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
Scale
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
