Kielbasa Jalapeno Popper Bites
The ultimate comfort food, Kielbasa Jalapeno Popper Bites are crispy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for game nights or gatherings, these easy bites will satisfy every craving. Dive into their flavor-packed goodness tonight!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet cut into 2¼-inch rounds
- 4 ounces Kielbasa sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
- 2 medium fresh jalapeno peppers sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1 egg beaten egg
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust on your bites.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This helps prevent the bites from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 10×12 inches. This will give you the right thickness for cutting out the rounds.
- Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out 24 rounds of dough from the rolled-out sheet. Make sure the cutter is about ½ inch larger than the circumference of the kielbasa to ensure it fits perfectly.
- Place 12 of the rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each round with the beaten egg. This will help give the bites a beautiful golden color when baked.
- In the center of each round, place a slice of kielbasa. This layer provides the heartiness that makes each bite satisfying.
- Top each slice of kielbasa with a slice of jalapeno and ¼ teaspoon of cream cheese. Repeat this step for all the rounds you’ve prepared.
- Place the remaining rounds of dough over each stacked bite on the tray. Gently press around the edges to seal them well, ensuring the delicious filling stays inside while baking.
- Brush the tops of the bites lightly with the beaten egg and sprinkle a touch of coarse sea salt on each. This will enhance the flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Using the tines of a small fork dipped in the beaten egg, press around the edges of each bite to create a decorative pattern and further seal them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crispy texture!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard, for a delicious finishing touch. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bites before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Pairing: These bites are perfect with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli, adding another layer of flavor.
- Serving Size: The bites are best served immediately when they’re warm and crispy. However, they can still be enjoyable at room temperature.
- Variations: Feel free to change up the fillings! Try using cream cheese mixed with herbs or even adding in some shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy bite.