Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

These Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer! Imagine juicy bratwurst, stuffed with gooey cheese and spicy jalapeños, wrapped in crispy bacon and a flaky pizza dough crust. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Fun: The combination of savory bratwurst, melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a flaky crust creates a delicious and satisfying appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time. The air fryer makes cooking the brats a breeze.
• Kid-Friendly: These pigs in a blanket are always a hit with kids. They’re a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic appetizer with a flavorful twist.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite cheese or vegetables, or adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Bratwurst or sausage brats: Use your favorite type of bratwurst or sausage.
• Mozzarella string cheese: Adds a cheesy and gooey filling.
• Jalapeños: Sliced and adds a spicy kick. You can remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Bacon: Wrapped around the brats for a crispy and smoky flavor.
• Refrigerated pizza dough: Used to create a flaky and golden crust.
• Egg: Beaten with water to create an egg wash that helps the seasoning adhere to the dough.
• Everything Bagel seasoning: Adds a flavorful blend of seeds and spices to the crust.

Horseradish Mustard Dip

• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dip.
• Yellow mustard: Adds a classic mustard flavor.
• Horseradish: Adds a pungent and spicy kick to the dip.
• Sour cream: Adds a creamy and tangy base to the dip.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Step 1: Prepare the Brats

Cut the string cheese in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Slice the brats in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will help keep the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Place the string cheese halves and jalapeño slices inside the brats.

Step 2: Wrap and Air Fry the Brats

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each bratwurst with bacon, overlapping the slices to completely cover the brat. You’ll likely need 2 slices of bacon per brat. Place the bacon-wrapped brats in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the brats are cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Horseradish Mustard Dip

While the brats are cooking, prepare the dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, horseradish, and sour cream until well combined.

Step 4: Wrap the Brats in Dough

Remove the brats from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Blot them lightly with a paper towel to remove excess grease. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into ¼-inch strips using a pizza cutter or a knife.

Step 5: Air Fry Again and Serve

Preheat the air fryer to 385°F (195°C). Wrap 2 strips of pizza dough around each bacon-wrapped brat. Brush the dough with the egg wash and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning. Place the brats back in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Serve the Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket hot with the horseradish mustard dip.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality bratwurst, cheese, and bacon.
• Don’t overcook the brats: Overcooked brats will be dry. Cook them just until they are cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the brats are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Make ahead: You can wrap the brats in bacon and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add your favorite cheese or vegetables to the filling, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, or bell peppers.

How to Serve

These Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or marinara sauce.
• Side Dishes: Pair with other appetizers, such as chips and salsa, guacamole, or vegetable sticks.
• Game Day Snack: These pigs in a blanket are a perfect game day snack that’s easy to eat and won’t weigh you down.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can! You can use any type of sausage that you like, such as Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even hot dogs.

2. Can I make this recipe without the jalapeños?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the jalapeños for a milder flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even a vegan cheese substitute.

4. Can I bake these pigs in a blanket instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the pigs in a blanket for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

This Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a classic appetizer with a twist. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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