Description
Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites are the perfect spicy, cheesy appetizer — featuring creamy jalapeño filling tucked into golden crescent dough or puff pastry for a poppable, party-ready snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dough or 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños, bacon (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Unroll crescent dough and cut into 2-inch squares (or cut puff pastry into similar-sized squares).
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of filling to the center of each square.
- Pinch the corners together to seal, forming small bundles, or fold into triangles.
- Place onto the baking sheet and brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Use puff pastry for a flakier, more gourmet-style bite.
- These freeze well—assemble and freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
- Perfect for game day, holidays, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American