Jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket combine the classic jalapeno popper appetizer recipe and little smokies in a delicious and spicy snack perfect for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, and, of course, game day!
I love making game-day food. It’s always so much fun. These are recipes that you just can’t justify making at any other time. It’s an appetizer-palooza when the game comes on, and I’m so here for it. I have two great loves when it comes to game day grub – jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket. Both of them just hit me right. I was sitting around thinking about a new appetizer I could make for game day when it came to me. Why not put jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket together? Are they delicious? Absolutely!
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
These delicious finger foods pack a ton of flavor and a punch of heat. They’re the best of both jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket combined into one delicious treat that everyone will keep going back to. Delicious, flaky crescent roll dough surrounds Little Smokies nestled in cream cheese-filled jalapeno halves, creating a taste explosion in each and every bite. You’ll find all of your favorite flavors in this one. The heat of the peppers. The cool creaminess of the cream cheese. The bacon and cheddar cheese. It’s all in there, and it’s all delicious.
The Ultimate Party Appetizer
This jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket recipe is the ultimate party appetizer if I do say so myself. Think about it. What are the two most beloved game day foods? That’s right. Jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket. When you put them together, you get an appetizer that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It ticks all the boxes, and it ticks them well!
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Tips
Before you jump down to the recipe, be sure to check out these questions and helpful tips. They’ll answer all the most commonly asked questions about this delicious appetizer mash-up.
Are Jalapeno Poppers Spicy?
Yes, they are spicy, and that’s by design. The heat of the jalapeno pepper is tempered by the cool, creamy filling.
How to Cut a Jalapeno?
For this recipe, you’ll be cutting the jalapeno in half and then each half will be cut in the opposite direction making 4 pieces out of one jalapeño. To do this, wear gloves to protect your skin and NEVER touch your face! Slice the top off of the jalapeno, and then slice it in half lengthwise. After that, remove the seeds and use a spoon to remove the extra hot membrane and then cut each half again.
How Do you Stuff Jalapenos?
Cut your jalapenos in half following the instructions above, then fill the empty pieces with your chosen popper stuffing.
Can Jalapeno Poppers be Made Ahead of Time?
Jalapeno poppers can be made in advance. They’re very good the next day. I don’t recommend making these jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket in advance, however, as the crescent roll dough can get soggy. The fresh jalapenos can be cut, and the cream cheese filling can be made in advance, and then they can be assembled and baked when needed.
Can Jalapeno Poppers be Made in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely. Make your chosen jalapeno popper recipe, then cook them in the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes at 370 degrees.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Variations
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is how easy it is to change things up. You can tweak various parts of this recipe to change it up a little or a lot. It’s up to you. Get creative, and you’ll find that this one recipe can result in so many different variations.
Different Cheese
Of course, cream cheese should always be your base for any kind of popper. After that, however, you can get very creative with your cheeses. You can use any kind of cheese you like. From mozzarella to feta, it all works. It just depends on your tastes.
Different Smokies
Little Smokes come in a variety of flavors from traditional to Little Wieners and even turkey varieties. You can experiment with different flavors to make a different popper every time.
Different Meats
I love putting bacon in my popper cheese mixture, but you can use other meats if you like. Some of my favorite variations include:
- Ground breakfast sausage
- Ground Italian sausage
- Diced ham
- Ground beef
Other Spices
You can use a variety of different spices to change up the flavor. Each spice can subtly affect the final outcome, making it a ton of fun to experiment. Some of my favorite spice options include:
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
Storage and Reheating
These jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket will keep in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze these for up to a month.
To reheat the leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and place them in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes to heat them through.
Ingredients for Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
It only takes a few ingredients to make this recipe. Both jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket require very few ingredients, so this recipe also has a fairly short list. You’ll easily find all of the ingredients you need at your local grocery store.
- Little Smokies
- Pillsbury Crescent Rounds
- Fresh jalapeno peppers
- Cream cheese
- Sharp cheddar
- Bacon slices
- Slap Ya Mama
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Making this popper pig mashup is just as easy as gathering up the ingredients for it. It only takes a few simple steps to create this absolutely delicious finger food.
Step 1: Prep – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cut your crescent roll dough in half, creating 16 strips of dough and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Jalapenos – Cut the stems off of the jalapenos, then cut them in half and remove the seeds and membrane. Rinse and cut each half in half again, creating 4 pieces. Place the jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture – In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, then add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Jalapeno Popper Lit’l Smokies – Fill each jalapeno piece with the cream cheese mixture, then place a Little Smokie on top of the cheese. Wrap the entire thing in a strip of crescent roll dough.
Step 5: Bake – Place each one on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Try These Delicious Appetizers Today
These jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket take everything with love about jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket and smushes them together into the ultimate party or game-day appetizer. Every bite is pure party heaven. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll love it as much as I, my family, and friends do! It’s a simple recipe that just explodes with flavor. That’s the perfect combo if you ask me!
More Appetizer Recipes to Enjoy at Your Next Party
Jalapeño Cheese Bites – These delicious little cheese bites are loaded with tremendous flavor, are crunchy on the outside and ooey, gooey, cheesy on the inside.
Easy Homemade Guacamole – This is another favorite appetizer that is always a hit at any game day party, potluck, or family gathering. So creamy and flavorful, and is the perfect topper for tacos, burritos, taquitos and more.
Crock Pot Queso with Italian Sausage – This delicious recipe is a twist from the traditional queso recipes with the addition of Italian sausage. A creamy and scrumptious dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
- 14 ounce bag Lil’ Smokies
- 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, cut in half
- 8 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, cut in fourths
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Cut the crescent dough in half to create 16 strips of dough. Repeat with other dough. Set aside.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and seasonings. Stir to mix well.
- Cut jalapenos in half vertically, then in half horizontally, and end up with 4 pieces per jalapeno.
- Fill with cream cheese mixture. Place a lil’ smokie on top of cream cheese mixture and wrap with a dough strip. Place wrapped lil’ smokies on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards.
