Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect little treats if you love a bit of spice and creaminess wrapped up in a flaky blanket of dough. These are basically mini hot dogs wrapped with cheese, jalapenos, and sometimes a little bit of bacon, all baked until golden and gooey. They’re crunchy on the outside, melty and spicy inside, and totally finger-licking good.
I always make these whenever friends come over because they’re such a hit. I love that you get that spicy kick from the jalapenos with the creamy cheese balancing it out, and the hot dog gives that satisfying meaty bite. Plus, making them is so fun and super simple! I like to add a little extra dip on the side, like ranch or a tangy mustard, to dip each bite and make it even tastier.
These poppers work great for game days, parties, or just a casual snack night. I find they disappear fast, which means I always have to make double the batch—no one wants to miss out on these. If you want to impress your guests without a lot of fuss, these are an easy win every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This gives the sticks their flaky, golden crust. If you want a healthier option, try puff pastry or homemade dough, but keep in mind baking times might change.
Mini Sausages: Mini cocktail sausages work great here for the perfect bite size. You can swap in mini vegetarian sausages or cut regular hot dogs into smaller pieces for a budget-friendly option.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese brings that creamy texture inside. You can try goat cheese for a tangier twist or use vegan cream cheese to keep it dairy-free.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives punchy flavor. Monterey Jack or mozzarella will melt nicely if you prefer milder cheese.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add the spicy kick. Remove seeds to reduce heat, or substitute with milder peppers like poblano if you want less spice.
Bacon: Bacon adds smoky flavor, but it’s optional. For a vegetarian version, omit it or try smoky tempeh crumbles.
How Do You Roll the Pigs in a Blanket So They Don’t Fall Apart?
Wrapping the dough neatly is key to keeping everything inside while baking. Here’s what works well:
- Roll the dough triangles gently but tightly around the sausage and fillings, starting from the wide end.
- Don’t overfill with cheese or jalapeños to avoid leaks and mess.
- Place them seam side down on the baking sheet to help seal edges during baking.
- Lightly brush with beaten egg for a golden seal and beautiful shine.
Following these steps helps you get that crisp, golden outer layer holding all the yummy inside together, just like in the picture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – I use this because it helps the rolls bake evenly and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for blending the cheese mixture smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing jalapeños and chopping herbs.
- Pastry brush – for brushing on the beaten egg to get that shiny, golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varying flavors and spice levels.
- Add cooked crumbled breakfast sausage or chorizo instead of mini hot dogs for more protein.
- Wrap with crescent dough and bake as is, then serve with salsa or sour cream for extra flavor.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms or use pickled jalapeños for different texture and heat options.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package of crescent roll dough
- 12 mini cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach or fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, sliced into thin rounds (remove seeds for less heat)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 12 to 15 minutes to bake. In total, from start to finish, plan for about 25 minutes including a few minutes to cool before serving.
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 to keep the pigs in a blanket from sticking and to make cleanup simple.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and if you want, chopped spinach or cilantro. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles as per the package instructions. Spread about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Place one mini sausage on top. Add a couple of jalapeño slices over the sausage, and sprinkle crumbled bacon if you’re using it.
4. Roll and Bake:
Starting at the wide end, carefully roll each triangle around the fillings toward the pointed end, wrapping the sausage and ingredients snugly. Place each rolled piece on the baking sheet with the seam side down. Brush the tops gently with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn golden and puff up nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pigs in a blanket from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve warm, with your favorite dips such as ranch, spicy mustard, or ketchup for extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Mini Sausages for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before assembling. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat them dry to avoid soggy dough.
Can I Make Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble them and place on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes prep easy for parties or busy days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crispy.
How Can I Control the Spiciness?
To reduce heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from jalapeño slices before adding them. For extra spice, keep the seeds or add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cheese mix.