Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are a fun and spooky snack! These are spicy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped up like little mummies, making them perfect for Halloween.
I love how cute they look on the table, and they disappear so fast! If you’re feeling wild, try adding some bacon for extra flavor. Get ready for a tasty treat! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: These are the star of the show! Look for firm, bright green jalapeños for the best flavor. If you need a milder option, try using mini sweet peppers instead.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture to the filling. Neufchâtel cheese can be swapped for a lighter option. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for more flavor. You can use pepper jack for an extra kick or switch to your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or Colby.
Puff Pastry: This makes the mummy wrapping. If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough can work in a pinch, though it might not be as flaky.
How Do I Avoid Overly Spicy Jalapeños?
It’s important to control the heat of jalapeños, especially for those sensitive to spice. Removing the seeds and membranes will help reduce the heat significantly. If you want even milder poppers, consider soaking them in salty water for about 30 minutes before filling.
What’s the Best Way to Wrap Jalapeño Poppers with Puff Pastry?
Wrapping these jalapeños to resemble mummies is part of the fun! Here’s how to do it:
- Roll out the puff pastry thinly for easier wrapping.
- Cut the pastry into thin, even strips (around 1/2 inch wide).
- Start at the bottom of the jalapeño and wrap the strips diagonally up to the top, leaving a gap for eyes.
- Press the ends to seal them well so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Mummy Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Edible candy eyes or black sesame seeds for decorating eyes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need to bake them for 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and fun treat that’s sure to be a hit at any get-together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños
Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside to lower the heat level (and don’t forget to wear gloves if you prefer). Set the jalapeños aside for stuffing.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the cheesy mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but not overflowing. You want each bite to be delicious!
5. Wrap with Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut it into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Wrap the strips around the stuffed jalapeños in a criss-cross pattern, making sure to leave a little gap at the top for the eyes to show.
6. Bake the Wrapped Jalapeños
Place the mummy-wrapped jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the wrapped pastry with the beaten egg; this will help it turn golden and crispy as it bakes.
7. Bake Until Golden
Put the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown.
8. Add the Eyes
Once done, take the jalapeño poppers out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully stick on the edible candy eyes or black sesame seeds at the top of the cheese, using a bit of extra cream cheese or edible glue if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these cute mummy jalapeño poppers warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mustard. They’re perfect for parties or a spooky Halloween treat!
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, and festive jalapeño poppers! 🎃
Can I Make Mummy Jalapeño Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the jalapeños stuffed with cheese and wrapped in puff pastry in advance. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough or even phyllo pastry for a lighter version. Just roll it out and cut into strips similar to how you would with puff pastry.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Mummy Jalapeño Poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder jalapeños, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes inside, as these contain the most heat. Alternatively, you can use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños for a completely mild version.