These spooky Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are a fun twist on an old favorite! They’re stuffed with creamy cheese, then wrapped in flaky dough to look like cute mummies.
Perfect for Halloween parties, they’ll make everyone giggle. I love serving them with a side of ranch for extra flavor and dipping—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are key for that spicy kick! If you’re looking for less heat, consider using mini sweet peppers instead. They’ll still look cute and are much milder.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides the creamy texture we love. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead; they’ll give a nice tang and lower the calories.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar offers great flavor, you can use pepper jack for an extra kick. Or mix in some mozzarella for a gooey texture!
Puff Pastry: If you’re short on time, you can use crescent roll dough instead. It won’t look as fancy but will still be delicious.
Candy Eyes: These just add fun! If you don’t have them on hand, a simple dot of cream cheese with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds works just as well as spooky eyes!
How Do You Wrap the Puff Pastry Perfectly?
Wrapping the jalapeños in puff pastry is all about making them look cute while ensuring the filling stays put. Here’s how to master the wrapping:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Cut the puff pastry into thin strips (about 1/2 inch wide). Thinner strips wrap easier and look better!
- Start at the bottom of each jalapeño and wrap the pastry around, overlapping slightly as you go. Leave some gaps for the “eyes” to peek through.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — the irregularities add to the charm!
By following these tips, you’ll have adorable Mummy Jalapeño Poppers that are sure to impress at any gathering!
Mummy Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Edible candy eyes or small dots of cream cheese with black sesame seeds or food coloring for eyes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30-35 minutes. Just enough time to whip up something spooky and tasty for your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep those poppers from sticking.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Wash the jalapeños under cold water. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon or small knife. This will help tone down the spiciness if you prefer milder poppers.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s nice and creamy—this will be the filling for your jalapeños!
4. Stuff the Jalapeños:
Take your cheese mixture and carefully spoon it into each half of the jalapeño peppers, filling them generously but not overflowing.
5. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Now, lightly flour your work surface. Take the thawed puff pastry and roll it out a bit if needed. Cut it into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. These strips will be your mummy wraps!
6. Wrap the Jalapeños:
Wrap the puff pastry strips around each stuffed jalapeño half. Make sure to leave some space for the eyes to show through, creating that spooky mummy appearance!
7. Bake the Poppers:
Carefully place the wrapped jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each pastry lightly with the beaten egg—this will give it a lovely, golden color when baked. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute. Then, add candy eyes or make little eyes using small dots of cream cheese and black sesame seeds on each popper to give them that mummy look.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These Mummy Jalapeño Poppers are best served warm, alongside ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your spooky treat!
Happy Halloween cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a milder option, consider using mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños. They’ll still look adorable and provide a fun alternative without the heat!
How Do I Store Leftover Mummy Jalapeño Poppers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the poppers a day ahead. Just wrap them in puff pastry and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake them fresh right before serving for the best texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you’re in a pinch, crescent roll dough works well as a substitute for puff pastry. It may not have the same flaky quality, but it will still taste fantastic and look great!
