Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to elevate your snack game, this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is pure magic. Imagine juicy Lit’l Smokies wrapped in flaky crescent dough, with a luscious cream cheese blend spiked with green chilies, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheddar, all warmed to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with a perfectly balanced kick and creamy comfort that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s a party appetizer, game day hero, or cozy snack that never disappoints, making it a favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each chosen to layer on flavor, texture, and that irresistible pop of heat. From smoky sausages to creamy cheese and aromatic spices, it’s a straightforward list that comes together beautifully.
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies: The savory sausage base that’s juicy and flavorful, perfect for wrapping.
- 1 can crescent rolls: Flaky and buttery dough that crisps to golden perfection.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds tangy creaminess that balances the heat.
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled: Provides a smoky crunch and depth.
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained: Brings in that mild but zesty jalapeno flavor.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness inside.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory notes that marry all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a mild heat that complements the chilies.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Kick off your cooking by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is key to getting that crisp, golden crust on the crescent dough. Don’t forget to spray your 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with some non-stick cooking spray to ensure your finished pigs in a blanket slide off easily without sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into the standard triangles. To get perfectly sized bites, use a pizza cutter to first cut each triangle in half lengthwise, then cut these halves horizontally, creating four smaller pieces from each original triangle. You’ll end up with 32 small rectangles ready to wrap—an ideal size for party snacking or sharing.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
This step is where the magic happens. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth—this ensures every bite is creamy rather than lumpy. Stir in the crispy bacon crumbles, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything until evenly combined, creating the signature jalapeno popper filling that’s rich, smoky, spicy, and cheesy all at once.
Step 4: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
Now for some hands-on fun: spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent dough piece. Next, place one Lit’l Smokie on the widest edge of the dough, then roll it tightly but gently to encase the sausage and cream cheese filling. Make sure the seam is underneath when you place them on the baking sheet, so they don’t unroll during baking.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Line up your assembled pigs in a blanket seam-side down on the greased baking sheet, leaving a bit of space so they can puff up beautifully. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and wonderfully flaky. Keep an eye on them—once they look perfectly toasted, they’re ready for the best part: eating!
Step 6: Serve
Pull your delicious Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait that long). They’re incredible served warm, and you can add your favorite dipping sauces for an extra punch of flavor.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling extra crispy bacon bits or finely chopped fresh chives over the top just before serving. A little drizzle of spicy ranch or a tangy sriracha mayo makes an excellent dipping sauce that complements the creamy cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Pair these savory bites with a refreshing cucumber salad or crisp carrot sticks to add crisp, fresh contrast to each rich and spicy mouthful. A cold beer or sparkling iced tea also pairs beautifully to balance the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dips and garnishes. You can also thread them onto skewers for easy grab-and-go appetizers at parties, or arrange them around a colorful vegetable platter for a stunning snack display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and stay delicious, making for quick snacks or a tasty addition to lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze these assembled but unbaked Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe for up to a month. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without thawing for a bit longer.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, use diced fresh jalapenos instead of canned chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Just be mindful of your guests’ spice tolerance to keep it enjoyable for everyone.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap Lit’l Smokies with vegetarian sausages and omit bacon, or replace it with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. The creamy, cheesy filling still delivers plenty of deliciousness.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
Spicy ranch, honey mustard, and sriracha mayo all pair excellently with Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, offering creamy, tangy, or spicy contrasts that complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance?
Yes! In fact, mixing the filling a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.
Are crescent rolls the only dough option?
While crescent rolls are perfect for their buttery, flaky texture, puff pastry can be used as an alternative for a slightly different, flakier crust. Just adjust baking time accordingly and watch for that golden color.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that brings everyone together with smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion that calls for fun, finger-friendly food. Once you try it, you’ll quickly see why it’s a go-to favorite that’s worth making time and again. So grab your ingredients, turn on some tunes, and get ready to enjoy a bite that’s bursting with cheesy, smoky, spicy goodness.
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Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings 1x
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a delicious twist on a classic appetizer, combining smoky Lit’l Smokies with a creamy, cheesy jalapeno-inspired filling wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, they’re bursting with flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
Meat
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies, drained and patted dry
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dough
- 1 can crescent rolls
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained
Spices
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the crescent rolls don’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Use a pizza cutter to first cut each triangle in half lengthwise and then cut again horizontally, creating 4 small pieces from each triangle for a total of 32 pieces. Set these aside for assembly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add the crumbled cooked bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until fully combined to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket: Evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent dough piece. Place one Lit’l Smokie on the widest end of each piece, then roll up the dough securely around the smokie to seal the filling inside.
- Arrange and Bake: Place each rolled pig in a blanket seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them tightly wrapped during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. These are excellent served with your choice of dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapenos to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and the filling smoother.
- Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a favorite dipping sauce for added flavor variety.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a crispier texture, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
