Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

Halloween is the perfect time to have some fun with your food, and Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate spooky snack to get you in the spirit. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn ordinary jalapeño poppers into a fun, festive appetizer that will have everyone talking. These little mummies are wrapped in crescent roll “bandages” and baked to golden perfection, with melty cheese oozing from inside and a little heat from the jalapeños. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want a fun snack for a movie night, mummy jalapeño poppers are a hit with kids and adults alike.

I first made these mummy poppers a few Halloweens ago when I wanted something savory to balance out all the sweet treats. The combination of creamy, cheesy filling and spicy jalapeños wrapped in buttery crescent dough was such a crowd-pleaser that they quickly became a staple at all of our Halloween gatherings. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making them a great choice for busy party hosts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: The mummy design makes these poppers perfect for Halloween parties or gatherings, and they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
• Spicy and Cheesy: The heat from the jalapeños pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy filling, and the crescent dough adds a buttery, flaky texture.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these poppers come together quickly and can be baked in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste, swap out the cheese, or even add bacon for extra flavor.
• Great for Parties: These bite-sized snacks are perfect for serving a crowd, and they’re easy to grab and eat with your fingers—no utensils required!

Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect way to bring some spooky fun to your Halloween spread. The jalapeños offer just the right amount of spice, while the cheese filling keeps them creamy and delicious. The crescent roll bandages add a playful touch, and a couple of edible eyes give them a personality that will make everyone smile.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 12 poppers
• Calories per serving: 140
• Protein: 5g, Carbs: 13g, Fats: 9g

Ingredients

• 6 large fresh jalapeños (halved and seeds removed)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 24 candy eyes (or small black olive pieces for eyes)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or parchment paper (for the baking sheet)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and use a small spoon or knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This is where most of the heat is, so if you want spicier poppers, you can leave a few seeds behind. Set the prepared jalapeños aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re adding bacon crumbles, stir them in now. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. The cheddar adds sharpness, while the cream cheese keeps the filling rich and creamy.

Step 3: Fill the Jalapeños
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon to make sure the filling is evenly distributed. Make sure the filling sits flush with the top of the jalapeño so the crescent roll dough will wrap around easily. Don’t overfill, or the cheese may ooze out too much while baking.

Step 4: Wrap the Jalapeños in Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into long strips. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into thin strips (about 1/4-inch wide) to create the mummy “bandages.” Carefully wrap each jalapeño half with the dough strips, leaving small gaps for the mummy’s face to peek through. It doesn’t need to be perfect—irregular bandages add to the spooky effect! You can gently stretch the dough if needed to cover the jalapeños.

Step 5: Add the Eyes
Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, and gently press two candy eyes or small pieces of black olives into the gaps in the dough near the top of each jalapeño. The eyes will give the poppers their mummy appearance. If you’re using olives, cut small pieces that resemble eyes and place them on the cheese filling before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Poppers
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. The jalapeños should be tender but still hold their shape, and the crescent dough should be flaky and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. The cheese will be hot, so allow them to cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth! Serve these mummy jalapeño poppers as part of your Halloween spread, or enjoy them on their own with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or sour cream.

How to Serve

Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are perfect for Halloween parties, gatherings, or even as a fun family snack. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

On a Halloween-Themed Platter: Arrange the poppers on a spooky platter or tray decorated with fake spiders, webbing, or Halloween-themed napkins. The mummy design will stand out and add a festive touch to your party table.

With Dipping Sauces: Serve the poppers with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, salsa, or even guacamole. The creamy dips help balance out the heat from the jalapeños and add an extra layer of flavor.

As a Party Appetizer: Pair these poppers with other Halloween-inspired snacks like spider deviled eggs, ghost pizza bagels, or pumpkin-shaped cheese balls for a fun and spooky appetizer spread.

For a Family Movie Night: If you’re having a cozy night in with a Halloween movie, these poppers make the perfect snack to munch on while watching your favorite scary films.

Additional Tips for Perfect Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

1. Control the Heat: If you prefer milder poppers, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, leave a few seeds behind or choose spicier peppers like serranos.
2. Customize the Filling: You can switch up the cheese by using pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage also adds extra richness and flavor.
3. Pre-Bake the Jalapeños: If you like your jalapeños softer, you can pre-bake them for 5 minutes before adding the filling. This will make the peppers more tender but still hold their shape.
4. Use Different Dough: Crescent roll dough works perfectly for wrapping the jalapeños, but you can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture, or even pizza dough for a heartier option.
5. Make Ahead: To save time, you can assemble the jalapeño poppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Recipe Variations

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Instead of wrapping the jalapeños in crescent dough, try wrapping them in bacon for a smoky, savory twist. Secure the bacon with toothpicks and bake until crispy.

Vegetarian Mummy Poppers: Skip the bacon and use a blend of cheeses, herbs, and spices for the filling to create a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add finely chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Spicy Mummy Poppers: For those who love extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese filling. You can also sprinkle the finished poppers with red pepper flakes before serving.

Sweet Mummy Poppers: For a fun twist, use sweet mini bell peppers instead of jalapeños for a milder version that’s perfect for kids or anyone who doesn’t like spicy food.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover mummy jalapeño poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) poppers. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen poppers directly into the oven and add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To reheat, place the poppers in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the crescent dough soggy.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet is essential for ensuring even cooking and preventing the poppers from sticking.

Piping Bag (Optional): If you want to make filling the jalapeños easier, you can use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the cheese mixture into the jalapeños.

Small Spoon or Knife: You’ll need a small spoon or knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños without tearing the peppers.

FAQ

Can I make these poppers milder?
Yes! To reduce the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. You can also substitute sweet mini bell peppers for an even milder option.

Can I use pre-made jalapeño popper filling?
Yes, you can use pre-made jalapeño popper filling or flavored cream cheese if you’re short on time. Just fill the jalapeños and follow the same wrapping and baking steps.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
To prevent too much cheese from oozing out while baking, make sure to tightly wrap the jalapeños with the crescent dough, leaving just a small gap for the eyes. You can also slightly underfill the jalapeños.

Conclusion

Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are a fun, festive, and delicious addition to any Halloween celebration. With their spooky mummy design, creamy cheese filling, and just the right amount of spice, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these poppers are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for adding a bit of Halloween flair to your appetizer spread. So gather your ingredients, wrap up those jalapeños, and get ready to enjoy a spooky snack that’s as tasty as it is fun!

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