Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bites are a delicious and spicy appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, they offer a delightful kick with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dough
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or crescent roll dough
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended for an even and flavorful filling.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crust or crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares, making sure the pieces are roughly uniform for consistent baking.
- Assemble Bites: Place about 1 tablespoon of the jalapeño cream cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold up the corners of the square towards the center and pinch the edges firmly to seal, forming small bites or balls. This will keep the filling secure during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Position each sealed bite seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to expand slightly without touching.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each popper bite with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bites turn golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the popper bites cool slightly to avoid burning. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, leave some jalapeño seeds in the filling.
- Use mini muffin tins to bake the bites for a neater presentation.
- Serve with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping to balance the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
