does the trick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a fun twist, this Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is your new go-to. It’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures wrapped in a perfect handheld package. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 32 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and savory Lil’ Smokies wrapped in flaky crescent dough for a deliciously indulgent appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat & Cheese
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
Dough
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half
Produce & Seasonings
- 8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the wrapped poppers.
- Prepare Dough: Cut each can of crescent dough in half to create 16 strips per can, totaling 32 strips. Set the strips aside for later use.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and the seasonings (Slap Ya Mama, garlic salt, black pepper). Stir everything together to form a well-mixed filling.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Remove stems and seeds from jalapeños for less heat, then cut each jalapeño into four pieces by slicing vertically and horizontally.
- Assemble Poppers: Fill each jalapeño piece generously with the cheese mixture. Place one Lil’ Smokie on top of the filled jalapeño piece, then wrap it tightly with one crescent dough strip to secure all ingredients inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each wrapped Lil’ Smokie on a baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm and melty for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeño seeds based on your preferred spice level.
- Cook bacon ahead of time to save prep time and ensure it crisps well.
- Use sharp cheddar for a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese.
- To avoid dough sogginess, ensure the cheese filling isn’t too watery.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
