Jalapeno Popper Mummies are a fun twist on a classic treat! These spicy little delights are filled with cream cheese and wrapped in crescent dough, making them both tasty and cute!
Perfect for a party or a movie night, they’re sure to get giggles. I love how easy they are to make—I can have a tray ready in no time, and they disappear faster than I can count! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeno Peppers: These are the star of the dish, providing spice and crunch! If you prefer less heat, you can use mini sweet peppers instead.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its creaminess. For a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese. Vegan cream cheese also works well for a dairy-free version.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It adds a strong flavor! You could replace it with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or use a dairy-free cheese for alternatives.
Bacon: This ingredient enhances flavor with a smoky crunch. Turkey or beef bacon can substitute here, and for a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or mushrooms.
Crescent Roll Dough: Great for wrapping! If you can’t find it, puff pastry or even homemade biscuit dough could work well as alternatives.
How Do You Safely Handle Jalapenos?
When working with jalapenos, it’s essential to avoid the heat on your hands and face. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the oils in the peppers.
- Be sure to remove seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the heat.
- After handling, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes.
What’s the Best Way to Wrap the Mummies?
Wrapping dough can be tricky, but here’s a simple guide:
- Unroll the crescent dough and use a pizza cutter to slice it into 1/2 inch strips.
- Start wrapping at one end of the jalapeno and continue to wrap in a crisscross pattern. This way, it mimics mummy bandages.
- Leave a small gap to expose part of the jalapeno for the “face”, where you’ll place the eyes later.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t stress if they aren’t perfect at first; the fun is in the making!
Jalapeno Popper Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mummies:
- 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Edible candy eyes (or small dots of cream cheese and black food coloring for eyes)
- Optional: Cooking spray or parchment paper for baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation plus 15-20 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying these mummies in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Jalapeno Popper Mummies cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Jalapenos:
Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise, carefully removing the seeds and membranes. If you love spice, leave a few seeds in, but if you prefer milder heat, it’s best to take them out. A tip: wear gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid any burning on your skin!
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed and creamy. It’s going to be cheesy and delicious!
4. Stuff the Jalapenos:
Take the cheese and bacon mixture and spoon it evenly into each jalapeno half. Make sure to pack it in nicely, so each bite is full of flavor!
5. Wrap Them Up:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into strips about 1/2 inch wide. Start wrapping each stuffed jalapeno half with the dough strips, crisscrossing them like mummy bandages. Leave the “face” area exposed for the eyes!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the wrapped jalapeno mummies on the prepared baking sheet. Space them out a bit so they can bake evenly.
7. Add the Eyes:
Before baking, add the edible candy eyes to the exposed part of each jalapeno. If you’re using cream cheese and food coloring, just pipe small dots to make eyes—get creative!
8. Bake Them:
Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be delightful!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the mummies out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these warm for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly cute Jalapeno Popper Mummies, perfect for any gathering or just a fun snack at home!
Can I Use Different Peppers Instead of Jalapenos?
Yes! If you’re looking for a milder option, you can use mini sweet peppers. They’ll still provide a tasty bite without the heat of jalapenos.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these mummies vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to enhance the filling. You can also increase the cheese to keep it rich and satisfying!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Jalapeno Popper Mummies a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them tightly in plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.