Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket

These jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket take a beloved snack to the next level by packing a creamy, cheesy jalapeno popper filling into each bite. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, they combine smokiness, spice, and melty cheese all wrapped in flaky crescent dough.

I first made this recipe for a family reunion and the crispy, cheesy bites disappeared nearly as fast as I could pull them from the oven. Now they’re a staple when friends come over for casual snacking.

Ingredients

• Lit’l Smokies: smoky, hearty sausages that add great texture and flavor. Look for quality brands with a nice snap
• Crescent rolls: buttery and flaky dough that bakes golden and crisp, opt for refrigerated tubes for convenience
• Cream cheese, softened: creates the creamy base for the popper filling. Room temperature is key for easy mixing
• Bacon strips, cooked and crumbled: adds saltiness and crunch to balance the creaminess
• Green chilies, drained: mild heat and tangy flavor that melds perfectly with cheese and bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese: sharpness and melty goodness in every bite, fresh shredded is best
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory depth
• Onion powder: complements garlic with a sweet undertone
• Black pepper: just the right amount of spice for balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking sheet with non-stick spray to prevent sticking

Prepare the crescent dough:

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Use a pizza cutter to first slice each triangle in half lengthwise, then cut again horizontally to make 4 small pieces from each triangle. You will end up with a total of 32 small rectangles. Set these aside for filling

Mix the filling:

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. Add the crumbled bacon, drained green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until well combined and evenly mixed

Fill and roll the dough:

Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly, spreading a thin layer onto each small crescent piece. Place a Lit’l Smokie sausage at the widest end of the dough piece, then carefully roll it up to enclose the filling and sausage securely

Arrange and bake:

Place each rolled pig in a blanket seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the dough turns a gorgeous golden brown

Serve warm:

Remove from the oven and serve right away while warm and melty. These are fantastic with ranch dressing or a spicy mayo as dipping sauces

Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolled snacks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cook time

Ingredient substitutions
If you want less spice skip the green chilies or substitute with diced mild bell peppers. You can swap bacon for cooked sausage crumbles or omit for a vegetarian version by adding finely chopped mushrooms for umami
Cheddar cheese can be swapped with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra zing. Cream cheese could be replaced by a ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different creamy texture

Serving suggestions
Serve these alongside a crisp green salad or some crunchy raw veggies to balance the richness. They pair wonderfully with beer or sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus if you want a refreshing beverage option

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausages work best?

Small smoked sausages like Lit'l Smokies provide the right size and smoky flavor that complement the creamy filling well.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, you can add or reduce green chilies or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to tailor the heat to your preference.

→ How do I ensure the dough stays flaky?

Keep the crescent dough chilled until ready to use and avoid over-handling to maintain its flaky texture after baking.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Ranch dressing and spicy mayo both complement the creamy, spicy filling and enhance the overall flavor experience.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them briefly before baking; bake fresh to keep the crescent dough flaky and golden.