Easy Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls with Cream Cheese
Savor the spicy kick and creamy texture wrapped in a golden crust with our Easy Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls. This mouthwatering recipe melds the heat of jalapeños with luscious cream cheese and a sprinkle of cheddar to create a perfect appetizer or snack that will have everyone asking for more.
Dive deeper into flavor with each bite as you experience the blend of textures that makes this dish unforgettable. Not only are these crescent rolls a crowd-pleaser, but they also pair superbly with other dishes.
Want more delicious Jalapeno recipes? Try this Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese for a spicy alternative to the classic pasta dish. Or, for a summery alternative, make my Fresh Pineapple Salsa With Jalapenos that’s perfect for lunch on a warm day.
Still in the mood for more Mexican? You could try making simple Sheet Pan Fajitas that work for any occasion. Or if you have an air fryer, try this Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza for a great combination of Mexican and Italian cuisine!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: You’ll adore how fast and straightforward it is to make these jalapeño poppers. With just a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a delectable treat ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm for a cozy snack, or include them in a brunch spread – they’re versatile enough to complement many meals and occasions.
- Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the amount of diced jalapeños to cater to different spice preferences, making it a suitable appetizer for everyone at the table.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: These crescent rolls can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and then baked just before your guests arrive, giving you more time to entertain.
What Are Poppers?
Poppers, in the culinary world, usually refer to Jalapeno Poppers, which are jalapeño peppers that have been hollowed out, filled with a mix of cheese and sometimes other ingredients like ground meat or spices, and then breaded and deep-fried. The result is a bite-sized great appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with a burst of heat from the jalapeño that’s tamed by the richness of the cheese.
These Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls take inspiration from this snack, reinventing it as a pastry-based recipe. The crescent dough provides a flaky and buttery exterior that encases the spicy, creamy filling.
What’s In This Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls Recipe
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Crescent Rolls: The foundation of this tasty appetizer, crescent roll dough is buttery and flaky, providing a golden-brown wrap that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Cream Cheese: This soft, mild cheese adds a luxurious creaminess to the filling, balancing out the heat of the jalapeños with its velvety texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: With its sharp and tangy flavor, cheddar cheese adds depth and richness to the filling, creating a delightful contrast to the spicy elements.
- Diced Jalapeños: Jalapeño chiles add a zesty punch and a bit of texture to the rolls. The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to taste, but they’re essential for that signature popper kick.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a pinch is used to subtly enhance the flavors, adding a slight sweetness that complements the savory and spicy notes of the other ingredients.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Dough: Gluten-free guests? Substitute traditional crescent rolls with a gluten-free pastry dough to cater to their needs while still keeping the delightful textures of the original recipe.
- Bacon Bits: An excellent option for a salty, smoky twist, add crispy bacon bits to your cream cheese mixture. This will offer an extra layer of flavor that complements the spicy jalapeño and rich cheese.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Dairy intolerant? Many non-dairy cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives melt well and recreate the creamy texture you desire.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Finely chopped bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives can be mixed in with the cheese for added flavor and color.
- Spice Variations: If jalapeños are too spicy, use milder pepper varieties like Anaheim or Poblano peppers. Conversely, dial up the heat with tangy peppers, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Sweet Variations: Though not traditional, if you fancy a hint of sweetness, consider adding a spread of apricot jam or a sprinkle of brown sugar with the cheeses before rolling them up in the crescent dough.
How To Make Jalapeno Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Begin by blending the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and sugar in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. (Photo 1)
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough, ensuring the seams are sealed together. (Photo 2)
- Spread the creamy cheese blend over the dough sheet. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. (Photos 3 & 4)
- Repeat the process with the second package of crescent dough sheet.
- Place the dough rolls in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to solidify.
- In the meantime, heat oven to a temperature of 350°F.
- After freezing, use a sharp blade or dental floss to cut each log into 12 even slices. (Photo 5)
- Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake these in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. (Photo 6)
- Once baked to a nice golden brown, transfer them onto a wire rack to cool slightly. They can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Chill Before Cutting: Placing the dough rolls in the freezer prior to cutting helps maintain their shape and makes the slicing process neater.
- Prevent Stickiness: Lightly flour your knife or dental floss before cutting the rolls to prevent any sticking and to achieve cleaner cuts.
