Imagine biting into a warm, golden crescent of dough that reveals a spicy, cheesy surprise inside. These Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket perfectly blend the nostalgic comfort of classic pigs in a blanket with the bold kick of jalapeno poppers. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or craving a satisfying snack, these bites will delight your guests and family alike.
The combination of creamy softened cream cheese, sharp shredded cheddar, and tangy pickled jalapenos wrapped around smoky sausage pieces makes every bite irresistible. Baked to a golden brown with optional everything bagel seasoning for an extra layer of flavor, these appetizers are bound to disappear fast.
- A delicious fusion of two classic favorites: pigs in a blanket and jalapeno poppers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients like pizza dough, cream cheese, cheddar, and smoked sausage.
- Customizable heat level by adjusting the pickled jalapenos to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Perfectly portable finger food great for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
- Optional milk or egg wash and everything bagel seasoning add a golden crust and extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Soft, pliable dough that serves as the flaky, golden wrapper around the filling and sausage.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese at room temperature for easy spreading and creamy texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar adds a rich and tangy flavor to the cheesy filling.
- Pickled jalapenos: Finely chopped for that signature spicy tang, adjustable to your desired heat level.
- Cooked smoked sausage: Sliced into bite-sized pieces, providing a smoky, savory protein element.
- Milk or egg wash (optional): Brushed on top for a shiny, golden-brown crust after baking.
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional): Sprinkled on top for a savory, flavorful crunch.
- Cooking spray or parchment paper: Used to prepare the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese
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Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour or microwave in short 15-second bursts until spreadable. Soft cream cheese blends smoothly with the cheddar and jalapenos, ensuring an even filling texture.
- Combine Cheeses and Jalapenos
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In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar until smooth. Fold in finely chopped pickled jalapenos, starting with 1/4 cup and adjusting for preferred spiciness. This mixture forms the flavorful filling that complements the smoky sausage perfectly.
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Proper preparation ensures easy cleanup and prevents dough from adhering to the pan.
- Cut Sausage into Pieces
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Slice cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille, into 1-inch segments. Using bite-sized pieces makes them easy to wrap and perfect for finger foods.
- Handle the Pizza Dough
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Carefully unroll refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If cold and stiff, let it rest 10-15 minutes to become more pliable. Flatten gently with a rolling pin, dusting with flour as needed to avoid sticking. Working quickly keeps dough from warming excessively and becoming harder to manage.
- Cut Dough into Strips
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Slice the dough into roughly 1-inch-wide strips, wide enough to completely wrap around each sausage piece. Expect around 24-30 strips total, matching the yield from sausage pieces.
- Spread Filling on Dough Strips
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Using a butter knife or spatula, evenly spread a thin layer of jalapeno cream cheese filling along the center of each dough strip. A thin, consistent layer ensures balanced flavor without the dough becoming soggy.
- Wrap the Sausage Pieces
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Place one sausage piece at one end of the dough strip atop the filling. Carefully wrap the dough around the sausage, overlapping edges slightly to seal. Pinch the seam firmly and roll gently over it to ensure a tight seal, preventing stuffing leaks during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet
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Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Positioning seam side down helps maintain seals while baking and enhances presentation.
- Optional Milk or Egg Wash
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Brush tops with milk or beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust. This step also helps any added seasoning to stick better.
- Optional Seasoning
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Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly over the tops for added flavor and a delightful crunch that complements the spicy filling.
- Bake Until Golden
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is deep golden and cooked through. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Check Doneness and Cool
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Insert a toothpick into the center of a pig in a blanket. If it comes out clean, they’re done; if dough sticks, bake for a few more minutes. Allow cooling for several minutes on the baking sheet before serving to firm up filling and prevent burns.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy
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Serve these flavorful bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy aioli to complement the creamy and spicy filling. They are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual get-together.
- Let the pizza dough rest briefly after unrolling to make it easier to work with and prevent tearing.
- Soft cream cheese spread evenly ensures the filling is creamy and well distributed.
- Pinching the dough seam firmly is essential to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Baking times can vary based on your oven; start checking for a golden crust at 15 minutes.
- Pair with dipping sauces such as ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayo for enhanced flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crisp exterior before serving. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to a month and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm with creamy ranch dressing, tangy sour cream, or a zesty spicy aioli to complement the smoky sausage and spicy cheese filling. They also pair well with cold beer or your favorite cocktail for perfect party finger food.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and spreading—avoid overheating which could make it runny.
- Choose a flavorful cooked sausage such as kielbasa or andouille to enhance the smoky notes.
- Lightly flour your surface when working with dough, but avoid excessive flour to keep dough soft and sealable.
- Seal the dough tightly by pinching and rolling seams to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Monitor your oven’s temperature as it may vary—watch for a golden-brown crust as an indicator of doneness.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time?
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Yes! You can assemble the pigs in a blanket, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What types of sausage work best?
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Cooked smoked sausages like kielbasa, andouille, or little smokies work wonderfully due to their robust flavor and size.
- Can I adjust the spice level?
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Absolutely! Use more or fewer pickled jalapenos depending on how spicy you like your filling. You can also substitute with fresh jalapenos for a different heat profile.
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
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Yes, homemade dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s well rested and chilled before rolling to make handling easier.
- Are there any good alternatives for cream cheese?
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For a lighter version, you can try mascarpone or ricotta cheese, although the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
- What if the dough tears while wrapping?
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If dough tears, patch it carefully or use a little water to seal edges. Keep the dough cool and work on a lightly floured surface to minimize tearing.
- How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain a crispy exterior.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs Blanket
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin lightly floured
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough enough for 24-30 strips
- 1 package cooked smoked sausage e.g., kielbasa or andouille, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickled jalapenos adjust to taste
- Milk or beaten egg optional, for brushing
- Everything bagel seasoning optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- Cut the cooked smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If cold, let it sit for 10-15 minutes to become pliable. Roll gently to flatten slightly.
- Cut the dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips, enough for 24-30 pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine very softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Add finely chopped pickled jalapenos to the cheese mixture and stir evenly. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Spread a thin layer of the jalapeno cream cheese filling down the center of each dough strip.
- Place one piece of sausage at one end of each dough strip on top of the filling.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the sausage, overlapping the edges slightly. Pinch the seam firmly and gently roll the wrapped sausage on the seam to seal tightly.
- Place the wrapped pieces seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- If desired, brush the tops with milk or beaten egg for a golden crust and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and dough is cooked through. Baking times may vary by oven, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
- Insert a toothpick into one piece to ensure it comes out clean, indicating doneness. Bake a few more minutes if needed.
- Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Lightly flour the surface to prevent dough sticking without drying it.
- Ensure cream cheese is very soft for smooth spreading.
- Firmly sealing dough prevents filling leaks during baking.
- Adjust jalapeno amount for preferred heat level.
- Serve with ranch, sour cream, or spicy aioli for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
