Get ready to wow your friends and family with a snack that’s bursting with flavor, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of kick! This Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe combines smoky mini sausages wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough, oozing with a creamy jalapeño cheddar filling. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and savory wrapped up in a golden, irresistible bite that’s ideal for game days, parties, or an indulgent snack anytime you crave something fun and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating layers of taste and texture from the creamy cheese to the spicy jalapeños and the flaky dough that hugs them all together.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The buttery, flaky base that wraps around each sausage for that classic pigs in a blanket texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps balance the heat from the jalapeños perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Provides a sharp, melty contrast that complements the smoky sausages.
- Jalapeños (2, seeded and finely chopped): Brings the necessary spice and a fresh peppery bite without overpowering.
- Mini smoked sausages (12–14): The savory, smoky star of the show, giving each bite a satisfying meatiness.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the dough a glossy, golden-brown finish.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a burst of garlicky, nutty flavor on top.
- Cooking spray or parchment paper: Keeps the baking sheet ready for easy cleanup and ensures your blanket bites don’t stick.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step sets you up for easy and mess-free baking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and finely chopped jalapeños. Stir them together until smooth and well combined, creating that perfect creamy filling that will make every bite so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and separate it into triangles. To fit your mini sausages, cut each triangle into two or three smaller pieces. This sizing ensures every pig in a blanket gets just the right dough-to-filling ratio.
Step 4: Assemble Your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Spread a small spoonful of your creamy cheese mixture onto each piece of dough. Then, place a mini sausage on top. Roll the dough carefully around the sausage, making sure to seal the edges so the filling won’t leak out during baking.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Place each rolled-up pig in a blanket on your prepared baking sheet seam-side down to keep them nicely sealed. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that beautiful golden sheen. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The smell wafting from your oven at this point will be pure appetizer heaven!
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, serve them with a scattering of freshly chopped cilantro or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of spicy ranch or a dollop of creamy guacamole on the side makes for a perfect dipping experience.
Side Dishes
These bites pair beautifully with classic party sides like a crisp garden salad, crunchy celery sticks, or even a tangy coleslaw that refreshes your palate after the spicy, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe in a circular pattern on a platter with bowls of assorted dips in the center. You can loop them onto skewers for easy grab-and-go snacking at your next gathering or stack them in mini sandwich towers for a playful presentation that guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking on the next day or warming up for a quick party snack.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the pigs in a blanket but don’t bake them yet. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make these Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply use fewer jalapeños or remove all the seeds, as they contain most of the heat. You can even swap jalapeños for milder peppers if you’re sensitive to spice but still want that fresh pepper flavor.
What’s a good alternative to cream cheese in the filling?
If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work as creamy alternatives. They have a slightly different texture and flavor but keep the filling rich and smooth.
Can I use regular-sized hot dogs instead of mini sausages?
Yes, but you’ll want to cut the larger sausages into smaller pieces so they fit nicely in your crescent dough pieces and bake evenly without the dough getting too thick or doughy.
Is everything bagel seasoning necessary?
It’s totally optional but highly recommended! It adds a fantastic savory crunch with garlic, sesame, and onion notes that elevate the flavors and add textural contrast. If you don’t have it, a sprinkle of sea salt or smoked paprika can be a nice substitute.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With some swaps, yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, and make sure to check the crescent roll dough ingredients for dairy content. The final result will be slightly different but still tasty and fun!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines creaminess, spice, and that irresistible pigs in a blanket comfort, this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for a quick snack yet impressive enough to steal the show at parties. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to savor every melty, spicy, cheesy bite together!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 pieces
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a delicious and spicy twist on the classic appetizer. Featuring mini smoked sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, these bite-sized treats are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun snack. Baked until golden and topped with everything bagel seasoning, they offer a perfect balance of cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 12–14 mini smoked sausages
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, evenly blended filling.
- Prepare dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle into 2 or 3 smaller pieces, according to the number of sausages you’re using.
- Fill and roll: Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on each piece of dough. Place one mini smoked sausage on top of the filling, then carefully roll the dough around the sausage, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Arrange and season: Place each rolled piece seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust. If desired, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For more heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the filling or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese for cheddar to make the filling spicier.
- These are ideal for game day, parties, or as a fun finger food snack.
