If you love fun, flavorful bites that are guaranteed to impress at any gathering, the Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These playful little mummies combine spicy jalapeños stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Beyond their adorable spooky look, they deliver a harmonious blend of heat, creaminess, and a perfect savory crust — making them an irresistible appetizer for parties, especially around Halloween or any time you want to delight friends with something unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to making this dish both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty. Each element brings something special, whether it’s the fresh kick of jalapeños, the richness of cream cheese, or the buttery flakiness of crescent roll dough.
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded: Fresh jalapeños provide the ideal spicy base while removing seeds keeps the heat balanced.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This smooth cheese adds creamy texture to mellow the jalapeño’s heat.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a sharper, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the filling with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses the mix with a smoky aroma that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all other ingredients.
- 1 (8-ounce) tube crescent roll dough or puff pastry: Creates the delightfully flaky, golden mummy wraps.
- Candy eyes or sliced black olives for eyes: The creepy, cute finishing touch to bring your mummies to life.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a shiny, golden crust when baked.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for baking your mummies to golden perfection without the hassle of cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creamy, flavorful filling is what makes these poppers so deliciously irresistible.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Take each halved and seeded jalapeño and fill them generously with the cheese mixture. Be sure to fill each cavity completely for the best cheesy experience in every bite.
Step 4: Wrap Your Mummies
Unroll your crescent roll dough and slice it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 2 to 3 strips of dough, intentionally leaving a little space near the top so you can later add “eyes.” This wrapping technique gives that instantly recognizable mummy look — spooky and fun.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the wrapped jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet and brush the dough lightly with beaten egg. This step ensures a gorgeous golden-brown finish. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until your mummies are puffed and perfectly golden.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once baked, let the mummies cool for a few minutes. Then, place candy eyes or black olive slices into the small opening left at the top. These eyes give your stuffed jalapeño poppers their signature creepy charm, completing your delicious and adorable treat.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra garnishing boost elevates the visual appeal and flavor profile. Try sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro or a light dusting of smoked paprika around your platter for a pop of color and extra smoky aroma. A small bowl of ranch or a creamy dip on the side pairs wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
Serve these spicy mummies alongside a crisp garden salad, some zesty salsa, or even sweet potato fries. The contrast in textures and flavors creates a well-rounded appetizer experience that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For themed parties, try arranging your Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe on a platter shaped like a coffin or surrounded by faux spider webs for a playful Halloween vibe. You could also use small toothpicks to keep the mummy wraps intact and make them easy to pick up at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras, store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the dough from becoming soggy and preserves the fresh, cheesy filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these mummies before baking by wrapping them on a parchment-lined tray and transferring them to a freezer-safe container once firm. Freeze for up to 2 months, and bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crispness of the dough better than microwaving, keeping that delicious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make the Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! To reduce the heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or substitute them with mini sweet peppers for a milder, kid-friendly option.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Can I use something else?
Puff pastry is an excellent alternative that produces a similar flaky texture. You can also experiment with pizza dough strips, but keep in mind the texture and baking time may vary.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use crescent dough that doesn’t contain animal fats or additives. Always check packaging to be sure.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the cheese filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before filling the jalapeños to keep the mixture smooth.
What are some creative twists to try with this recipe?
Try mixing in crumbled cooked bacon or finely chopped scallions into the cheese filling for added texture and flavor. You can also swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to amp up the spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress friends and family with a snack that’s both visually delightful and deliciously bold, the Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe is a winner every time. It’s straightforward, fun, and brings together the best of spicy, creamy, and flaky textures in a bite-sized package. Trust me, once you try these charming mummies, they’ll become a beloved staple for your festive table.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 mummies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spooky and delicious Jalapeño Popper Mummies are the perfect Halloween appetizer, featuring creamy cheese-filled jalapeños wrapped in golden, flaky crescent roll dough and decorated with cute candy eyes for a fun and festive touch.
Ingredients
Jalapeño Filling
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Decoration
- 1 (8-ounce) tube crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- Candy eyes or sliced black olives for eyes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Carefully fill each halved and seeded jalapeño with the cheese mixture, ensuring each cavity is well packed but not overflowing.
- Cut Dough Strips: Unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean surface and slice it into thin strips approximately 1/4-inch wide; these will be used to wrap your jalapeños.
- Wrap Jalapeños: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with 2 to 3 dough strips, creating a mummy-like appearance. Leave a small gap near the top so you can add eyes later.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the wrapped jalapeño mummies onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the dough with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Add Eyes and Serve: Allow the mummies to cool for a few minutes to set, then carefully press candy eyes or sliced black olives into the open space near the top of each mummy to create spooky faces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to protect your hands from irritation caused by the capsaicin.
- For a milder version, substitute jalapeños with mini sweet peppers to reduce heat while maintaining flavor.
- This recipe is a festive and fun Halloween appetizer ideal for parties and gatherings.
