Have you ever found yourself longing for that perfect blend of spicy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a warm, comforting roll? Enter the Skillet Jalapeno Popper Rolls. I remember the first time I made these – it was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something indulgent yet simple.
The smell of jalapenos roasting and cheese melting filled the kitchen, wrapping everything in a cozy embrace. These rolls are not just food; they’re an experience. Each bite is a burst of flavor – the heat of the jalapeno, the creamy cheese, all tucked inside a soft, pillowy dough.
And the best part? They come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these rolls promise to be a crowd favorite.
Oh, and if you’re like me and enjoy a little extra heat, don’t hold back on those jalapenos!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 12-inch skillet with cooking spray for easy removal of the rolls once baked.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle to prepare it for the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, diced onion, jalapeno, chives, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle 1 ½ cups of white cheddar cheese on top.
- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 8 equal rolls and arrange them in the prepared skillet.
- Bake the rolls for 30 minutes, then remove them from the oven and place a jalapeno slice on top of each roll.
- Sprinkle the remaining white cheddar and all of the sharp cheddar over the rolls, then return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Once baked, let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving them warm.
Ingredients
- 1 tube store-bought pizza dough
- 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons chives, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, sliced into 8 rounds for topping
- ½ cup (57 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded for topping
FAQ
- Can I prepare Jalapeno Popper Rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble and cut the rolls, then place them in an airtight container or on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Is it possible to make the rolls without using a skillet?
- Absolutely! While an oven-safe skillet provides even heating and a rustic look, you can use a baking dish. Just ensure there’s space between each roll. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them and check that they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- How should I store any leftover Skillet Jalapeno Popper Rolls?
- Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
- What are some tips for making the preparation of these rolls easier?
- To streamline the process, use pre-cooked bacon, ensure your knife is sharp for cutting the dough, and make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing. If you find rolling and slicing the dough challenging, refrigerate the rolled dough for a few minutes before slicing.
- Can I use a different type of onion or leave it out entirely?
- Yes, red onion is recommended for its mild sweetness, but you can substitute it with yellow, white, or green onion. You can also omit the onion if preferred.
Tips
- Pre-Cooked Bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon. This not only speeds up the preparation process but also ensures you have crispy bacon every time.
- Soften Cream Cheese Efficiently: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re short on time, try placing it in warm water for 10-15 minutes or using the microwave in short bursts.
- Refrigerate Rolled Dough: If you find cutting the rolled dough tricky, refrigerate it for a few minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly.
- Baking Dish Alternative: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use a baking dish, ensuring the rolls have space to expand. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary.
Equipment
- 12-inch Oven-Safe Skillet – While the recipe mentions that you can use a baking dish, a skillet is preferred for even heating and rustic appearance.
- Sharp Knife – A very sharp knife is recommended for cleanly cutting the dough into rolls.
- Baking Sheet – For cooking bacon or as an alternative to a skillet for baking the rolls.
- Microwave-Safe Plate – Useful for softening cream cheese using the microwave method.
- Airtight Container – For storing the rolls if you plan to make them ahead of time or store leftovers.
