If you are looking to take your party appetizers to the next level, this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the irresistible bite-size charm of pigs in a blanket with the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeno popper flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smoky sweetness of little smokies wrapped in flaky crescent dough, filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and green chilies make every bite an explosion of comfort and excitement. Trust me, once you try this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, it will become your go-to appetizer for every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential for crafting the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a delightfully flaky blanket of dough. Each one plays a vital role in perfecting the taste, texture, and color that makes this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe so addictive.
- 14 oz Lit’l Smokies: The star of the show providing smoky, juicy bites perfect for wrapping up.
- 1 can crescent rolls: Flaky, buttery dough that crisps beautifully around the filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates that creamy, tangy base that holds the filling together.
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and a salty contrast to the smooth cheese.
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained: Offers a gentle heat and fresh flavor that lifts the cream cheese blend.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly in the filling, lending richness and a hint of sharpness.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings subtle depth and savory warmth to the filling.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle kick of spice to round out the taste.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your pigs in blankets are assembled. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray; this simple step ensures your bites won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough carefully and separate it into the original triangles. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, first cut each triangle lengthwise in half, then cut those halves horizontally again. This results in four smaller triangles from each original piece, giving you 32 perfect bite-sized wrappers to hold your filling. Don’t rush this step; neat, consistent pieces ensure even baking and a perfect roll.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth—this creamy base will hold all the flavorful ingredients together. Stir in the crumbled bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined; this mixture is where the magic of the Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe truly comes alive.
Step 4: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent piece, covering it comfortably without overloading. Place one Lit’l Smokie at the widest end of each piece and roll it up securely, making sure the seam side is on the bottom to keep everything together while baking. This step is the perfect hands-on moment where you see your appetizer take shape.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place each rolled pig in a blanket onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and irresistibly flaky. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let them rest for just a moment, then serve warm. These Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe bites pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or a smoky chipotle mayo. Watching guests reach for these savory morsels will bring you so much joy!
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or cilantro over the warm pigs in a blanket for a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. You can also dust a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smoky allure and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these with crunchy veggie sticks or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the creamy and cheesy filling. A tangy coleslaw or a bright tomato salsa can add refreshing contrast, turning the appetizer into a more complete and colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls filled with assorted dips. For parties, you can elevate the presentation by skewering 2-3 pigs in blankets on cocktail sticks and serving them in festive shot glasses filled halfway with your favorite dipping sauce. This keeps things fun, mess-free, and extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to keep them fresh. They make excellent snacks for the next day, maintaining much of their savory goodness if reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze these fully assembled but unbaked Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. When you are ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crescent dough regains its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the dough soggy, dulling the charm of this fabulous appetizer.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of Lit’l Smokies?
Absolutely! Regular hot dogs can be used as a substitute, but Lit’l Smokies offer a smokier, juicier bite that better complements the jalapeno popper flavors. If using regular hot dogs, consider slicing them into smaller pieces for bite-sized portions.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the little smokies and bacon for vegetarian or plant-based alternatives. Use vegetarian sausages and omit or replace bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar depth of flavor.
How spicy is this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate due to the green chilies’ gentle spice. If you love more heat, feel free to add finely chopped fresh jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Can I prepare these a few hours ahead before baking?
Yes! Assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead for parties, then baking fresh just before serving.
What dips go best with Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
Ranch dressing, spicy mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a creamy avocado dip all pair wonderfully. Choose according to your flavor preference to enhance the jalapeno popper flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something about the combination of smoky sausages, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and flaky crescent dough that turns this Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe into a crowd favorite every time. Whether you are hosting a casual game day gathering or an elegant cocktail party, these little bites bring the perfect balance of comfort and excitement to your table. I can’t wait for you to try making and sharing this recipe with your loved ones — it’s sure to create moments full of flavor and fun!
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Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket combine smoky Lit’l Smokies with a creamy, spicy cream cheese mixture wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or party snack with a cheesy, slightly spicy kick from green chilies and bacon.
Ingredients
Meat and Sausages
- 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 and Seasonings
- 4.5 oz can green chilies, drained
- 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). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the pigs in a blanket don’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Using a pizza cutter, cut each triangle in half lengthwise and then horizontally into two pieces, yielding 4 small pieces per triangle and 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 smooth. Add the crumbled cooked bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket: Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each crescent dough piece. Place one Lit’l Smokie sausage at the widest end of each piece, then roll up the dough securely around the sausage and filling, ensuring the seam side is down to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place each rolled pig in a blanket seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown on top, signaling they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly before serving warm. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the Lit’l Smokies to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Feel free to add chopped jalapeños for extra heat or substitute bacon with cooked sausage crumbles.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked fresh when guests arrive.
- Keep an eye on baking time, as oven temperatures may vary; the golden brown color is a good indicator of doneness.
