If you’re searching for a fun, festive, and downright irresistible treat to spice up your Halloween or anytime snack game, the Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe is an absolute winner. These creepy-cute bites blend the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic jalapeño poppers wrapped in flaky pastry, styled to look like little mummies with adorable candy eyes. They are the perfect balance of spicy heat, savory cheese, and buttery dough that will delight kids and adults alike. Once you make these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for any party or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe is essential because each component brings its own magic—spice from fresh jalapeños, richness from cheeses, and flaky texture from the dough. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s easy to prepare but impressive to serve.
- 8 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed: The spicy star of the dish, these provide heat and a sturdy vessel for the filling.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness and balances the heat perfectly.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, cheesy flavor and helps the filling melt delightfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts aroma and warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle savory note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling just right.
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll or puff pastry dough: Provides a golden, flaky wrapping reminiscent of mummy bandages.
- 16 candy eyeballs: These little edible details bring the mummies to life and add a whimsical, spooky touch.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Helps the dough turn a beautiful golden brown during baking.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your mummies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup easier and keeping the bottoms perfectly crisped.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, flavorful filling that contrasts delightfully with the heat of the jalapeños.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Carefully fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Using the right amount helps maintain balance so that every bite is creamy with just the right amount of spice. If you want to keep fingers safe, remember to wear gloves while handling the peppers!
Step 4: Wrap the Mummies
Unroll your crescent or puff pastry dough and cut it into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 2 to 3 strips of dough, leaving a small gap near the top where the candy eyes will go—this creates the signature mummy look with the “bandages” peeking through.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
Brush each wrapped jalapeño with beaten egg. This simple step ensures your mummies bake to a gorgeous golden brown and have a slight sheen that makes them even more irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden, and the filling is bubbly. Allow them to cool for a few minutes after baking to make handling easier and prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 7: Add the Candy Eyes
Gently press two candy eyeballs into the exposed filling near the top of each mummy. This fun finishing touch turns simple appetizers into festive, eye-catching treats that guests will love.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich cream cheese filling. You can also drizzle a little ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo alongside for dipping, making each bite even more exciting and flavorful.
Side Dishes
These mummies pair wonderfully with light, crunchy sides like veggie sticks or a crisp green salad to cut through their richness. For heartier parties, serving alongside mac and cheese or loaded nachos keeps the festive spirit alive with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe on a platter lined with dark leafy greens like kale or spinach, emulating a spooky graveyard scene. You can also serve them on a cake stand surrounded by mini pumpkins or themed decorations for an unforgettable Halloween appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover mummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them carefully to avoid crushing the dough, and they will stay flavorful and moist without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these in advance, assemble the stuffed and wrapped jalapeños without baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, place mummies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the dough regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I make these jalapeño popper mummies less spicy?
Absolutely! If you want to tone down the heat, swap the jalapeños for mini sweet peppers, which have a similar shape but much milder flavor. This way, everyone at your party can enjoy them without the spicy kick.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is an excellent substitute that also bakes up beautifully flaky and golden. You could also try homemade pie dough strips if you’re feeling adventurous, but crescent rolls offer the easiest, fastest route.
Where can I find candy eyeballs?
Check the baking aisle of most grocery stores, especially near seasonal or cake decorating supplies. If you can’t find them, a fun DIY option is to use small dots of sour cream or frosting with a tiny black sesame seed or chocolate chip for the pupil.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! This Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe contains no meat ingredients, making it a perfect vegetarian appetizer choice. Just double-check your crescent dough’s ingredients if you’re picky about certain additives.
How spicy will these mummies be?
The spice level depends largely on your jalapeños. These will have a nice kick but are balanced by creamy cheese and buttery dough. Adjust heat by removing all the seeds and membranes or selecting milder peppers to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe is an absolute delight to make and share. It brings together fun presentation, irresistible flavors, and easy prep in a way that will make you proud to serve it up at any gathering. Whether for Halloween or just a spirited snack, these mummies are guaranteed to become a favorite—so grab those ingredients and get baking!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mummies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 mummies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jalapeño Popper Mummies are a fun and spooky Halloween appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a cheesy cream cheese mixture, wrapped in crescent roll dough to resemble mummies, and decorated with candy eyes. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties and are baked until golden and bubbly, offering a delightful combination of creamy, spicy, and crispy flavors.
Ingredients
Jalapeño Filling
- 8 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Decoration
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll or puff pastry dough
- 16 candy eyeballs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will be your creamy filling for the jalapeños.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Carefully fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, filling them generously but avoiding overstuffing to keep the filling secure during baking.
- Wrap with Dough Strips: Unroll the crescent roll or puff pastry dough and cut it into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 2 to 3 strips of dough, leaving gaps near the top to create the mummy effect where the candy eyes will be placed.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the wrapped jalapeños with the beaten egg to help the dough brown beautifully and develop a shiny finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the mummies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
- Add Eyes: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then gently press candy eyeballs into the exposed filling near the top of each mummy to complete the spooky look.
- Serve: Serve the jalapeño popper mummies warm or at room temperature for a delicious, festive appetizer that’s perfect for Halloween parties.
Notes
- Use gloves when handling raw jalapeños to prevent skin irritation from the capsaicin.
- For a milder version, substitute the jalapeños with mini sweet peppers.
- Candy eyes can be purchased from the baking aisle or you can create your own using dots of sour cream topped with black sesame seeds.
