Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll bursting with creamy, spicy fillings that dance on your tongue. These Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of buttery dough and zesty pepper jack cheese with just the right kick from jalapenos. Whether you’re hosting a lively game day gathering or a cozy party, these snacks are guaranteed to disappear fast.
The combination of soft cream cheese and sharp, melted pepper jack provides a luscious contrast to the crisp crescent exterior. These treats are simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to your appetizer spread.
- Buttery crescent dough creates a golden, flaky crust that pairs deliciously with spicy cheese filling.
- Quick to assemble with common ingredients for effortless entertaining or snacking.
- Customizable heat level by adjusting jalapeno quantity to perfectly suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Cabot Pepper Jack Cheese: 8 ounces shredded for creamy, mildly spicy flavor that melts beautifully inside rolls.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces softened to provide smooth, rich texture that balances the pepper jack’s spice.
- Diced Jalapenos: 4-ounce can, drained to add a zesty, tangy heat without excess moisture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon enhances all the flavors, bringing depth to the cheese mixture.
- Crescent Roll Dough: 16 ounces (two 8-ounce cans), buttery and flaky base that crisps up perfectly when baked.
- Butter: 1/4 cup melted, brushed on top for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon mixed with butter for an extra layer of savory richness.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
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Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. This temperature allows the crescent rolls to cook evenly, achieving a golden brown exterior while fully melting the cheesy filling inside.
- Combine the Cheese Filling
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In a mixing bowl, stir together shredded pepper jack, softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, and salt until fully blended. This creates a smooth, spicy filling that will melt nicely inside each roll, infusing every bite with flavor.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough
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Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and press down firmly along the perforated seams. This step creates a solid sheet of dough that will hold the filling without leaking during baking.
- Spread and Roll the Filling
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Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the flattened dough, leaving a little space at the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the short side to form a log. Use a serrated knife to slice the log into 8 even pieces, ensuring each crescent roll has a delicious filling center.
- Arrange and Add Garlic Butter
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Place each piece cut-side down into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing rolls slightly apart. Brush the tops generously with the melted butter mixed with garlic powder to infuse aromatic flavor and encourage a golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden
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Bake the rolls for 28 to 30 minutes until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. The cheese will be melted and bubbly inside, creating a savory filling that contrasts perfectly with the crispy exterior.
- The filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, making assembly quick and easy later.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave to maintain flakiness and melted filling.
- This recipe makes 16 rolls, but it can easily be halved for smaller gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover rolls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and gooey cheese. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls warm alongside a cooling ranch or sour cream dip to balance the spice. They pair beautifully with crisp vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced party platter.
- Drain jalapenos thoroughly to avoid soggy dough and ensure even baking.
- Press perforations firmly to seal the dough sheet well, preventing leakage of filling during baking.
- Brush the tops with garlic butter right before baking to get a shiny, flavorful crust.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of canned?
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Yes, finely diced fresh jalapenos work well but adjust quantity to control heat. Removing seeds reduces spiciness.
- Can these rolls be frozen for later?
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Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?
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Monterey Jack or mild cheddar work as alternatives, but pepper jack adds signature spicy flavor.
- Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
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Replace cream cheese and cheeses with vegan alternatives and use vegan crescent dough to make a dairy-free version, though flavor will differ.
- How spicy will these rolls be?
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They have moderate heat from jalapenos and pepper jack. Adjust jalapenos to tone down or amp up spiciness.
- Do I have to bake all rolls at once?
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No, you can bake smaller batches but ensure the oven is properly preheated each time for best results.
Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 serrated knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cabot Pepper Jack cheese shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4- ounce can diced jalapenos drained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces crescent roll dough two 8-ounce cans
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine shredded pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapenos, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Roll out crescent dough and press perforations together to form one sheet.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough from the short side and slice the roll into 8 pieces.
- Arrange the pieces in a baking dish.
- Mix melted butter and garlic powder, then brush the mixture over the rolls.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Make the filling ahead to save time.
- Reheat using multiple methods for best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Recipe can be halved for smaller batches.
