1. Prepare the Ingredients

The first step is to gather and prepare your ingredients. Start by finely dicing the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. This will reduce the heat but still give you the wonderful flavor of the peppers. If you love spice, leave the seeds intact for a more fiery kick.

Next, shred the cheddar cheese and crumble the bacon if you’re using it. Then, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing. You can speed up this process by microwaving the cream cheese for about 15-20 seconds.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the crescent rolls will bake evenly and give them that golden-brown, flaky texture we all love.

3. Make the Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be creamy, thick, and spreadable. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

4. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. You should see a perforated dough sheet with eight individual triangles. Gently separate each triangle, making sure the dough doesn’t tear. The dough should be soft and pliable, so avoid over-handling it.

5. Fill the Crescent Rolls

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese and jalapeño filling onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overstuff them, as you want to be able to roll them up without the filling spilling out. Once you’ve added the filling, carefully roll up the dough starting from the wider end, pinching the edges together to seal the rolls. This will ensure that the filling stays inside while baking.

6. Brush with Olive Oil or Butter

Place the rolled-up crescent rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. For a golden, glossy finish, brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil or melted butter. This will give the rolls an even more beautiful color and enhance their flavor. If you prefer, you can sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

7. Bake the Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls

Bake the crescent rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. The rolls should be crispy on the outside with a creamy, melty filling on the inside.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and flaky dough.