Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket: A Spicy Twist on a Classic

Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket: Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer! Imagine the comforting, familiar flavors of pigs in a blanket elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. We’re talking about a symphony of textures and tastes – crispy, golden-brown pastry embracing a juicy mini sausage, all infused with the creamy, spicy kick of a jalapeno popper. Trust me, these aren’t your average snacks.

While the exact origins of pigs in a blanket are somewhat hazy, the concept of wrapping meat in dough has been around for centuries in various cultures. This particular twist, however, is a modern marvel, born from our collective love of both classic comfort food and the fiery thrill of jalapeno poppers. It’s a fusion that just works.

What makes these Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky pastry gives way to a savory sausage, followed by the creamy, cheesy filling and the satisfying heat of the jalapeno. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Plus, they’re undeniably fun to eat! Get ready to watch these disappear in minutes – they’re that good!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 package (12 ounces) cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon milk or egg wash (for brushing)
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
• Cooking spray

Preparing the Jalapeno Cream Cheese Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket – that creamy, spicy filling! This is where all the flavor magic happens, so pay close attention.

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial! You don’t want any lumps in your filling. Take your 8 ounces of cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and soft. Just be careful not to melt it!
2. Combine the Cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the cheddar is evenly distributed.
3. Add the Jalapenos: Now for the spice! Finely chop your 1/2 cup of pickled jalapenos. Remember, you can adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re a spice fiend, go ahead and add a little more. If you’re a bit more timid, start with less and taste as you go. Add the chopped jalapenos to the cheese mixture.
4. Mix it Up: Using a spoon or spatula, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until you have a smooth and well-mixed filling. Make sure there are no streaks of cream cheese.
5. Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Give your filling a taste. Does it need more jalapenos? A pinch of salt? Now’s the time to adjust it to your perfect flavor profile.
6. Set Aside: Once you’re happy with the filling, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside while you prepare the dough and sausage. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together even more.

Preparing the Dough and Sausage

Now that our filling is ready to rock, let’s get the dough and sausage prepped. This part is pretty straightforward, but still important for achieving that perfect pigs in a blanket texture.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pigs in a blanket cook evenly and the dough gets nice and golden brown.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. This will prevent the pigs in a blanket from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Unroll the Pizza Dough: Open your package of refrigerated pizza dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips. The size of the strips will depend on the size of your sausage pieces. You want each strip to be wide enough to wrap around a sausage piece with a little overlap. I usually aim for strips that are about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long.
5. Prepare the Sausage: If your smoked sausage isn’t already cut into 1-inch pieces, do that now. Make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Assembling the Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Here comes the fun part – putting it all together! This is where your culinary creation really starts to take shape.

1. Spread the Filling: Take one of your dough strips and spread a generous spoonful of the jalapeno cream cheese filling down the center. Don’t be shy! You want a good amount of filling in each pig in a blanket.
2. Add the Sausage: Place a piece of sausage on top of the cream cheese filling.
3. Wrap it Up: Carefully wrap the dough around the sausage and filling, overlapping the edges slightly. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. This will prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
4. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped pig in a blanket seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining dough, filling, and sausage until everything is used up.
6. Brush with Milk or Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of milk or one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pigs in a blanket with the milk or egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
7. Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional): If you’re using everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle it generously over the tops of the pigs in a blanket. This adds a delicious savory flavor and a nice textural element.

Baking the Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these babies to golden-brown perfection.

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool Slightly: Once the pigs in a blanket are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket warm. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket? Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Pepper jack cheese would add even more spice, while Gruyere would add a nutty flavor.
• Sausage Variations: Use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
• Add Bacon: Wrap each sausage piece in a strip of bacon before wrapping it in the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetarian sausage or substitute the sausage with roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions.
• Spice it Up Even More: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the filling for a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket! They’re perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun and flavorful snack.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! My take on Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket – a truly irresistible appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, let me break it down for you. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a last-minute gathering. Second, the flavor combination is simply divine. The creamy, cheesy filling, the spicy kick from the jalapeños, and the savory, salty goodness of the sausage all come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And third, let’s be honest, who can resist a pig in a blanket? It’s a classic comfort food that’s been elevated to a whole new level with the addition of the jalapeño popper element.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences. For a milder flavor, you can use less jalapeño or opt for a milder pepper like poblano. If you’re a cheese lover (like me!), try adding a blend of cheeses to the filling, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of pepper jack for an extra kick. You could also wrap the pigs in a blanket with different types of sausage, such as chorizo for a smoky flavor or Italian sausage for a more savory profile.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce would all be delicious choices. For a more substantial meal, you can serve them alongside a side salad or some roasted vegetables. They’re also great for game day parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make snack.

And don’t forget about breakfast or brunch! These little guys are surprisingly good alongside scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee. They’re a fun and flavorful way to start your day.

I truly believe that this recipe for Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable, making it the perfect appetizer for any occasion. I’ve made it countless times for my friends and family, and it’s always a hit. Now, it’s your turn to give it a try!

I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket. I know you’re going to love them as much as I do. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece!

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!