Get ready to indulge in a scrumptious party favorite that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible textures. This Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe takes the classic pigs in a blanket to the next level by combining creamy, spicy jalapeno-inspired filling with smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and tender little smokies wrapped in golden, flaky crescent rolls. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that delivers a delightfully spicy kick every single bite, making it an instant hit for game days, gatherings, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed, texture-rich experience. Each component plays its part, from the smoky sausages providing a juicy base to the creamy cheese mixture delivering rich, spicy indulgence, all wrapped up in golden crescents for flaky perfection.
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies: Mini smoked sausages that add tender, savory bites with a punch.
- 1 can crescent rolls: Flaky, buttery dough that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that balances the spice.
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky, crispy texture and depth of flavor.
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained: Brings a mild heat with fresh, tangy jalapeno notes.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly to enrich the filling.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Offers subtle savory aromatics.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick to complement the chilies.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for baking the crescent rolls to a perfect golden brown while ensuring the filling heats through beautifully. Don’t forget to coat your 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with a light spray of non-stick cooking spray — this little step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll your crescent dough and carefully separate the triangles. For the perfect bite-sized pockets, cut each triangle into four smaller pieces using a pizza cutter — twice, once lengthwise and once horizontally. This yields 32 pieces, the perfect number to satisfy a crowd without overwhelming you with portions. Set these aside to make room for the delicious filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the crumbled bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This spicy, savory blend is the heart of your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, packing every bite with a luscious savory punch that complements the smokies perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent piece. Then, gently place a Lit’l Smokie sausage at the widest edge and roll it up tightly but carefully so nothing escapes. Rolling them seam side down ensures they stay securely wrapped during baking. It’s a simple assembly line that’s fun and sets you up for a fantastic baked treat.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place each rolled-up pig in a blanket on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly for even cooking. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crescent dough is puffed up and beautifully golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will have everyone gathering around, eager to dig in.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket sit just a moment before serving warm. For an extra touch, pair with your favorite dipping sauces — creamy ranch, spicy mustard, or even a tangy chipotle mayo work wonderfully here.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
To take your presentation up a notch, sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or cilantro over the warm pigs in a blanket for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. A dash of smoked paprika also adds an appealing smoky aroma and vibrant red touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these as part of a larger spread with crisp veggie sticks, a fresh garden salad, or tangy coleslaw to complement the cheesy, spicy flavors. A cool cucumber salad or a simple fruit platter pairs perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast and keeping the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not transform this into a party platter by arranging the pigs in a blanket on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of assorted dips? You can also skewer them on toothpicks for easy grabbing, or nestle them in mini muffin tins to keep them warm and delightfully bite-sized for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though they rarely last long — simply place the cooked Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy snacks or quick lunches.
Freezing
For a make-ahead option, assemble the pigs in a blanket without baking, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crescent roll dough soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of Lit’l Smokies?
Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies bring a wonderful smoky flavor and perfect size, sliced regular hot dogs can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to keep the bite-sized charm.
How spicy is the Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks mainly to the canned green chilies. If you want more spice, try adding chopped fresh jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, make sure to use mild green chilies and reduce black pepper.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Lit’l Smokies for vegetarian sausages and replace bacon with a plant-based smoky alternative or omit it entirely. The cheese and green chilies will still provide plenty of flavor to keep it delicious.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated. This saves you time when assembling and helps the flavors meld together for even richer taste.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with this recipe?
Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup. For a twist, try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or even a tangy BBQ sauce to complement the smoky, cheesy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings bold flavor, comfort, and a fun twist to a classic snack. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a cozy treat, these spicy, cheesy bites are the perfect answer. Dive in, share with friends, and enjoy every melty, crispy, spicy mouthful!
Print
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 fun and flavorful appetizer featuring smokies wrapped in crescent roll dough filled with a spicy cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar mixture. Perfect for game day or parties, they combine creamy, cheesy heat with crispy, golden pastry for a delicious bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Meat and Sausage
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies, drained and patted dry
Dough
- 1 can crescent rolls
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 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 pigs in a blanket don’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Using a pizza cutter, cut each triangle in half lengthwise and then again horizontally to make 4 small pieces per triangle, totaling 32 pieces. Set these aside for filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: 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 everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket: Spread an even thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent dough piece. Place one Lit’l Smokie sausage on the widest end of each dough piece, then roll tightly to enclose the sausage and filling.
- Arrange and Bake: Place each rolled pig in a blanket seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the baked pigs in a blanket from the oven and serve warm. These can be paired with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, mustard, or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and spreading.
- You can cook the bacon beforehand and crumble it to avoid excess grease in the filling.
- These pigs in a blanket are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
