Mummy Jalapeno Poppers (Printable)

Creamy cheese-filled jalapeños wrapped in crispy dough bandages with googly eyes for a spooky Halloween appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peppers & Filling

01 - 8 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
03 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced finely
05 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
07 - Pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

→ Wrapping & Decoration

08 - 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
09 - 32 small candy eyeballs or black olive slices for eyes
10 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with a fork until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the filling evenly, mounding slightly.
04 - Unroll crescent dough onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice dough crosswise into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide.
05 - Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with dough strips in a crisscross pattern to resemble bandages. Leave a small exposed gap near the tapered end for placing eyes later.
06 - Arrange wrapped poppers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between pieces. Brush dough lightly with beaten egg for golden browning.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until dough is deep golden brown and fully cooked, and cheese filling is bubbling.
08 - Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Press two candy eyes or olive slices into the exposed area on each popper to complete the mummy face.
09 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while still warm. Accompany with ranch dressing, sour cream, or salsa if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The dough gets impossibly crispy while keeping the inside molten and creamy
  • Kids go absolutely wild for the googly eyes and grownups love the flavor
  • They come together in under 40 minutes but look like you fussed forever
02 -
  • Resist the urge to overfill the peppers or the cheese will explode and make a mess while baking
  • Work quickly with the dough once its unrolled or it gets too warm and stretches weirdly
  • The eyes stick better if you add them while the poppers are still slightly warm
03 -
  • Use kitchen shears to cut the dough strips instead of a knife for cleaner edges
  • If your eyes keep falling off, dab a tiny bit of the cheese mixture on the back first

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