Jalapeño Popper Mummies are a fun twist on a classic snack! They combine spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese, all wrapped up in flaky pastry and made to look like little mummies.
These tasty bites are perfect for parties or just a movie night at home. I love that they’re not only delicious but also super cute! Just watch out, they might disappear faster than you can say “Boo!” 👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños provide heat and flavor. If you want less spice, use mini sweet peppers instead. They’ll be milder but still tasty!
Cream Cheese: This is key for creaminess. You can swap it for Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, try a cream cheese substitute made from nuts.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for strong flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, you can use pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder option.
Puff Pastry: The flaky pastry is a must! If you can’t find it, try using crescent roll dough, although the texture will be a bit different.
Black Olives: These give the mummies their spooky eyes! You can use capers or even small pieces of cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
How Do I Wrap Jalapeños Like a Pro?
Wrapping the jalapeños properly helps achieve that mummy look. It might seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks!
- Cut your puff pastry into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. The thinner they are, the more they’ll flake up during baking.
- Start from the bottom of the jalapeño and wrap the pastry around it, leaving a gap for the eyes. Layer it slightly for a more authentic look!
- Keep the wraps loose so the pastry can puff up nicely while baking.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—each mummy will have its own charm!
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Jalapeño Filling:
- 8 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded (leave some seeds if you want extra heat)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mummy Wrapping:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Black olives, sliced (for eyes)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus 15-20 minutes to bake. So, within less than an hour, you’ll have delicious and spooky Jalapeño Popper Mummies ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the mummies don’t stick.
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and creamy. This filling will be packed with flavor!
3. Stuff the Jalapeños:
Now, take each halved jalapeño and evenly fill it with the cheesy mixture using a spoon or a piping bag if you have one. Don’t be shy; get that filling in there!
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Thinner strips will give you more of that mummy look.
5. Wrap the Jalapeños:
Take each stuffed jalapeño half and loosely wrap it with the pastry strips, leaving a little gap at the top for the eyes — just like a mummy! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; each mummy can have its own style.
6. Place on Baking Sheet:
Lay the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little space in between so they can puff up while baking.
7. Create the Mummy Eyes:
Using thin slices of jalapeño and small pieces of black olive, create eyes by gently pressing them onto the unwrapped area near the top of each jalapeño. Get creative with their placement!
8. Brush with Egg Wash:
To make the pastry golden and shiny, brush the wrapped jalapeños with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will be amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Enjoy your spooky, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Mummies! They’re a hit for Halloween parties or any fun gathering! 🎃
Can I Use Other Peppers Besides Jalapeños?
Absolutely! While jalapeños are classic, you can use mini sweet peppers for a milder option or even poblano peppers for a slightly different flavor. Just adjust the level of spice accordingly!
Can I Make These Mummies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the jalapeños stuffed with the cheese mixture and wrapped in pastry ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Add a bit of extra baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge!
How Should I Store Leftover Jalapeño Popper Mummies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it focuses on cheese and peppers. Just stick to the cheese filling and omit any meat items! You can also add more veggies to the stuffing for variety.
