These fun Jalapeño Popper Mummies are a tasty twist on a Halloween treat! They combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy dough, all wrapped up like little mummies.
Who knew Halloween snacks could be this cute and spicy? I love serving them at parties because they always make everyone smile. Plus, they disappear faster than I can say “Trick or Treat!” 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring the heat! If you want less spice, try using mini sweet peppers instead. They have the same shape without the heat, making them great for kids.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for that creamy texture inside. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. It gives a similar taste with fewer calories.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar complements the jalapeños really well. If you prefer a milder taste, go for mild cheddar or even mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Cooked Bacon: The bacon adds extra flavor and crunch. You can use turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option—just add some extra cheese for flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Wrapped Jalapeño Mummies?
Wrapping the jalapeños in puff pastry is a key step and it can be tricky but fun! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Roll your puff pastry thin enough for wrapping but not too thin to tear. Cut strips that are about 1/2 inch wide.
- Start wrapping from one end of the jalapeño, overlapping each strip slightly as you go. Think of it like wrapping a bandage—leave some spaces for gaps to show!
- Brush it with egg wash before baking for a nice golden finish. This helps the pastry crisp up beautifully.
Enjoy making your Jalapeño Popper Mummies! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 large fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Wrapping:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Edible candy eyes (or make eyes using cream cheese and black sesame seeds)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 18-20 minutes for baking, making it a quick treat. Don’t forget to allow a few minutes for cooling before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure that the puff pastry gets nice and flaky. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños
Take the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. This step will help reduce the heat, making them deliciously mild but still tasty!
3. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it’s all blended and creamy.
4. Stuff the Jalapeños
Now, take your cheese and bacon mixture and spoon it evenly into each jalapeño half. Don’t be shy—make sure to pack it in nicely!
5. Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. These strips will wrap around your jalapeños.
6. Wrap the “Mummies”
Take the strips of puff pastry and wrap them around each stuffed jalapeño, leaving some gaps for a mummy-like appearance. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the more character, the better!
7. Prepare for Baking
Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each mummy with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a lovely golden color as they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffy. Keep an eye on them; you want that heavenly color!
9. Add the Eyes
Once they’ve cooled slightly, remove them from the oven. Now, place the edible candy eyes or create little eyes using cream cheese and black sesame seeds on each mummy.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These Jalapeño Popper Mummies are best served warm. Gather your family and friends, and enjoy these spicy, cheesy treats for Halloween or any fun gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is great for flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for an extra kick. Feel free to mix different cheeses to find your perfect combination!
How Can I Reduce the Heat of the Jalapeños?
If you prefer less heat, make sure to remove the seeds and membranes as they contain most of the spice. You can also use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños for a completely mild option!
Can I Prepare These Mummies in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the jalapeños and fill them with the cheese mixture ahead of time, then wrap them in puff pastry just before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain that crispy pastry texture.