Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and spicy twist on a classic snack. Imagine little sausages wrapped in flaky dough, stuffed with creamy cheese and a bit of jalapeno heat that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. They’re crispy on the outside and gooey and spicy on the inside — a perfect combo that’s hard to resist!
I love making these whenever friends come over because they’re so easy to grab and eat, and they always disappear fast. The jalapeno gives just the right kick without being too fiery, so even people who don’t usually like spicy food end up loving them. My little tip is to make sure you don’t skip the cream cheese — it’s what ties all the flavors together and keeps everything nice and melty.
These popper pigs are great for game day, parties, or just when you want a snack that feels a little extra special. I usually serve them with a creamy ranch dip to cool down the spice, but honestly, they’re delicious on their own too. Whenever I bite into one, it reminds me of simple good times and sharing good food with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough makes the blanket soft and flaky. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry is a great substitute, giving an extra buttery and crispy texture.
Mini Sausages: Cocktail smokies are classic, but small hot dogs or breakfast sausages work well too. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausages.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the filling creamy and binds everything together. Light cream cheese is fine if you want less fat. Alternatively, goat cheese adds a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice punch of flavor. You can use mozzarella for a milder, gooey option or pepper jack to add even more spice.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos bring the heat and crunch. Remove seeds to reduce spice, or swap with milder peppers like banana peppers if you prefer less heat.
How Can I Wrap These Without Cheese Leaking Out?
Keeping the filling inside while baking can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Don’t overfill – a small spoonful of cheese is enough.
- Place the jalapeno and sausage securely on the wider part of the dough triangle before rolling.
- Roll tightly but gently, ensuring the seam stays underneath on the baking sheet for better sealing.
- Brush the edges with a little water before rolling to help the dough stick together.
- Use an egg wash on top for a golden crust and to help hold everything in place.
These tips keep your jalapeno popper pigs neat, tasty, and less messy when coming out of the oven!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend using a parchment-lined sheet for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mixing bowl – for blending the cheese, green onions, and spices easily.
- Small spoon or butter knife – helps in spreading the cheese mixture neatly and filling each triangle.
- Pastry brush – for brushing the egg wash on top, giving a golden finish to your pigs in a blanket.
- Knife and cutting board – to slice the jalapenos thinly and prepare other ingredients safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese with ricotta or sour cream for a lighter filling.
- Add cooked bacon bits or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Use spicy sausage or chorizo instead of regular mini hot dogs to boost the heat and flavor.
- Mix in different peppers like poblano or banana peppers for milder heat or different flavor profiles.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 12 mini sausages or cocktail smokies
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: ranch or dipping sauce of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So in around 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles following the package instructions. At the wider end of each triangle, place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture. Add one slice of jalapeno over the cheese, then place a mini sausage or cocktail smokie on top.
4. Roll and Prepare for Baking
Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly around the filling, curling into a crescent if you like. Place each rolled pig in a blanket on the baking sheet with the seam side down to keep them closed while baking.
5. Add Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of each roll to give them a beautiful golden color. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty, spicy snack everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Mini Sausages for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water before assembling. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the dough.
Can I Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can also bake them in advance and reheat in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
How Do I Reduce the Spice Level?
To make these milder, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos—it’s where most of the heat lives. You can also substitute jalapenos with milder peppers like banana peppers or omit the peppers completely.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to keep the dough flaky and crisp.