Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a playful and incredibly delicious twist on two classic appetizers. They combine the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers with the comforting, savory bite of pigs in a blanket. Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated appetizers; these are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at any party or gathering.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From game day to holiday parties, these are always a welcome treat.
* **Delicious Combination of Flavors:** The creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and savory sausage create a flavor explosion in every bite.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened:** This forms the creamy base of the popper filling. Make sure it’s softened to ensure easy mixing.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds a sharp and cheesy flavor that complements the cream cheese and jalapeños. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also work well.
* **½ cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped:** These provide the signature heat and tang of jalapeño poppers. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling.
* **½ teaspoon onion powder:** Enhances the savory notes and complements the garlic powder.
* **1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough:** This forms the blanket around the sausage and popper filling. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
* **14 small smoked sausages (or cocktail weenies):** These are the “pigs” in the blanket. Choose your favorite brand and flavor.
* **1 egg, beaten (for egg wash):** This gives the pigs in a blanket a golden-brown, glossy finish.
* **Everything bagel seasoning (optional):** Adds a delicious and visually appealing topping.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing bowl:** For preparing the jalapeño popper filling.
* **Baking sheet:** For baking the pigs in a blanket.
* **Parchment paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Knife or pizza cutter:** For slicing the crescent roll dough.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Small bowl:** For the egg wash.
* **Pastry brush:** For applying the egg wash.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to creating these irresistible Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket:

**Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeño Popper Filling**

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If it’s too spicy, add a little more cream cheese to mellow it out.

**Step 2: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket**

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pigs in a blanket from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles. If using puff pastry, cut it into similarly sized triangles or squares.

Spoon a small amount of the jalapeño popper filling (about 1-2 teaspoons) onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.

Place a smoked sausage (or cocktail weenie) on top of the jalapeño popper filling at the wide end of the triangle.

Starting from the wide end, roll the crescent roll dough around the sausage and filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Make sure the sausage and filling are completely enclosed in the dough.

Place the assembled pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Leave a little space between each one to allow for even baking.

**Step 3: Bake the Pigs in a Blanket**

In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create the egg wash. Brush the tops of the pigs in a blanket with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.

Optional: Sprinkle the tops of the pigs in a blanket with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and visual appeal.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket cool slightly before serving. They are best served warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve them on a platter and watch them disappear!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all work well.
* **Sausage Variations:** Use different types of sausages for a unique flavor. Chorizo, Italian sausage, or even veggie sausages are great options.
* **Dough Variations:** Use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer.
* **Add Bacon:** Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled and added to the filling, takes these to a whole new level of deliciousness.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze unbaked pigs in a blanket. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
* **Air Fryer Option:** These can also be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

## Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are perfect as an appetizer for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Game Day:** Serve them with other game day favorites like wings, nachos, and sliders.
* **Parties:** They are a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings. Serve them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces.
* **Holiday Appetizer:** Add them to your holiday appetizer spread for a spicy and cheesy treat.
* **Quick and Easy Snack:** They are a great option for a quick and easy snack when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.
* **Potlucks:** These are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 150-200 per pig in a blanket (depending on ingredients)
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Protein: 5-8 grams
* Carbohydrates: 8-12 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

**Q: Can I freeze these?**

A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked pigs in a blanket. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

**Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?**

A: Be careful not to overfill the crescent roll triangles with the jalapeño popper filling. Also, make sure to tuck in the sides of the dough as you roll them up.

**Q: Can I use a different type of dough?**

A: Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer.

**Q: What dipping sauces go well with these?**

A: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple sour cream dip all pair well with these pigs in a blanket.

**Q: How do I make these spicier?**

A: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also use hotter types of jalapeños, such as serranos or habaneros (use with caution!).

**Q: How do I make these less spicy?**

A: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. You can also add more cream cheese to the filling to mellow out the spice.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?**

A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of sausages. Chorizo, Italian sausage, or even veggie sausages are great options.

**Q: What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?**

A: Everything bagel seasoning is optional. You can skip it altogether or use other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs.

**Q: How long do these last?**

A: These are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe Card

**Yields:** 14 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ½ cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
* 14 small smoked sausages (or cocktail weenies)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
4. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of jalapeño popper filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
5. Place a sausage on top of the filling.
6. Roll up the dough around the sausage and filling.
7. Place on the baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (optional).
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Conclusion

These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and savory sausage wrapped in a warm, golden-brown blanket is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this ultimate party snack! They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!