Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and nothing says spooky and fun quite like Jalapeño Popper Mummies. This recipe makes 20 jalapeño mummies, so it’s perfect for a party spread where you want to serve finger foods that are both tasty and visually impressive.
1. Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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10 jalapeños, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds removed
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12 oz Pillsbury crescent rolls
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1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp of water (for egg wash)
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40 small candy eyeballs (or sliced olives for an alternative)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Begin by washing your jalapeños thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you prefer a milder flavor, make sure to scrape out as much of the white membrane as possible since that’s where most of the heat is concentrated. Place the prepared jalapeño halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This creamy, cheesy mixture will form the delicious filling for your jalapeño mummies.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Smooth the tops slightly so the filling doesn’t overflow when baking, but make sure they are full enough to be creamy and satisfying with every bite.
Step 4: Wrap the Mummies
Open the Pillsbury crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a flat surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into long, thin strips about ¼ inch wide. Take each filled jalapeño half and carefully wrap it with 2–3 strips of dough, leaving small gaps so it resembles mummy bandages. Be sure to leave an open space near the top for the eyes.
Step 5: Egg Wash for Golden Color
Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create your egg wash. Brush it lightly over the crescent dough on each mummy. This will help give your mummies a golden brown, bakery-style finish once they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped jalapeños back on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake or burn.
Step 7: Add the Eyes
Remove the mummies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, press candy eyeballs (or olive slices for a savory option) into the open space left near the top of each jalapeño. Arrange them so the mummies look playful and spooky.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your jalapeño popper mummies are now ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and watch your guests marvel at how cute—and delicious—they are. These little appetizers taste best when served warm, with the cheese still gooey inside.
2. Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Popper Mummies
Choose the Right Jalapeños: Look for medium-sized jalapeños that are firm and evenly shaped. This makes them easier to stuff and wrap with dough.
Control the Heat: If you love spice, leave a little of the jalapeño membrane intact. For a kid-friendly version, scrape them thoroughly or even use mini sweet peppers as a substitute.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add extra cheese, too much filling can ooze out during baking. Fill just enough to be full but not overflowing.
Get Creative with Eyes: Candy eyeballs are fun for kids, but sliced black olives, peppercorns, or even dots of ketchup or mustard can work just as well.
Serve Immediately: These taste best warm out of the oven. If reheating, place them back in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp up the dough again.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make jalapeño popper mummies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the jalapeños with the cheese mixture a few hours ahead, then wrap them in dough just before baking. This way, they’re fresh and crispy when served.
Q: Can I freeze them?
It’s best to enjoy these fresh, but you can freeze unbaked stuffed jalapeños (without the crescent roll wrapping). When ready to serve, thaw slightly, wrap in dough, and bake as usual.
Q: What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry works well too. Just cut it into strips and wrap the jalapeños in the same way.
Q: How spicy are jalapeño popper mummies?
The spice level depends on how much of the membrane and seeds you remove. With seeds removed, the heat is usually mild to medium. You can also substitute mini sweet peppers for a no-heat version.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. For a vegan twist, use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan shredded cheese, and a vegan puff pastry alternative.
Jalapeño Popper Mummies are the perfect Halloween party appetizer because they’re equal parts delicious and adorable. With creamy, cheesy filling, a little kick of spice, and a flaky dough “bandage” wrapping, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Whether you’re serving them to kids, adults, or a mix of both, they’re guaranteed to be one of the most memorable dishes at your spooky celebration. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, these festive snacks are a Halloween tradition worth keeping year after year.
