If you adore all things spicy and savory, these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are about to become your new obsession! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of a jalapeño popper hugged by a buttery blanket of dough, all focusing around a juicy lil’ smokie. A symphony of flavors and textures, these are the perfect party delight or game-day snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Perfect Bite: Each jalapeño popper pig in a blanket bursts with a blend of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños, balanced perfectly by the smokie’s savory goodness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or a casual lunch, these snacks are guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.
- Simple and Quick: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, these delicious bites are stress-free to prepare.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary needs, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create a delightful flavor contrast. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the smokiness of the Lil’ Smokies to the heat of the jalapeños, all wrapped in the warm embrace of crescent dough.
- Lil’ Smokies: These tiny sausages add a classic smoky flavor that is irresistible and pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapeños.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rounds: The buttery and flaky dough wraps everything harmoniously, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
- Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring a spicy kick that elevates the dish and pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Its creamy texture softens the heat and adds a smooth base to the filling.
- Sharp Cheddar: Provides a robust cheese flavor that intensifies as it melts and browns.
- Bacon: Crumbled bacon introduces a savory, crispy element that complements the other flavors.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic salt, black pepper, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning ensures each bite is flavor-packed.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play with flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are some imaginative tweaks you can make to craft your own perfect jalapeño popper pig in a blanket.
- Spicy & Sweet: Add a small piece of pineapple in the filling for a sweet contrast to the spicy jalapeño.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap Lil’ Smokies for a veggie sausage alternative and omit bacon if desired.
- Extra Heat: Mix in some hot sauce with the cream cheese for a fiery kick.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cut your crescent dough rounds into two to create more strips. Cook and crumble the bacon, then get those jalapeños ready by removing stems and seeds, and slicing them into quarters.
Step 2: Create the Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy in a medium bowl. Fold in the sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, and your seasonings. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. This enchanting mixture is what will melt hearts (and taste buds).
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Fill each jalapeño segment with your lavish cream cheese mixture. Place a Lil’ Smokie on top and wrap them snuggly using a dough strip. Arrange these mini marvels on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
- Perfect Cheese Melt: Pre-grate your cheddar for an even melt that melds seamlessly with the cream cheese, ensuring consistent creamy filling.
- Bacon Crunch: Ensure your bacon is crispy before crumbling; this adds a fantastic texture contrast to the creamy interior.
- Jalapeño Prep: Ensure all seeds are removed for pleasant heat without overpowering the dish.
- Quick Wrap: Work swiftly when rolling the dough to prevent it from sticking and ensure even coverage over the filling.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Pair with a drizzle of sriracha for those who crave extra heat.
Side Dishes
Pair these spicy delights with a creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. Potato salad or a spicy cheese dip also complements these poppers wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. For an elevated touch, serve them vertically on mini skewers or toothpicks for easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and retain their deliciousness for up to three days. Be sure to cool them completely before storing.
Freezing
These can be frozen before baking. Arrange assembled unbaked poppers on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispy, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
FAQs
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Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?
Yes, but be aware that pickled jalapeños are softer and may alter the texture slightly; they also add a tangy flavor that can be quite delightful.
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What can I use instead of crescent dough?
You can substitute with puff pastry or phyllo dough for a different texture—just adjust baking times accordingly.
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How can I make them less spicy?
Remove more seeds from the jalapeños and consider using a small amount of mild cheese in the mixture to reduce the spice level.
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Are there any dips that pair well with these poppers?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, spicy ketchup, or even a sweet chili sauce would complement these bites beautifully, adding a new dimension of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Oh, the delightful journey that is crafting your version of Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket! These little bites are bound to impress with their incredible blend of flavors and textures. Whether for a casual gathering or a celebratory feast, they ensure smiles and satisfied guests every time. Why wait? Embrace this culinary adventure and savor the deliciousness today!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 32 Poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These jalapeño popper pigs in a blanket are a flavorful and spicy appetizer, combining smoky sausages, creamy cheese filling, and a touch of bacon, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked to perfection. Perfect for game day or party snacking, they offer a delightful combination of heat, cheesiness, and crispy texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half
- 8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths
- 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the dough: Cut each crescent dough sheet in half to create 16 strips. Repeat with the second tube. Set aside.
- Make the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, Slap Ya Mama, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Prepare jalapeños: Cut each jalapeno in half vertically, then cut each half in half horizontally, resulting in 4 pieces per jalapeno. Carefully fill each jalapeno piece with the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble pigs in a blanket: Place a Lil’ Smokie on top of the filled jalapeno and wrap it with a strip of crescent dough, sealing the edges. Repeat with all jalapeno pieces and sausages.
- Bake: Arrange the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon on top before baking.
- If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos more thoroughly or use fewer jalapenos.
- Ensure the crescent dough is sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper (approximately 15 grams)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
