These Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a tasty twist on a classic snack! Juicy sausages are wrapped in dough with a creamy and spicy jalapeno filling—perfect for parties!
They’re super simple to make and always a hit. I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—who can resist that creamy goodness? Plus, they disappear faster than I can say “yum!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base for your pigs in a blanket. If you’d like a healthier option, consider whole wheat dough or even make your own dough using flour, butter, and yeast. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Hot Dogs: Regular hot dogs are classic, but turkey or even vegan hot dogs can work great too! For a twist, try using sausage links or mini bratwursts for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Use regular cream cheese for creaminess, but you can swap it with soft goat cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or lactose-free option.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add heat. If you want less spice, use poblano peppers or bell peppers instead (just keep it chopped finely). Pickled jalapeños can also give a tangy twist!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for flavor, but feel free to replace it with Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or something like pepper jack if you want to add even more spice!
How Do I Roll and Seal the Dough Properly?
Rolling the dough tightly and sealing it well is key for keeping your filling inside. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a triangle of dough, laying it with the wide end facing you.
- Place the jalapeño cream cheese mix at the wide end, but don’t overfill it to avoid spills.
- Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog while pressing the edges to secure it. Make sure the point of the dough is tucked underneath the rolled piece.
Pressing the seams helps keep everything together while baking—no one likes a messy popper!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pigs in a Blanket:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 8 hot dogs (regular or turkey)
For The Jalapeno Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Preparation:
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and fun recipe that’s perfect for snacking or parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and give it a light spray of cooking spray or drizzle a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Jalapeno Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and blended. This will be the yummy filling for our pigs in a blanket!
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. You’ll see that it’s divided into triangles. Carefully separate those triangles so they’re ready to be filled!
4. Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket:
Take one hot dog and place a generous spoonful of the jalapeño cream cheese mixture at the wide end of the dough triangle. Then, roll the dough over the hot dog and filling, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point. Make sure the filling is snug inside, so it doesn’t spill out while baking!
5. Place and Bake:
Arrange the rolled-up pigs in a blanket on your prepared baking sheet with the point facing down to keep them closed. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Then, serve them warm and enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just remember to use the same amount so that the cheese-to-cream ratio remains consistent!
How to Make Them Spicier?
If you love a bit more heat, you can leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. For an extra kick, consider using spicy sausage or flavored hot dogs in place of the standard ones!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the jalapeño cream cheese mixture and roll the pigs in a blanket a few hours beforehand. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you make them the night before, add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore the crispiness. You can also microwave them, but the texture may not be as great!