Save These adorable mummy jalapeño poppers are perfect for bringing a little spooky fun to your Halloween spread. Creamy cheese filling and crunchy dough make each bite irresistible, and I love that both kids and adults get excited about pulling apart the bandages to sneak a taste. They always disappear fast at my parties.
These started as a way to spice up our Halloween get-togethers when my daughter wanted snacks that look like monsters. Now, her friends look forward to making their own poppers every year.
Ingredients
- Jalapeño peppers: provide gentle heat and crunch. Choose firm, glossy peppers with minimal blemishes for best flavor
- Cream cheese: adds the signature creamy base to the filling. Use full-fat for maximum richness and a smooth consistency
- Cheddar cheese: delivers sharp, tangy notes and helps the filling melt beautifully. Hand-shred for better melt and flavor
- Garlic: fresh garlic makes the filling pop with savory depth
- Onion powder: offers mellow, consistent background flavor
- Smoked paprika: brings smoky undertones for added complexity
- Salt and black pepper: season the filling perfectly and balance the cheese
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry: wraps around each popper, giving crisp golden layers. Look for brands with fewer additives for better taste
- Edible candy eyes: create the charming faces. Double-check labels if you need allergen-friendly versions
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This is important for mild heat and space for the filling
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended. Use room temperature cheese for easiest mixing
- Fill the Peppers:
- Spoon a generous amount of cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Level the tops so the filling stays put when you wrap them
- Wrap the Popper Mummies:
- Cut crescent dough or puff pastry into thin strips. Using two or three strips per popper, loosely wrap around each pepper in a crisscross pattern to resemble mummy bandages. Leave small gaps for decorating later. Gently press ends of dough together to seal
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place wrapped jalapeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius until the dough puffs and turns golden and the cheese is bubbly
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let the poppers rest for about five minutes. Gently press two candy eyes into the melted cheese area on each popper to create your mummy faces
- Serve Warm:
- Arrange the poppers on a festive platter and serve while the cheese is melty
Save My favorite part is watching my niece sneak the candy eyes onto extra poppers when no one is looking. The smoked paprika also makes these stand out compared to regular poppers and always draws compliments.
How To Store Leftovers
Place cooled poppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For crispiness, reheat in a hot oven rather than the microwave. The dough stays best if you separate with parchment paper so they do not stick
Ingredient Swaps And Adaptations
Swap cheddar for pepper Jack cheese to amp up the heat or mozzarella for mild poppers. Dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese shreds work if you want a plant-based option. Puff pastry gives extra flaky crunch beyond classic crescent dough
Serving Tricks For Guests
Arrange poppers in concentric rings on a platter with a bowl of ranch or chipotle sauce in the middle. Garnish with extra candy eyes scattered around for a playful touch. These make a great pass-around finger food before bigger mains
History Of Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers started as bar snacks in the American Southwest, usually deep fried or baked. The mummy version appeared as Halloween got more popular, adding creative decoration perfect for themed parties
Seasonal Adaptations And Festive Flairs
Try these tips to make your poppers stand out
Use orange cheddar or tinted dough for extra Halloween color
Stuff with roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for autumn flavor
Make mini mummies with smaller peppers for bite-size appetizers
Save These Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are sure to be the star of your Halloween table. Bake a double batch if you want leftovers they go fast!
Kitchen Q&A
- → How can I reduce the heat of jalapeños?
Soak the jalapeño halves in cold water for 15 minutes before stuffing. This helps mellow their spiciness for a milder appetizer.
- → Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, either puff pastry or crescent roll dough works well for wrapping jalapeños and creating a golden, flaky exterior.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian but contains dairy and gluten. Always check ingredients for additional allergens, especially candy eyes.
- → What are alternatives to candy eyes?
Use small dots of sour cream and pieces of black olive to mimic eyes if you prefer a homemade option or need to avoid certain allergens.
- → How should I serve these at a party?
Serve warm on a platter, optionally alongside dipping sauces such as ranch or chipotle, for both flavor and presentation appeal.
- → Can these be reheated?
Yes, warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through to retain crispiness and flavor.