Name: Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 18
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pkg crescent rolls; Cooking spray; 6 oz jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese; 2 tbsp sour cream; ¼ cup bacon bits; 2 tbsp Green Onions; ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese; ½ cup Mozzarella cheese

Satisfy your taste buds with these delightful jalapeno popper crescent cups. Perfect for parties or as a savory snack, these bite-sized treats combine the spicy kick of jalapenos with the creamy goodness of cheese and bacon, all wrapped in buttery crescent rolls.

Photos of Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe

The ingredients you need for this recipe are fairly common, but be aware that fresh jalapenos might not be a staple in every household and can be found in the produce section of your supermarket. Also, crescent rolls are usually located in the refrigerated section. If you don't have bacon bits on hand, you can find them pre-packaged near the salad dressings.

Ingredients For Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

crescent rolls: Buttery, flaky dough that forms the base of the cups.

jalapenos: Adds a spicy kick to the filling.

cream cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture.

sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness.

bacon bits: For a smoky, savory flavor.

green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.

cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, this cheese adds a rich taste.

mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy texture.

One reader, Bamby Dukes says:

These jalapeno popper crescent cups are a hit! The creamy, cheesy filling with a hint of spice is perfect. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they were gone in minutes at my party. Highly recommend!

Bamby Dukes

Techniques Required for Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe

How to preheat oven: Set your oven to the specified temperature (375 degrees F) and allow it to reach that temperature before placing any food inside.

How to spray muffin tin: Use cooking spray to lightly coat the inside of each well in the muffin tin to prevent sticking.

How to mix ingredients: Combine the specified ingredients in a bowl and stir until evenly mixed.

How to open crescent rolls: Carefully open the package of crescent rolls according to the package instructions.

How to pinch seams together: Press the edges of the crescent roll dough together to seal any perforations.

How to cut dough into squares: Use a knife or dough cutter to divide the dough into 18 even squares.

How to place dough in muffin pan: Gently press each dough square into the wells of a mini muffin pan to form a cup shape.

How to divide filling: Evenly distribute the prepared filling mixture into each dough cup.

How to bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for the specified time (about 12 minutes).

How to cool: Allow the baked crescent cups to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.

How To Make Jalapeño Popper Crescent Cups

Jalapeño Popper Crescent Cups are easy to make spicy party appetizers made with savory bacon bits, and creamy and cheesy stuffing in a flaky, crisp dough.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 12 minutes

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 27 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1pkgcrescent rolls
cooking spray
6ozjalapenos,diced or to taste
8ozcream cheese,softened
2tbspsour cream
¼cupbacon bits
2tbspgreen onions,chopped
¾cupcheddar cheese,shredded divided
½cupmozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
Reserve ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese. Mix all remaining ingredients except crescent rolls. in a small bowl.
Open crescent rolls, pinch seams together and cut into 18 even squares.
Place crescent squares in a mini muffin pan and gently press into the cups. Divide filling between wells. Top with remaining ⅓ cup cheese.
Bake for about 12 minutes. Allow cooling for about 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 185.61kcal
Fat: 12.57g
Saturated Fat: 6.11g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.61g
Carbohydrates: 12.69g
Fiber: 0.67g
Sugar: 2.13g
Protein: 5.92g
Cholesterol: 28.27mg
Sodium: 445.77mg
Calcium: 100.20mg
Potassium: 62.60mg
Iron: 0.74mg
Vitamin A: 82.76µg
Vitamin C: 11.34mg

Time-Saving Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Prepare the filling: Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking and crumbling bacon yourself.

Pre-cut crescent rolls: Open the crescent rolls and cut them into squares before starting the rest of the preparation.

Organize ingredients: Lay out all your ingredients and tools before you start to streamline the process.

Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack or appetizer later.

Substitute Ingredients For Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe

crescent rolls - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry offers a similar flaky texture and can be used to create the same cup shape.
cooking spray - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used to grease the muffin tin and adds a rich flavor.
jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are milder but still provide a nice heat and flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and creaminess of sour cream.
bacon bits - Substitute with turkey bacon bits: Turkey bacon bits offer a similar smoky flavor with less fat.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts smoothly and has a slightly sharper flavor, making it a good alternative.

