Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket combine everything you love about two classic party bites into one irresistible, spicy, cheesy, savory appetizer. They’re ideal for game day, holidays, or casual snacking.
With smoky cocktail sausages, creamy cheese, and a little heat wrapped in golden crescent dough, these bite-sized snacks vanish fast. Be ready to make a double batch!
What You’ll Need for These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
- Crescent roll dough – Buttery, flaky, and the perfect vessel to hold all the cheesy, savory goodness together.
- Smoked cocktail sausages – These lil’ smokies bring bold, smoky flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Adds a tangy depth that cuts through the richness and balances the spice.
- Cream cheese – Soft and smooth, it melts into the cheddar for that jalapeño popper-style filling.
- Fresh jalapeños – Sliced thin for just the right amount of heat; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Egg wash (egg + water) – Ensures a shiny, golden finish when baked or air-fried.
- Poppy seeds – A fun optional topping that adds texture and a pop of contrast on the golden crust.
How to Make These Irresistible Bites
Start by preheating your air fryer to 300°F or your oven to 375°F.
Cut the crescent dough into 4-inch strips, then layer each strip with cheddar, a dab of cream cheese, sliced jalapeño, and one cocktail sausage.
Wrap the dough snugly around the filling and place them onto parchment-lined trays or air fryer baskets, spacing them out.
Brush each one with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Air fry for 8 minutes or bake for 11–13 minutes until puffed, golden, and cheesy.
Let them cool just slightly before serving—gooey cheese awaits!
Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations
These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are extremely customizable. For extra indulgence, sprinkle in crispy bacon bits with the cheese filling. Want a flakier texture? Swap crescent dough for puff pastry—just thaw it first and extend the cook time slightly for best results.
If you’re sensitive to spice, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use mini sweet peppers as a milder substitute. For a fancy finish, switch the poppy seeds with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds.
Pair them with a bold dip like jalapeño jelly or something creamy like ranch or garlic aioli. They also make excellent party fare because they’re easy to prep ahead and reheat.
Keeping Them Fresh: Leftover Storage Tips
These bites are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 325°F or use the oven to crisp them up again.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the dough and cheese doesn’t hold up well after thawing. For the best taste and texture, plan to enjoy them while warm and gooey.
Perfectly portable and bursting with flavor, Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are the kind of appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
- 1 –2 jalapeños de-seeded and thinly sliced
- 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water egg wash
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 14-ounce package smoked cocktail sausages
- 1 can crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 300°F or set your oven to 375°F. Prepare the crescent dough by cutting it into strips approximately 4 inches long.
- Sprinkle each strip with a teaspoon of shredded cheddar, then top with a teaspoon of softened cream cheese. Add one to two slices of jalapeño, followed by a single cocktail sausage.
- Gently roll the dough around each sausage to enclose the filling. Continue until all sausages are wrapped.
- Line the basket of your air fryer or a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the wrapped sausages in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch—multiple batches may be necessary if using an air fryer.
- Prepare the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together. Brush the surface of each wrapped sausage with the egg mixture, then sprinkle generously with poppy seeds.
- Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer for 8 minutes or bake in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes, until the dough is golden and cheese is melted. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
