Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rolls with Bacon
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rolls with Bacon bring together the perfect mix of creamy cheese, fiery jalapeños, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in soft, fluffy rolls. Each bite is a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rolls with Bacon bring together the perfect mix of creamy cheese, fiery jalapeños, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in soft, fluffy rolls. Each bite is a little party of spicy, smoky, and cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist.
I love making these rolls for game days or when friends are over because everyone gets excited by the spicy kick balanced with melty cheese and crunchy bacon bits. A great tip is to adjust the amount of jalapeños to your heat comfort level—I usually go with just enough to get that satisfying warmth without clearing the room!
These rolls are fantastic served warm right out of the oven, especially alongside a simple green salad or some fresh fruit to cool your palate. I’ve found they also make a terrific snack or appetizer that disappears fast. Whenever I make a batch, I make sure to double it because folks always want seconds—and sometimes thirds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This store-bought dough makes the rolls soft and flaky. You can substitute with biscuit dough for a more biscuit-like texture or puff pastry for a flakier bite.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang and meltiness. If you prefer a milder flavor, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead.
Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch. You can swap this for turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version; adding smoked paprika helps boost smoky flavor.
Jalapeños: Provide the signature spice and crunch. Remove seeds if you want less heat, or swap with milder peppers like poblano. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use serrano peppers.
How Do You Roll and Seal the Crescent Rolls to Keep the Filling Inside?
Rolling and sealing well is key to keeping the cheesy filling from leaking out during baking.
- Press seams of the crescent dough triangles firmly before filling to prevent splitting.
- Spoon your filling near the wider end of the triangle, leaving a small border near edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the point, tucking edges under as you go.
- Pinch the tip to seal completely, especially the pointy end.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet; this helps keep them closed while baking.
I find brushing the rolls lightly with water or beaten egg before adding toppings helps seal everything and gives a nice golden finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper – keeps rolls from sticking and helps with clean-up.
- Mixing bowl – great for blending the cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Sharp knife – for slicing jalapeños and green onions thinly and evenly.
- Measuring spoons – to get seasonings just right.
- Pastry brush (optional) – handy for brushing egg wash or water on rolls for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for diced cooked chorizo for a spicier, smoky twist.
- Add finely chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky contrast.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra spicy, melty flavor.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives in the filling for a fresh pop.
How to Make Spicy Jalapeño Popper Rolls with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough & Filling:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust heat to preference)
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Topping:
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Reserved chopped bacon
- Sliced green parts of green onions
- Extra jalapeño slices
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12–15 minutes baking time, for a total of around 25 minutes. You’ll mix the filling, assemble the rolls, and bake them to golden, melty perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon (save some for topping), white parts of green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper until creamy and combined.
2. Roll and Fill the Dough:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press seams gently to seal if you want a more uniform roll. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese and bacon filling evenly across the widest part of each triangle. Top with thin sliced jalapeños to your taste.
3. Shape and Top the Rolls:
Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end to the tip, tucking in dough edges and pinching ends to seal well. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with water or beaten egg if you like. Sprinkle reserved bacon, green onion greens, extra cheese, jalapeño slices, and sesame seeds on top.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm. They’re perfect with ranch dip or a fresh green salad to balance the spicy, creamy flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, just thaw the crescent roll dough completely in the refrigerator before using. This prevents the dough from tearing while rolling and ensures even baking.
How Can I Make These Rolls Less Spicy?
To reduce heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing. You can also use milder peppers like poblano or even sweet bell peppers as a substitute.
Can I Prepare These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the rolls crispy and melty inside.