If you are looking for a fun, festive, and irresistibly delicious appetizer, the Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe is exactly what you need to bring to your next gathering or Halloween party. These adorable little mummies are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling that gets wrapped up in crispy golden dough, creating the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crunchy. Once you try them, you’ll find they quickly become a favorite snack to whip up anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. The playful look combined with bold flavors makes this appetizer a showstopper and a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the heat of fresh jalapeños to the creamy richness of cheeses and the satisfying crispiness of golden dough. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these little mummies to life:
- 10 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed: The spicy base that gives these mummies their signature kick while providing the perfect boat for the filling.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, luscious filling that balances jalapeño heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty dimension that pairs perfectly with cream cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes in the cheese filling subtly.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness that complements the spice and cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough, sliced into thin strips: Wraps the stuffed jalapeños, baking into irresistibly flaky, golden bandages.
- 20 candy eyes: The adorable finishing touch that transforms your poppers into cute little mummies.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust on the dough that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and help your Jalapeno Popper Mummies bake evenly with ease.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, uniform mixture. This flavorful filling is the heart of the Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe, delivering a perfect creamy and cheesy punch with a little smoky complexity.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Carefully fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—generous stuffing is key to that ooey-gooey center everyone will love.
Step 4: Wrap with Dough Strips
Using your thin strips of crescent roll or pizza dough, wrap each stuffed jalapeño to mimic mummy bandages. Leave a small gap near the top to add the candy eyes later; this is what gives your dish its whimsical and spooky character.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each dough-wrapped jalapeño lightly with the beaten egg. This will give your mummies a gorgeous golden sheen once baked. Place them evenly on your lined baking sheet and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the dough turns beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
When the Jalapeno Popper Mummies come out of the oven, let them cool just enough so they are safe to handle. Then press the candy eyes right into the cheese-filled opening near the top of each mummy, giving them their signature spooky, yet adorable stare.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe for presentation, consider sprinkling a bit of finely chopped fresh cilantro or chives on the serving platter. A light drizzle of sour cream or a dash of smoked paprika dust over the mummies creates contrast and adds a fresh, tangy note that complements the creamy interior.
Side Dishes
These spicy popper mummies pair wonderfully with cool, refreshing sides like a crisp garden salad or a zesty avocado dip. You can also serve them alongside a creamy ranch dressing or a smoky chipotle aioli for dipping, which balances the heat and adds a flavorful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Halloween party, arrange your Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe on a black or orange serving tray for festive flair. Place some fake spider webs or small plastic spiders around for spooky fun. Using toothpicks to hold the candy eyes in place temporarily during serving can help keep everything intact for a neat display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Jalapeno Popper Mummies (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for a quick snack or party addition later.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Jalapeno Popper Mummies by assembling them completely and then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover mummies on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden, flaky crust intact.
FAQs
Can I make the Jalapeno Popper Mummies less spicy?
Absolutely! Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as in this recipe, significantly reduces the heat. If you want to dial it down even more, try using mini sweet peppers instead as a milder alternative.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a fantastic substitute that creates an even flakier and lighter texture. Just thaw it according to package instructions, slice into strips, and wrap your stuffed jalapeños as usual.
Are there dairy-free options for the cheese filling?
Yes! You can swap out cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese alternatives. The bold seasoning ensures the filling remains tasty and satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble the Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated, covered tightly. Right before guests arrive, bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have candy eyes?
No worries! Use small dots of sour cream combined with a black sesame seed or a tiny piece of olive for the pupils. They still look festive and add a homemade charm to your mummies.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe is such a delightful twist on the classic jalapeño poppers, perfect for any festive occasion or even just a snack that’s beyond ordinary. The combo of creamy cheese, spicy pepper, and flaky dough wrapped up in a cute mummy disguise is irresistibly fun and flavorful. I promise once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make your own bites of delicious, spooky joy!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 mummies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jalapeno Popper Mummies are a festive and spooky Halloween appetizer featuring jalapeño halves filled with a flavorful cream cheese and cheddar mixture, wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to look like mummies, then baked to golden perfection and decorated with candy eyes for a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Peppers and Cheese Filling
- 10 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Dough and Decoration
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough, sliced into thin strips
- 20 candy eyes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Fill Jalapeños: Take each jalapeño half and spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out center, making sure to fill but not overstuff.
- Wrap with Dough: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with thin strips of the crescent roll or pizza dough, leaving small gaps to create a mummy bandage effect and a small space near the top for placement of the eyes.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the wrapped dough with the beaten egg to give the mummies a golden and glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mummies to cool slightly. Press candy eyes into the cheese filling near the top of each jalapeño to complete the mummy look.
- Serve Warm: Serve these spooky and delicious appetizers warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- For a spicier version, leave some jalapeño seeds intact.
- If candy eyes are not available, use small dots of sour cream with a black sesame seed or mini peppercorns to create eyes.
