Jalapeño Popper Cheese-Stuffed Crescent Bites bring together the creamy, spicy flavors of classic jalapeño poppers wrapped in flaky, buttery crescent dough. Perfectly bite-sized, these savory treats are ideal for any gathering—from casual game days to festive parties. Each crescent bite bursts with a delightful blend of cheeses and a hint of heat that will leave your guests coming back for more.
This speedy appetizer lets you enjoy the comfort of warm, melted cheese combined with the zing of jalapeños wrapped in the easiest dough you can find—the refrigerated crescent rolls. With minimal prep and baking in under 15 minutes, these bites are a surefire hit when you need a crowd-pleasing snack in a flash.
- Quick and effortless to prepare, requiring only common ingredients.
- Balanced spicy and creamy filling that satisfies every craving.
- Flaky, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the gooey inside.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Convenient 8-ounce can that provides a buttery, flaky base for wrapping the filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds rich, smooth creaminess that melds with the spices perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty texture and flavor that complements the cream cheese.
- Diced jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, offering a spicy kick to enliven each bite.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky aroma enhancing the overall taste without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Gives a mild savory undertone that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and balance the creaminess and heat.
- Egg, beaten (egg wash): Brushed on top to create a shiny, golden crust during baking.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a perfectly golden and crisp crescent exterior once baked.
- Unroll and Separate Dough
Open the crescent roll dough can and carefully unroll the dough. Separate it into individual triangles along the perforations to prepare for stuffing.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing thoroughly ensures every bite is flavorful and evenly spiced.
- Fill and Roll Crescents
Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture near the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end towards the pointed tip, enclosing the filling completely to prevent leaks during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place each rolled crescent on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for expansion while baking and keeping them from sticking together.
- Brush with Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of each crescent bite with beaten egg. This step creates a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake Until Golden
Bake the crescent bites for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re puffed up with a golden-brown crust. Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven.
- Cool and Serve
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
- For extra heat, increase the jalapeño quantity or switch to jalapeño-infused cheese.
- These bites can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
- Pair with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for a complementary dipping experience.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm alongside fresh veggie sticks or a crisp salad for balance. Great for parties, serve on a platter with assorted dips for guests to enjoy.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to mix easily without lumps.
- Don’t overfill the crescents to avoid leakage and messy baking.
- Brush egg wash gently to keep the dough fluffy but beautifully browned.
FAQs
- Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?
Yes, pickled jalapeños add a nice tangy heat, but fresh jalapeños provide a crisper texture and fresher flavor.
- Can these be made vegan?
Substitute dairy cheeses with vegan cream cheese and cheddar, and use a plant-based crescent dough if available.
- How do I make them less spicy?
Reduce the amount of jalapeños and omit the seeds, which carry most of the heat.
- Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, assemble the bites and freeze unbaked on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- What dip pairs best with these crescent bites?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a cool sour cream dip complement the spicy, cheesy filling beautifully.
Cheese-Stuffed Crescent Bites
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can 8 oz refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños fresh or pickled
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent dough triangle.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end to the pointed end, enclosing the filling.
- Arrange the rolled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add more jalapeños or spicy cheese for extra heat.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
