A playful fusion of two classic favorites, these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket take the beloved party snack to a bold new level. With creamy cheese filling, spicy jalapeños, and smoky cocktail sausages all wrapped in buttery crescent dough, they’re baked until golden and melty. Perfectly poppable, these bite-sized treats are ideal for game day spreads, casual parties, or any time you want a fun and flavorful appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the comfort of pigs in a blanket with the creamy, spicy flavor of jalapeño poppers—two favorites in one irresistible bite. The soft crescent dough bakes into a light, flaky shell, while the rich cream cheese and cheddar mixture brings melt-in-your-mouth texture. A slice of jalapeño adds the perfect touch of heat without overpowering the dish, and the sausages give a smoky, savory depth. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, these bites are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for milder heat)
- 1 package cocktail sausages (about 14–16 pieces)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth and combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to make smaller sections suitable for wrapping the sausages.
- Spread a small amount of the cheese mixture onto each dough piece.
- Place a jalapeño slice and a cocktail sausage on top of the cheese, then roll tightly into a mini crescent roll shape.
- Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired, and serve warm with ranch or chipotle dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Bacon-Wrapped: Add a small strip of cooked bacon inside each roll for extra richness.
- Extra Spicy: Use pickled jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or smoked gouda for a flavor twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage alternatives for a meat-free option.
- Mini Poppers: Cut the crescent dough even smaller and use half-sausages to create bite-sized versions.
storage/reheating
Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky texture. These can also be frozen after baking—just reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
How spicy are these?
Mild to moderate, depending on whether you keep the jalapeño seeds. Removing the seeds will reduce the heat significantly.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry works well. Just cut into strips and wrap around the filling as you would with crescent dough.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli all pair beautifully.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely. Try spicy sausage links, mini smoked sausages, or even breakfast sausages for a fun variation.
Is the egg wash necessary?
It’s optional but recommended. It gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for a quick appetizer.
How do I keep them warm at a party?
Place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F) or use a warming tray during your event.
Can I use canned jalapeños?
Yes, canned or pickled jalapeños work well and add a different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve them hot with a selection of dipping sauces and garnished with fresh herbs for presentation.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect spicy, cheesy upgrade to a classic appetizer. With flaky pastry, melty cheese, smoky sausage, and just the right touch of heat, these bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties, potlucks, or game days. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, they’re bound to become a go-to crowd-pleaser in your entertaining lineup.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly flaky appetizers made with cocktail sausages, creamy cheese filling, and jalapeños wrapped in crescent dough. A bold twist on the classic, perfect for game day or party snack boards.
Ingredients
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
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1 package cocktail sausages (about 14-16 pieces)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
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Roll out crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to make smaller pieces.
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Spread a small amount of cheese mixture onto each piece of dough. Add a jalapeño slice and one cocktail sausage, then roll up tightly.
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Place rolled pigs in a blanket seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
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Garnish with chopped herbs if using, and serve warm with ranch or chipotle dipping sauce.
Notes
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Adjust heat by keeping or removing jalapeño seeds.
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Great made ahead—just assemble, chill, and bake when ready.
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For extra crunch, sprinkle with panko or crushed tortilla chips before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex-Inspired