Today, I’m excited to share my Spicy Crescent Poppers recipe. These little bites are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just looking for a fun snack. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone.
One of the things I love most about these poppers is how simple they are to prepare. You only need a handful of ingredients, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen. The crescent rolls make the perfect base – they’re light, flaky, and bake up beautifully golden. Jalapeno peppers rank between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale, which measures the spiciness of peppers. This makes them moderately spicy, but not as hot as some of their chili peers like the habanero or ghost pepper, making them perfect for kids!
These Spicy Crescent Poppers are also very versatile. You can customize them with different fillings like cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even a little garlic powder. They’re great for experimenting and finding your perfect combination.
Whether you’re serving these at a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, these poppers are guaranteed to disappear fast. I promise they’ll become a new favorite in your household!
Chef’s Notes – Spicy Crescent Poppers
- Handling Jalapenos: Wear gloves when handling and deseeding the jalapenos to avoid irritation from the capsaicin.
- Cheese Filling: Chill the cheese filling in the fridge for about 10 minutes before using. This will make it easier to stuff the jalapenos.
- Crescent Dough: Work with the crescent dough while it’s cold to make it easier to handle and wrap around the jalapenos.
- Bacon Preparation: Precook the bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure it becomes crispy and fully cooked during the final bake.
- Alternative Flavors: Try adding a bit of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for an added depth of flavor.
- Serving Tips: These poppers are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain their crispiness.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the poppers a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian bacon strips or omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version of these poppers.
- Presentation: For a nice presentation, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Pairing Suggestions: These poppers pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita, enhancing the Tex-Mex dining experience.
Spicy Crescent Poppers
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minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with these Spicy Crescent Poppers! With just five simple ingredients, these poppers pack a punch of flavor. The garlic-flavored crescents wrap around spicy jalapenos filled with creamy cheese and topped with smoky bacon. Perfect for any occasion, these poppers are a breeze to make and will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
garlic-flavored crescent rolls
4 fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and deseeded (use gloves)
1/2 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread
1/2 cup shredded Colby-jack cheese blend
3 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Alternative Ingredients:
Crescent rolls: Puff pastry sheets or biscuit dough
Jalapenos: Mini bell peppers for less heat
Chive and onion cream cheese: Plain cream cheese with added fresh chives and onions
Colby-jack cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Bacon: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon strip
Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Jalapenos – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved jalapenos on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut each bacon slice into thirds and place them on the same sheet.
- Bake Bacon & Jalapenos – Bake for about 15 minutes until the bacon starts to brown and the jalapenos blister slightly.
- Mix Cheese Filling – While baking, mix the chive and onion cream cheese with the shredded Colby-jack cheese in a small bowl. Chill in the fridge.
- Fill Jalapenos – Remove the jalapenos and bacon from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Fill each jalapeno half with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
- Wrap with Crescents – Line the baking sheet with fresh parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half lengthwise. Place a filled jalapeno at the base of each crescent piece and top with a piece of bacon. Roll up towards the pointed end.
- Final Bake – Bake for another 15 minutes until the crescents are golden-brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 6mg
FAQ – Spicy Crescent Poppers
Can I make these Spicy Crescent Poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jalapenos and cheese filling in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble with the crescent rolls and bacon, then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of garlic-flavored crescent rolls?
You can use regular crescent rolls and add a bit of garlic powder to the cheese filling or use puff pastry sheets or biscuit dough as alternatives.
How can I reduce the spiciness of the jalapenos?
To reduce the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. You can also substitute mini bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Can I make these poppers vegetarian?
Yes, you can use vegetarian bacon strips instead of regular bacon for a vegetarian version.
What dipping sauces go well with these poppers?
These poppers pair well with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy avocado dip.
Can I freeze the Spicy Crescent Poppers?
It’s best to freeze the poppers before baking. Assemble them as directed, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Colby-jack cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
How can I make these poppers gluten-free?
To make gluten-free poppers, use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry sheets.
What occasions are these poppers suitable for?
Spicy Crescent Poppers are perfect for game days, dinner parties, comfort food cravings, and weekday meals. They’re a versatile appetizer or snack for any gathering.
