Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Are these very spicy?

Not necessarily. Most of the heat in jalapeños is in the seeds and membranes. Removing them makes the peppers much milder. You can also use mini sweet peppers as a non-spicy substitute.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely. Puff pastry gives a flakier texture, and it works well in this recipe. Just roll it out thin and cut into small strips for wrapping.

What dipping sauces go well with this appetizer?

While these bites are delicious on their own, ranch dressing, French onion dip, or even a touch of hot honey work great on the side.

Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Name: Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 fresh jalapeños; 1 (12 oz) package cocktail sausages (Lit’l Smokies); 8 oz block cream cheese, softened; 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 2 (8 oz) packages crescent roll dough; 4 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing); Kosher salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Description

These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate spicy party snack. Creamy cheese, smoky sausage, and flaky dough make them a craveable, crowd-pleasing hit. A quick and easy appetizer that’s perfect for game days, holidays, or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

15 fresh jalapeños
1 (12 oz) package cocktail sausages (Lit’l Smokies)
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 (8 oz) packages crescent roll dough
4 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Kosher salt (optional, for sprinkling)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prep the Jalapeños: Cut off the stems and slice the jalapeños lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and evenly combined.
Fill the Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed halves of each jalapeño. Press a cocktail sausage firmly into the filling so it stays in place.
Wrap with Dough: Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to make smaller sections. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a triangle of dough, tucking the ends underneath.
Prepare to Bake: Arrange the wrapped poppers on the prepared baking sheet. For extra flavor and crispiness, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt or your favorite seasoning blend.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. If you like them crispier, you can bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve Warm: Allow to cool for a couple of minutes and serve warm with optional dipping sauces like ranch or French onion dip.

Notes

If you want a milder flavor, swap the jalapeños with mini sweet peppers. For a more gourmet twist, add chopped bacon or a pinch of smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture. These can be made vegetarian or gluten-free by using plant-based sausages and gluten-free dough. Let the cream cheese soften before mixing to make filling easier.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 popper
Calories: 110
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: <1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg