If you’re looking for a fun, slightly spooky appetizer that’s going to steal the show at your next party or Halloween gathering, you’ve got to try this Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little mummies turn out—crispy golden crescent roll “bandages” wrapped around spicy jalapeno halves bursting with creamy, cheesy filling and topped with hilarious candy eyeballs. Trust me, once you make these, everyone will be asking for the recipe. Let me walk you through how to nail this crowd-pleaser with a few of my favorite tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, these come together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Perfect Party Starter: They’re fun, festive, and a guaranteed conversation starter.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can control the spice by how you prep the jalapenos or swap them out.
- Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for these, and the candy eyeballs make snack time downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays its part in making these jalapeno poppers utterly delectable. You’ll want to grab fresh jalapenos for the best flavor and choose good-quality cream and Monterey Jack cheese for that creamy, melty filling.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily and evenly with the shredded cheese and spices.
- Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, mild flavor that balances the heat.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These add subtle depth without overpowering the jalapeno’s natural flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the cheesy filling.
- Jalapenos: Choose fresh, firm jalapenos—removing the seeds and pith tames their heat while keeping the flavor.
- Pillsbury crescent rolls: These create the perfect golden “bandages” that bake up fluffy and crispy.
- Egg wash (egg + water): This helps give the dough a shiny, golden finish.
- Candy eyeballs or sliced olives: Adding the eyes is what transforms these poppers into spooky little mummies and makes them super fun to serve.
Variations
This Jalapeno Popper Mummies recipe is super versatile. I love experimenting with it depending on the crowd or season, and you’ll find you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand or your heat preferences.
- Mild version: I sometimes swap jalapenos for mini sweet peppers or remove all seeds and ribs to make it milder—still delicious for kids or spice-sensitive friends.
- Cheese variety: I’ve tried cheddar or pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack to switch up the flavor profile with tasty results.
- Wrap options: If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry dough works just as well for that flakey, golden look.
- Extra toppings: Sprinkle a little crispy bacon or smoked paprika over the cheese filling before wrapping for an adult twist that my family adores.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Clean Your Jalapenos
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with foil sprayed lightly with olive oil spray to keep things from sticking. Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and most of the white pith. This pith is where a lot of the heat is concentrated, so removing it tends to keep your poppers spicy but manageable. I like to wear gloves for this step because even a little jalapeno oil on your fingers can sting if you touch your eyes.
Step 2: Mix That Cheesy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend gives the perfect balance of flavors that melt beautifully inside each jalapeno.
Step 3: Stuff and Wrap Your Jalapenos
Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. Now it’s time for the “mummy wrap” magic. Unroll your crescent dough and press together the triangles to make 4 rectangles total, sealing the perforations. Slice each rectangle lengthwise to create 10 thin strips. Wrap two strips around each cheese-stuffed jalapeno, leaving a little gap for the eyes. I found wrapping the strips loosely helps give that authentic “bandaged mummy” look after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your wrapped jalapeno mummies on the baking tray in a single layer. Lightly brush the dough with your egg wash to get that irresistible shiny finish. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid over-browning.
Step 5: Add Those Spooky Eyes
Once you pull the mummies out of the oven, immediately stick two candy eyeballs on each jalapeno while the dough is still warm—this helps them adhere perfectly. If you can’t find candy eyeballs, sliced black olives make a great alternative. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so they’re warm but not too hot to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
- How to Handle Jalapenos Safely: Always use gloves when prepping jalapenos and avoid touching your face to keep from getting irritated.
- Perfect Dough Wrapping: Wrapping the dough strips loosely creates a more mummy-like look and prevents the filling from leaking out while still holding together nicely.
- Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and smooth filling—cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
- Egg Wash Trick: Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the crescent dough a beautiful glossy, golden finish that makes these irresistible.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a tiny dash of smoked paprika over the baked mummies for a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. A little drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side adds a creamy dip that balances the spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Jalapeno Popper Mummies go perfectly with classic party dips like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh corn salad. I also like to serve them alongside a light green salad or some crunchy veggie sticks to round out the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For Halloween parties, I’ve arranged these on a dark platter lined with fresh autumn leaves and fake spider webs for a spooky vibe. Setting them on a skull-shaped serving tray or a black slate board adds flair. The candy eyeballs really steal the show, and kids absolutely love helping “unwrap” their personal mummy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Jalapeno Popper Mummies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their texture pretty well if you gently reheat them rather than overbaking in a hot oven.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing jalapeno popper mummies works best if you wrap them before baking. Place the wrapped jalapenos on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. This is a lifesaver for busy party prep!
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crescent dough nicely flaky instead of soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make jalapeno popper mummies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mummies by stuffing and wrapping the jalapenos ahead, then store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours. Just add the egg wash and bake when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze them before baking for longer storage.
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What can I use instead of candy eyeballs?
If candy eyeballs aren’t easy to find, sliced black olives or small pieces of cream cheese with a drizzle of hot sauce for “pupils” work wonderfully and add a savory twist to the spooky eyes.
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How do I reduce the heat from the jalapenos?
Removing all seeds and the white ribs inside the jalapenos significantly reduces the heat while keeping their distinctive flavor. If you still want it milder, you can substitute with mini sweet peppers, which have no heat but provide a similar shape for stuffing.
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Can I prepare this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for the smooth, creamy texture of the filling. However, if you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The taste and texture will change slightly, but it can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about these Jalapeno Popper Mummies that makes any gathering instantly more festive and fun. I remember the first time I made them for a Halloween party and how quickly they disappeared—my family was hooked instantly. Whether you’re making these for kids, adults, or just because you love cheesy, spicy snacks, this recipe hits that perfect balance every time. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll be proud of the creepy-cute results and the rave reviews that come with it!
PrintJalapeno Popper Mummies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 42 min
- Yield: 20 jalapeno mummies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jalapeno Popper Mummies are a fun and festive Halloween appetizer featuring spicy jalapenos stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, and adorned with candy eyeballs for a spooky effect. These bite-sized treats are deliciously cheesy, slightly spicy, and sure to impress guests at any party.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Jalapenos and Dough
- 10 jalapenos (sliced in half lengthwise, seeds removed)
- 12 oz Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 egg (lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp water, for egg wash)
Decoration
- 40 small candy eyeballs (or sliced olives)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray with foil and lightly spray it with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Jalapenos: Slice the jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. Partially remove the pith/ribs to reduce heat and make room for the cheese filling.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Stuff Jalapenos: Spoon the cheese mixture generously into each jalapeno half, filling them evenly.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent rolls and combine two triangles together at the perforations to form a rectangle. Repeat to get four rectangles. Then, slice each rectangle lengthwise into 10 thin strips for wrapping.
- Wrap Jalapenos: Wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with two strips of crescent dough, leaving a small uncovered area where the eyes will be placed later.
- Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the wrapped jalapeno mummies on the prepared baking tray. Lightly brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Eyes: As soon as the mummies come out of the oven, carefully press two candy eyeballs into the exposed area of each jalapeno to create the appearance of mummy eyes.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly and serve warm as a fun and tasty Halloween appetizer.
Notes
- Jalapeno popper mummies are cute, spooky, and loaded with tasty ingredients, making them perfect for Halloween parties.
- This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, impressive for guests and adaptable to different spice levels by adjusting jalapeno seeds.
- You can substitute candy eyes with sliced olives as a savory alternative.
- Make sure to remove most of the jalapeno seeds and ribs to control heat and make the dish more palatable for a wider audience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jalapeno mummy
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 263 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg