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
Scale
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.
