The filling is softened cream cheese mixed with sharp cheddar, a seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, chives and a little garlic and onion powder.
It goes on the wide end of each crescent triangle before rolling, and the rolls bake in 12 to 15 minutes. There is no bacon.
Building One Crescent
Eight triangles, one filling.
What goes into one crescent roll
Crescent triangle
Laid flat, wide end toward you.
Popper filling
An eighth of the cream cheese, cheddar and jalapeño mix, set on the wide end.
Roll
Rolled toward the tip into a crescent.
Baked 12 to 15 minutes, then rested 5 minutes.
How to Make It
Sheet lined
Heat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
Filling mixed
Mix cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped fresh chives.
Filled and rolled
Separate the crescent-roll dough into 8 triangles. Divide the filling among the wide ends and roll each triangle into a crescent.
Baked
Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is deep golden and baked through.
Cooled briefly
Cool 5 minutes before serving because the cheese filling stays very hot.
Why This Recipe Works
- Softened cream cheese spreads without tearing the dough.
- Seeding the jalapeño keeps the heat moderate.
- Filling only the wide end leaves the tip free to seal the roll.
- A 5-minute rest lets the filling settle.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh jalapeño
- One, seeded and finely chopped; wear gloves while handling it.
- Cream cheese
- Four ounces, softened so it mixes smoothly with the cheddar.
Success Tips
- Wear gloves to chop the jalapeño and keep your hands away from your eyes.
- Divide the filling evenly before rolling so every crescent gets the same amount.
- Leave space between the rolls so the sides brown.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm on a board with extra jalapeño rounds for anyone who wants more heat.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat to 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy are they?
Mild to moderate, because the jalapeño is seeded before chopping.
Why wait before serving?
The cheese filling stays very hot for a few minutes after baking.
