Easy Mummy Jalapeno Poppers (Halloween Recipe)

You only need a handful of ingredients and some candy googly eyes to create one of the best Halloween foods! Pair these wrapped peppers with other fun, delicious treats, or enjoy these easy mummy jalapeno poppers just as they are.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these Easy Red Velvet Halloween Spider Cookies as well. I also think that my Large Halloween Marshmallow Pops with Candy Melts and Sprinkles recipe is the best, too!

What Are Jalapeño Poppers?

Jalapeno Poppers are a popular appetizer in American cuisine. They are jalapeno peppers that have been hollowed out, stuffed with a mixture of cheese, spices, and sometimes meat then breaded and deep-fried. 

The result is a crispy, spicy, and cheesy treat that’s perfect for parties, game day, or any time you’re craving something a little indulgent. These bite-sized snacks pack a punch of flavors and are often served with a side of cooling dip, like ranch or sour cream.

Why You’ll Love These Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

• The candy eyeballs make the cutest jalapeño popper mummies
• They’re perfect for your next Halloween party
• The jalapeño halves pair perfectly with any other edible, fun Halloween idea.

Ingredients For Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

• Jalapenos – slice and remove the seeds. Be cautious of the heat; wearing plastic gloves can help to minimize any potential irritation. Smaller jalapenos tend to be hotter, so choose bigger ones if you prefer a milder flavor. 
• Cream cheese – It acts as the base for the filling of our poppers. Ensure it’s at room temperature to allow for easier mixing. 
• Cheddar cheese – I recommend using a sharp cheddar to create a robust flavor, but feel free to use your favorite cheese. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would also work well. 
• Cooked bacon – Use quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute. Ensure it’s cooked crispy before adding it to the cheese mixture to maintain some crunch in your popper. 
• Puff pastry – This puff pastry is ideal for wrapping the peppers. It bakes up flaky and golden, giving our mummies an appealing, shrouded look. Store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. 
• Candy eyes – These edible eyes are a fun way to bring personality to your mummy poppers. Ensure you place them on the pastry after you’ve finished wrapping and before it goes into the oven.
• Egg yolk – Brushing the outside of the dough with an egg yolk helps to give it a beautiful golden brown color when baking. It creates a glossy finish that makes your jalapeno poppers look professionally made.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Jalapenos: If you find them too spicy, substitute them with mini bell peppers for a milder alternative.
2. Cream cheese: If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
3. Cheddar cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Vegan cheese can also be used for a vegan-friendly recipe.
4. Bacon: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, use sun-dried tomatoes or a plant-based bacon substitute for that added crunch and flavor.
5. Puff Pastry: If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry.
6. Egg Yolk: For a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave nectar to give the pastry a glossy finish.
7. Candy Eyes: You can make more Halloween fun by adding a few different ingredients. Instead of candy edible eyes, you can add black olive slices to the eyeballs.

Popper Variations

1. Spice it up: Add some extra spices to the cheese filling for a flavor boost. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce could all be great additions.
2. Go Greek: Substitute cream cheese and cheddar with feta, and add some oregano and black olives to the filling for a Greek-inspired variation.
3. Italian twist: Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar, add some chopped sundried tomatoes to the filling, and wrap the jalapenos in pizza dough instead of puff pastry. Don’t forget to sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top!
4. Green Onion: This spooky treat is excellent, with green onions added to the cream cheese mixture.

How To Make Halloween Jalapeno Poppers

Step One: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

Step Two: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. (Photo 1)

Step Three: Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. (Photo 2)

Step Four: Spread the cheese mixture into the jalapenos with the help of a spoon. (Photo 3)

Step Five: Slice the puff pastry into thin strips with a pizza cutter. (Photo 4)

Step Six: Wrap 2-3 strips around the stuffed jalapenos. Leave some space for the eyes. (Photo 5)

Step Seven: Brush egg yolk on the dough. 

Step Eight: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Take them out and let them cool for 10 minutes. 

Step Nine: Place the candy eyes on the jalapenos. (Photo 6)

Expert Tips

• Removing Seeds: To ensure your poppers aren’t overly hot, thoroughly remove all seeds and veins from the jalapeños. A small spoon or melon baller works great for this.
• Puff Pastry: Be sure your puff pastry is cold (but not frozen) when it goes into the oven. This helps to create the flaky layers that puff pastry is known for.
• Cheese Mixture: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures a smoother, more consistent filling.
• Baking: Don’t overbake your poppers. They’re done when the pastry has puffed and is golden brown, and the peppers have softened slightly. Overbaking could cause the cheese to seep out from the poppers.
• Candy Eyes: Remember to add the candy eyes on the mummies after baking, not before, to ensure they keep their shape and don’t melt.

Storing Tips

If you have leftovers of these fun treats, just put them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to reheat and enjoy when you’re reading. For the best flavor, eat within 1-2 days.

You can undoubtedly freeze these Mummy Jalapeño Poppers! To do so, arrange the prepared poppers (before baking) in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. 

When ready to serve, you can bake the poppers straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Note, however, that the texture of the pastry might be a bit different after freezing, and the jalapenos could be a bit softer, but they will still taste delicious!

What To Serve With Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

You can serve these with other foods, but here are some great ideas!

• Gluten-Free Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs
• Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls With Colby!
• Cheeseburger Sliders

Recipe FAQs

Need More Halloween Recipes? Try These:

• 3 Ingredient Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes: Easy Recipe for Halloween
• Chocolate Swiss Roll Bat Cake
• See all our spooky Halloween treats!