Presentation Tips for Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Serve smaller portion sizes: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized jalapeno popper crescent cups, ensuring each piece is a perfect, elegant mouthful.
Garnish with finesse: Top each crescent cup with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped green onions and a small piece of crispy bacon for a visually appealing finish.
Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for premium cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, as well as fresh jalapenos to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Create a balanced plate: Arrange the crescent cups on a sleek, white platter, spacing them evenly to create a clean and sophisticated look.
Add a pop of color: Include a small side of sour cream with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped chives to add a vibrant contrast to the plate.
Highlight textures: Ensure the crescent rolls are baked to a golden brown, providing a crisp exterior that contrasts with the creamy filling inside.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the jalapeno popper crescent cups on a modern, minimalist serving tray to elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate height: Stack a few crescent cups slightly on top of each other to add dimension and visual interest to the presentation.
Drizzle with a complementary sauce: Lightly drizzle a tangy ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo around the plate for an added layer of flavor and sophistication.
Finish with a flourish: Add a final touch of freshly cracked black pepper and a few microgreens to each crescent cup for an elegant and professional presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Oven: Used to bake the crescent cups at the specified temperature of 375 degrees F.
Muffin tin: Holds the crescent dough and filling in individual portions for baking.
Cooking spray: Prevents the crescent cups from sticking to the muffin tin.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the filling ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like sour cream and green onions.
Knife: Used to chop the jalapenos and green onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the jalapenos and green onions.
Spoon: Helps in mixing the filling ingredients and dividing the filling between the muffin wells.
Can opener: If using canned jalapenos, this tool will be necessary to open the can.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Rolling pin: Optional, but can be used to flatten and even out the crescent dough before cutting into squares.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked crescent cups to cool evenly after baking.
Tongs: Useful for removing the hot crescent cups from the muffin tin without burning your fingers.

Storing and Freezing Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Allow the jalapeno popper crescent cups to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled cups in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the jalapeno popper crescent cups:
- Place the cooled cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer the frozen cups to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen jalapeno popper crescent cups will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated cups, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
For frozen cups, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen cups on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Alternatively, you can reheat the cups in the microwave. Place a single layer of cups on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cream cheese filling may become too hot and burst.

How To Reheat Leftover Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

To reheat leftover jalapeno popper crescent cups, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the crescent roll cups.
Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to reheat the jalapeno popper crescent cups. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cups in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is quicker than the oven and will result in a crispier texture.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the jalapeno popper crescent cups in the microwave. Place the cups on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be aware that the microwave may cause the crescent roll cups to become slightly soggy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the jalapeno popper crescent cups on the wire rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of leftover cups.
If you want to add extra flavor and crispiness to your reheated jalapeno popper crescent cups, brush them with a little melted butter or olive oil before reheating in the oven, air fryer, or toaster oven. This will enhance the overall taste and texture of the reheated cups.

Random Fact About Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

A fun fact about this recipe is that jalapeno poppers are a popular appetizer in Tex-Mex cuisine, combining the spicy kick of jalapenos with the creamy texture of cream cheese.

Is Making Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups at Home Cost-Effective?

The jalapeno popper crescent cups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like crescent rolls, jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon bits, the total cost is approximately $12-$15, making it an affordable appetizer or snack. The use of common pantry items like cheddar cheese and sour cream further enhances its value. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Healthy or Unhealthy?

This jalapeno popper crescent cups recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - crescent rolls, cream cheese, bacon bits, and cheese - are all high in saturated fat and calories. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, which are essential for a balanced diet.

However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:

Swap the regular crescent rolls for whole wheat or low-fat versions to increase fiber content and reduce saturated fat
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream to cut down on calories and fat
Replace bacon bits with turkey bacon or omit them altogether to reduce sodium and saturated fat
Increase the amount of jalapenos and green onions to add more vegetables and fiber to the dish
Use low-fat cheddar and mozzarella cheese to decrease the overall fat content

By making these simple substitutions, you can create a healthier version of this tasty appetizer that still satisfies your cravings for something savory and spicy. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, these jalapeno popper crescent cups should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Appetizer

This jalapeno popper crescent cups recipe is a delightful fusion of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and two types of cheese creates a rich, velvety filling, while the bacon bits and green onions add depth and texture. Using crescent rolls as the base is a clever touch, providing a flaky, buttery contrast to the spicy jalapeno filling. The recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Overall, it's a crowd-pleaser that balances heat and creaminess beautifully.

