Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are a spooky and tasty treat perfect for Halloween! These stuffed jalapeños are filled with cream cheese and wrapped in cute little strips of dough to look like mummies.
Everyone loves these cheesy bites, and they’re so easy to make! I can’t resist stealing a few from the tray before they even hit the table. Who can blame me with all that gooey goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are essential for that spicy kick. If you want to tone it down, you can use mini sweet peppers instead. They’ll give you the same fun shape without the heat!
Cream Cheese: This creamy filling is a must! If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese or a nut-based cheese spread. I’ve found that those work surprisingly well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds richness, but you can use any cheese you enjoy. Pepper jack is a great alternative for some extra heat. I often mix different cheeses for variety!
Puff Pastry/Crescent Roll Dough: Puff pastry gives them a flaky texture, but if you’re short on time, crescent roll dough works perfectly. It’s faster to roll out and gives a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Bacon: The optional bacon adds extra flavor and crunch. You can skip it for a vegetarian option, or try turkey bacon for a lighter version.
How Do I Safely Handle Jalapeños?
Removing seeds and membranes from jalapeños is key to controlling the heat. Here are easy steps to handle them safely:
- Wash the jalapeños well. Then, wear gloves to protect your hands from capsaicin—this is the compound that gives them heat.
- Slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or a small knife to gently scoop out the seeds and membranes inside. This will help make the poppers milder.
- Be careful not to touch your face—especially your eyes—after handling the peppers!
What’s the Best Way to Wrap the Poppers?
Wrapping the jalapeños to look like mummies can be tricky but fun! Here’s a simple guide to make it easier:
- After rolling out your dough, cut it into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide). You can use a pizza cutter for clean cuts!
- Start wrapping the strips around each stuffed jalapeño, leaving gaps for the eyes. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just aim for a fun mummy look.
- If any dough breaks while wrapping, don’t worry. Simply add more dough strips to cover up the gaps.
With these tips, you’ll make Mummy Jalapeño Poppers that not only look cute but taste incredible too! Enjoy making these spooky delights for your next gathering!
How to Make Mummy Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half (optional for bacon-wrapped version)
- 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough, thawed
- Edible candy eyes or small dots of cream cheese and black olive/black sesame seeds for eyes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake. Total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes until these spooky treats are ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This step will help ensure crispy poppers!
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Next, carefully slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes inside. This will make them milder and create space for that delicious filling. It’s a good idea to wear gloves during this part to protect your hands from the heat.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Fill the Jalapeños:
Spoon the delicious cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, filling them generously to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor.
5. Optional Bacon Wrap:
If you’d like to add a little more flavor, you can wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half strip of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick if needed. The bacon adds a tasty crunch—so good!
6. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your puff pastry or crescent roll dough on a floured surface. Slice it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. These strips will create the mummy bandages!
7. Wrap the Poppers:
Wrap the dough strips around each stuffed jalapeño half to give a cute mummy appearance. Be sure to leave some space near the top for the adorable eyes!
8. Bake the Poppers:
Place your prepared jalapeño poppers onto the baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and cooked through. If you’re using bacon, make sure it gets crispy as well.
9. Add the Eyes:
Once they’re out of the oven, quickly press two candy eyes onto each jalapeño popper or use small dollops of cream cheese to attach edible dots for eyes. This is what makes them look extra spooky!
10. Enjoy:
Let the poppers cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy these fun and delicious Mummy Jalapeño Poppers at your next party—they’re sure to be a hit!
This recipe yields about 24 small-ish poppers, making them perfect for sharing at parties or Halloween-themed snacks. Have fun and happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Cheese instead of Cheddar?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique taste!
How Can I Make These Poppers Extra Spicy?
If you want more heat, leave some of the seeds and membranes inside the jalapeños when you prepare them. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the cheese filling. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapeños and wrap them in dough ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. They should be baked right before serving for the best freshness and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Poppers?
To store leftovers, place 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 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
