Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic appetizer featuring jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, wrapped around cocktail wieners in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized treats deliver a delightful combination of heat, creaminess, and savory flavor.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 36 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Vegetables & Meat
- 18 jalapeño peppers
- 36 lil smokies or cocktail wieners
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 large egg
Baking & Others
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 3 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- Pretzel salt, for sprinkling, optional
- Marinara sauce, to serve, optional
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Cut the tops off the jalapeño peppers, then slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat and create space for filling. Place one cocktail wiener on each pepper half and trim the pepper as needed to match the size of the wiener. Set aside the stuffed pepper halves.
- Make the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Remove the cocktail wiener from each pepper half, fill the hollowed jalapeño with cheese mixture, then top with the cocktail wiener again to encase the filling.
- Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash that will help seal and add golden color to the puff pastry.
- Wrap with puff pastry: Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal strips. Then cut those strips crosswise to form 12 smaller equal pieces. Take each jalapeño popper and wrap it tightly with one puff pastry piece. Seal the edges with the egg wash and place on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat the wrapping process until all poppers and pastry are used.
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the tops of all wrapped poppers with the remaining egg wash to enhance browning. Optionally, sprinkle pretzel salt on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and clean up: Once baked, allow the poppers to cool slightly. Some cheese may have oozed out during baking; gently scrape off any excess cheese from the baking sheet using a knife to maintain presentation.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy these spicy, cheesy bites as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Removing jalapeño seeds and membranes helps control the heat level; for milder bites, ensure thorough removal.
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Pretzel salt adds a nice salty crunch but is optional.
- Marinara sauce complements the spicy flavors and adds a tangy dipping option.
- Allow the poppers to cool briefly before serving to prevent burns from hot cheese.
- You can substitute cocktail wieners with mini sausages or hot dogs if preferred.
Keywords: Jalapeño popper, pigs in a blanket, spicy appetizer, cheese-stuffed jalapeños, cocktail wieners, puff pastry snacks, party food, game day recipes