There is something utterly irresistible about a snack that combines smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors all wrapped up in golden, flaky dough. That’s exactly what you get with this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. Imagine biting into a warm crescent roll hugging a smoky Lit’l Smokie, a creamy burst of jalapeno-inspired cream cheese goodness, and crispy bacon bits — this appetizer truly brings comfort and excitement together on one plate. If you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to an indulgent snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. With simple pantry staples and fresh additions, your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe will come together quickly and taste phenomenal.
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies: These mini sausages provide that juicy, smoky note that’s the star of every bite.
- 1 can crescent rolls: The buttery, flaky dough wraps it all up into a warm, golden blanket.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: This creamy base blends the spices and adds a luscious texture.
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and an irresistible savory punch.
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained: Brings a mild jalapeno heat and a pop of color.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully inside, offering sharpness and gooey goodness.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile subtly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a slight kick and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your pigs in a blanket don’t stick during baking. This step sets the stage for perfectly golden pastry with zero fuss.
Step 2: Cut the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles as per package instructions. Use a pizza cutter to cut each triangle lengthwise and then horizontally until you have 32 smaller rectangles. This ensures everyone gets just the right-sized bite and plenty of delicious filling to pastry ratio.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then fold in the crumbled bacon, green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mixing all these flavors creates the fiery, creamy filling that truly brings this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe to life.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pigs in a Blanket
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each crescent dough piece. Lay a Lit’l Smokie at the wider end of the dough, then tightly roll the dough up around it. Secure each little bundle and arrange them seam side down on the baking sheet — this keeps them sealed while they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the assembled pigs in a blanket for 15-20 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn golden brown and irresistibly flaky. The kitchen will fill with the mouth-watering aroma of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and baked dough, making the wait worth every second.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Warm
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool just slightly. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and smoky sausage at their very best. These are spectacular on their own or paired with your favorite dips.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors, while a dash of smoked paprika on top can bring out the smoky notes even more. For a little extra zing, serve with a side of spicy mustard or ranch dressing as dippable companions.
Side Dishes
Pair these poppers with crunchy veggie sticks or a crisp garden salad to balance out the richness. For an indulgent spread, creamy coleslaw or baked mac ‘n’ cheese are crowd-pleasing side options that elevate this appetizer to party-perfect status.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the pigs in a blanket on a flat platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces, or serve them skewered in bunches for easy grab-and-go servings. For a fun twist, you could even place them inside mini slider buns for a fusion snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. They make for an amazing snack or quick lunch the next day!
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, assemble the pigs in a blanket and freeze on a tray until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You can bake them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to regain that crispy exterior and melty center. Avoid the microwave to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of Lit’l Smokies?
Yes! Regular hot dogs will work fine, though they are usually larger, so you might need to adjust the size of the dough pieces and baking time accordingly. Lit’l Smokies provide that perfect bite-size convenience.
What if I don’t have green chilies? Can I substitute something else?
If green chilies aren’t available, finely chopped jalapeno peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a similar spicy kick. Just be cautious with heat level to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the Lit’l Smokies and bacon with vegetarian or plant-based sausage alternatives and omit the bacon. Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the filling to preserve the smoky flavor.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The cream cheese mixture can be made 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. This simplifies the assembly process on baking day and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What are the best dipping sauces to serve with these?
Popular choices include spicy mustard, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or even a cool yogurt-based dip. Choose dips that complement the smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is a flavor-packed snack that brings warmth, comfort, and just the right amount of exciting spice. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a fun bite for movie night, these are sure to become a beloved staple. I truly encourage you to try making them yourself — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 32 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket combine smoky Lit’l Smokies wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, bacon, green chilies, cheddar cheese, and spices. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized treats are baked until golden and served warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies, drained and patted dry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Dough
- 1 can crescent rolls
Seasonings and Extras
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the pigs in a blanket from sticking while baking.
- Cut crescent dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Using a pizza cutter, cut each triangle in half lengthwise and then again horizontally to create 4 small pieces from each triangle, resulting in 32 pieces total. Set these aside for filling.
- Mix filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the crumbled cooked bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined to create the creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble pigs in a blanket: Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the crescent dough pieces, spreading a thin layer on each one. Place one Lit’l Smokie at the widest end of every piece and roll up securely, wrapping the dough tightly around the sausage and filling.
- Arrange and bake: Place each assembled pig in a blanket seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket are perfect with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mustard, or a creamy jalapeno dip.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Drain the Lit’l Smokies thoroughly to avoid soggy dough.
- You can customize the heat level by adding diced jalapenos or using spicy cheddar cheese.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain their crispness.
- Substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