Enhance Your Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Street Corn: Imagine pairing your jalapeno popper crescent cups with a smoky, charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce. The sweetness of the corn contrasts beautifully with the spicy kick of the jalapenos, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Avocado Lime Salad: A refreshing salad featuring creamy avocado, zesty lime, and crisp greens can be the perfect companion to your jalapeno popper crescent cups. The citrus notes will brighten up the rich, cheesy filling, making each mouthful a delightful experience.

Spicy Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist with a vibrant mango salsa. The sweetness of the mango combined with a hint of spice and a squeeze of lime will complement the savory, creamy goodness of your jalapeno popper crescent cups.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes roasted with garlic and parmesan can add a hearty, comforting element to your appetizer spread. The earthy flavors of the potatoes will balance the heat from the jalapenos perfectly.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad: For a refreshing and slightly sweet side, consider a salad made with juicy pineapple and crisp cucumber. The coolness of the cucumber and the tropical sweetness of the pineapple will provide a delightful contrast to the spicy, cheesy jalapeno popper crescent cups.

Similar Recipes to Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Imagine the perfect blend of jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon wrapped together in a crispy, savory bite. These poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a spicy kick with a creamy, cheesy center.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Cups: These delightful cups are filled with a rich mixture of spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, they make an irresistible appetizer that's both creamy and crunchy.

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls: Spice up your appetizer game with these crescent rolls stuffed with buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Mini Quiche Lorraine: These bite-sized quiches are packed with bacon, gruyere cheese, and a creamy egg mixture. Perfect for brunch or as an elegant appetizer, they offer a delightful combination of flavors in every bite.

Stuffed Mushroom Caps: These savory mushroom caps are filled with a delectable mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, they make a sophisticated and delicious appetizer.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups

Main Courses:

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Transform your dinner table with these vibrant Stuffed Bell Peppers. Start by hollowing out colorful bell peppers and fill them with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. Add a medley of spices to elevate the flavor profile. Top with a generous layer of cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve with a side of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a complete meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in the creamy decadence of Chicken Alfredo. Begin by sautéing chicken breasts until golden brown, then set aside. In the same pan, create a luscious Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Toss in cooked fettuccine and return the chicken to the pan, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and a slice of garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a Decadent Delight: Imagine a rich, molten chocolate center encased in a tender, cake shell. This dessert is perfect for those who crave an intense chocolate experience. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. The contrast between the hot, gooey chocolate and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Savor a Zesty Classic: This dessert features a tangy lemon filling nestled in a buttery crust, topped with a cloud of toasted meringue. The lemon filling is both tart and sweet, providing a refreshing contrast to the light, airy meringue. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to any meal. The golden peaks of the meringue add a visually stunning element, making it a showstopper at any gathering. A slice of this pie is like a burst of sunshine on your plate.

Why trust this Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups Recipe:

This recipe combines the perfect blend of jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon bits to create a mouthwatering appetizer. The use of crescent rolls ensures a flaky, buttery crust that complements the creamy filling. With the addition of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, these popper cups are irresistibly cheesy. The step-by-step instructions are straightforward, making it easy for any home cook to achieve delicious results. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and simplicity.

Share your thoughts on the Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this tasty appetizer even better!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of canned or jarred ones?

Absolutely! Fresh jalapenos will give you a nice, crisp texture and a bit more heat. Just make sure to remove the seeds and finely chop them before mixing them in.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and crescent cups ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble them right before baking. This way, they stay fresh and crispy.

What can I use instead of bacon bits?

If you're not a fan of bacon or want a vegetarian option, you can use finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or even some sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to generously spray the muffin tin with cooking spray before placing the crescent roll squares in. You can also use silicone muffin liners for an even easier release.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just make sure it melts well.