- Even Heat Distribution: For uniform baking, rotate the baking tray halfway through the cooking time to ensure each crescent roll is evenly golden.
- Control the Spice: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños if you want the flavor without too much heat. The seeds are where most of the capsaicin is concentrated, which is what gives the peppers their spiciness.
- Seal Edges Well: When working with the crescent roll dough, pinch together seams and edges well to prevent the cheese filling from oozing out during baking.
- Let Them Set: After removing them from the oven, give the rolls a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. This short rest allows them to set and makes handling them easier.
- Fresh vs. Pickled Jalapeños: Consider the type of jalapeños you are using. Fresh jalapeños tend to be spicier than pickled ones, so adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level and the type you choose.
Storing Tips
To preserve the freshness of leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
These crescent rolls are freezer-friendly as well – for longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or sealable bag, and they can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat them, there’s no need to thaw; simply place the frozen rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy again.
If they are refrigerated, you can also quickly warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, but the oven method is recommended for restoring the original crispness.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are a versatile and delicious appetizer that pairs delightfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a fresh heirloom tomato salad drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze to cut through the richness of the cheese.
They also complement a bowl of hearty, spicy chili or a steaming mug of taco soup, offering a satisfying contrast to the poppers.
For those looking to create a more substantial meal, consider adding these rolls to a barbecue spread featuring grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. Assemble them, lay them out on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s best to bake them within 24 hours for optimal freshness. If you choose to freeze them, follow the same process but do not defrost before baking; instead, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
To properly seal the seams, press the dough together firmly with your fingers. If necessary, you can also use a little bit of water to help the dough stick together, followed by pressing the seams.
These jalapeno popper crescent rolls pair perfectly with a cool, creamy dip to balance their heat. A ranch dressing or a cilantro-lime sauce can be excellent choices. Also, guacamole or a sour cream and chive dip can complement the flavors nicely.
To ensure even cooking, it’s best to rotate the baking tray 180 degrees halfway through the baking time. If you know where your oven’s hot spots are, try to position the tray accordingly from the start.
The spice level largely depends on the jalapeños used. Fresh jalapeños can vary in heat. Removing the seeds will reduce spiciness. You can also swap the jalapeños for a milder pepper or adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference.
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Easy Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls with Cream Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls
- 16 oz (453 ⅗ g) cream cheese softened
- ½ cup (56 ½ g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (226 ⅘ g) can of diced jalapeños
- 1 tbsp (1 tbsp.) Granulated sugar
Instructions
- Begin by blending the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is thoroughly combined.16 oz cream cheese,½ cup shredded cheddar cheese,8 oz can of diced jalapeños,1 tbsp Granulated sugar
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough, ensuring the seams are sealed together.2 tubes of crescent rolls
- Spread the creamy cheese blend over the dough sheet. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder.
- Repeat the process with the second package of crescent dough sheet.
- Place the dough rolls in the freezer for a duration of 30 minutes to an hour to solidify.
- In the meantime, heat oven to a temperature of 350°F.
- After freezing, use a sharp blade or dental floss to cut each log into 12 even slices.
- Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake these in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes.
- Once baked to a nice golden brown, transfer them onto a wire rack to cool slightly. They can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill Before Cutting: Placing the dough rolls in the freezer prior to cutting helps maintain their shape and makes the slicing process neater.
- Prevent Stickiness: Lightly flour your knife or dental floss before cutting the rolls to prevent any sticking and to achieve cleaner cuts.
- Even Heat Distribution: For uniform baking, rotate the baking tray halfway through the cooking time to ensure each crescent roll is evenly golden.
- Control the Spice: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños if you want the flavor without too much heat. The seeds are where most of the capsaicin is concentrated, which is what gives the peppers their spiciness.
- Seal Edges Well: When working with the crescent roll dough, pinch together seams and edges well to prevent the cheese filling from oozing out during baking.
- Let Them Set: After removing them from the oven, give the rolls a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. This short rest allows them to set and makes handling them easier.
- Fresh vs. Pickled Jalapeños: Consider the type of jalapeños you are using. Fresh jalapeños tend to be spicier than pickled ones, so adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level and the type you choose.
Nutrition Information
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