📝 About This Recipe
These adorable yet eerie appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any Halloween soirée, blending the smoky heat of fresh jalapeños with a rich, velvety three-cheese filling. Each pepper is hand-wrapped in buttery crescent dough 'bandages' to create a whimsical mummy effect that crisps to golden perfection in the oven. Finished with candy eye peepers, these poppers offer a sophisticated balance of spicy, salty, and creamy flavors that will vanish from the platter in a heartbeat.
🥗 Ingredients
The Peppers
- 12 large Jalapeño peppers (sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed)
The Creamy Filling
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (finely shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- 2 stalks Green onions (very finely minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
The Mummy Wrappings
- 1 can Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-ounce tube)
- 1 large Egg (beaten with 1 teaspoon of water for egg wash)
The Finishing Touches
- 24-48 pieces Candy eyeballs (small size)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or extra cream cheese (used as 'glue' for the eyes)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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2
Prepare the jalapeños by slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out all the seeds and the white pithy ribs. Pro tip: Wear food-safe gloves during this process to avoid capsaicin burns on your skin or eyes!
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3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, minced green onions, salt, and pepper.
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4
Stir the cheese mixture vigorously with a rubber spatula until completely smooth and the spices are evenly distributed.
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5
Fill each jalapeño half with a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Level it off with the back of the spoon so it is flush with the edges of the pepper; don't overfill or it will bubble over.
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6
Unroll the crescent dough and press the perforations together to create a single large rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide.
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7
Wrap one strip of dough around each stuffed pepper. Start at the top, leaving a small gap near the 'head' for the eyes to peek through later, then wrap haphazardly down the body to mimic mummy bandages.
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8
Place the wrapped mummies onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least an inch apart.
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9
Lightly brush the exposed dough 'bandages' with the egg wash. This will give your mummies a beautiful, professional golden-brown sheen.
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10
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden and the peppers have softened slightly.
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11
Remove from the oven and allow the poppers to cool for at least 5 minutes. This is crucial so the cheese sets and the candy eyes don't melt immediately upon contact.
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12
Using a tiny dab of cream cheese or honey as adhesive, press two candy eyeballs into the opening you left at the top of each mummy.
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13
Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the 'bandages' are crisp.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent the oils from irritating your skin. If you want less heat, soak the deseeded jalapeño halves in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling. If you can't find candy eyeballs, use small slices of black olives or dots of Sriracha for a savory eye alternative. Avoid over-wrapping the peppers; too much dough will take longer to cook and may result in a soggy bottom.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Pair with a chilled hard cider or a crisp Mexican lager to cut through the richness. Arrange on a dark slate platter with plastic spiders for a truly 'spooky' presentation. Accompany with a spicy raspberry jam or pepper jelly for a sweet-and-heat flavor profile. Serve alongside other finger foods like 'mummy' hot dogs or pumpkin-shaped pretzels.