These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate mashup of two beloved party classics, wrapped into one irresistible bite. With smoky little sausages, cheesy jalapeño filling, and crispy bacon all bundled up in flaky crescent dough, every nibble packs a punch of flavor and just the right amount of heat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds: This recipe combines fan-favorite jalapeño poppers with classic pigs in a blanket, creating a snack that’s as fun as it is flavorful.
- Serious Crowd Pleaser: Each bite delivers melty cheese, smoky sausage, zesty jalapeño, and crispy bacon—guaranteed to disappear at parties or game day gatherings!
- Simple, Stress-Free Prep: Thanks to store-bought crescent dough and Lil’ Smokies, these little poppers are unbelievably easy to assemble, yet taste totally homemade.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the jalapeños or use milder peppers to make these poppers just right for everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket is all in the ingredients—each one brings its own burst of bold flavor, creaminess, crunch, or spice. Let’s walk through what you’ll need for these next-level party bites!
- Lil’ Smokies: These mini smoked sausages are the “pig” in our blanket, offering a craveworthy, smoky bite that stands up beautifully to the cheesy filling.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rounds: Pre-packaged dough makes life simple and wraps everything in a golden, flaky crust. Don’t forget to slice each round in half for the perfect snack size!
- Fresh Jalapeños: For authentic popper flair and that irresistible spicy kick! Remove the seeds for less heat, or leave a few in for serious spice lovers.
- Cream Cheese: When softened and whipped, it becomes the creamy base that binds the filling and keeps every bite wonderfully luscious.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds extra cheesiness, color, and a little tang that cuts through the richness—freshly shredded melts best.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and crumbled, bacon brings crunch and depth to the filling, tying all the flavors together.
- Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: A punchy Cajun blend that delivers flavor in every bite—use less for mild, or dial it up if you love heat!
- Garlic Salt & Black Pepper: These simple seasonings round out the filling and make everything pop (pun intended!).
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket your own! It’s such a flexible recipe—swap, tweak, or add to your heart’s content to suit every taste, spice level, or dietary approach.
- Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack for an extra kick or swap cheddar for gouda or Monterey Jack for a subtle twist on flavor and meltiness.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausages and skip the bacon, or swap in vegetarian bacon crumbles—you’ll still get that savory bite!
- Less Spicy, More Family-Friendly: Substitute mini sweet peppers or poblano slices for the jalapeños if you need a mild version the kids will love.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free crescent dough if anyone in your crew needs to avoid wheat, and nobody will miss a thing.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F to set the stage for perfectly baked snacks. While it warms, fry your bacon until crisp and crumble it. Cut crescent rounds in half for easy wrapping, and carefully slice the jalapeños—removing seeds if you like things less spicy. This little bit of prep is the secret to easy assembly later!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer (or some elbow grease!), until it turns light and spreadable. Stir in the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, Slap Ya Mama, garlic salt, and pepper until everything looks creamy and almost impossible to resist. Try not to eat it all with a spoon—yet!
Step 3: Fill and Wrap the Jalapeños
Divide the jalapeños into fourths. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño “boat,” nestling a Lil’ Smokie snugly on top. Now, wrap each stuffed pepper and sausage in a strip of crescent dough, pinching the seams closed as you go, and place them on your baking sheet, seam-side down.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. When the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, you’ll know they’re ready. Serve immediately for melty, toasty perfection—or hold your horses and let them cool slightly if you value your fingertips!
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
- Jalapeño Handling 101: Use gloves when prepping fresh jalapeños to avoid any spicy mishaps, and scrape out the pith for milder poppers!
- Seal the Deal: Be sure to pinch the dough closed well around the filling to lock in all the cheesy goodness and keep your poppers from leaking.
- Prep Ahead Power: Assemble the pigs in a blanket up to 24 hours ahead of time, then bake just before serving for a fuss-free party treat.
- Get That Even Bake: Arrange your poppers with space between them on the baking sheet so every one gets perfectly golden and crisp.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh cilantro over the finished Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket adds color and a cool, herby finish. For a little extra heat, dust with chili powder or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce right before serving!
Side Dishes
Pair these spicy-salty bites with cool ranch dressing or blue cheese dip for dunking. Serve alongside a crunchy slaw, chips with guacamole, or even a bright corn salad to round out your party table beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket on a rustic wooden board with colorful napkins, or thread them onto skewers for a playful, portable snack. For extra wow-factor, serve in a big bowl with dipping sauces nestled right in the center!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any poppers left (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 2-3 days and make a super snack or quick lunch the next day—simply reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, let your Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe bag separated by parchment paper. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest results.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes, or until heated through and the dough crisps back up. Avoid the microwave if you can—the dough stays flakier with a quick oven refresh.
FAQs
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Can I make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate them, covered. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed—no need to bring them to room temperature first.
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What can I use as a substitute for Lil’ Smokies?
If Lil’ Smokies aren’t available, sliced cooked hot dogs, cocktail franks, or even mini chicken sausages will work perfectly, though each brings its own flair to the poppers!
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How spicy are these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket?
They have a gentle kick, but removing the seeds and pith from the jalapeños tones down the heat nicely. Leave some seeds for more spice, or opt for sweet peppers for a mild version everyone can enjoy.
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Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, these poppers cook up beautifully in the air fryer! Set the temperature to 350°F and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that’ll wow your friends and make you the hero of any gathering, you have to try these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket. They’re always the first to disappear, and one bite is all it takes to fall in love. Give them a whirl, and let your kitchen fill with laughter, cheers, and happy, spicy smiles!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 32 Poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a spicy twist on a classic appetizer, combining the flavors of jalapeno poppers with the fun of pigs in a blanket. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings!
Ingredients
Lil’ Smokies:
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
Crescent Rounds:
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half
Jalapenos:
- 8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the dough: Cut the crescent dough in half to make 16 strips. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add cheddar, bacon, and seasonings; mix well.
- Prepare the jalapenos: Cut jalapenos into pieces and fill with cream cheese mixture. Top each with a lil’ smokie and wrap in dough.
- Bake: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Popper
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
