Jalapeno Popper Pigs Blanket (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Creamy Filling

01 - 4 ounces cream cheese, brought to room temperature
02 - 1 tablespoon jalapeño brine from the jar
03 - 2 tablespoons peach jam (totally optional but adds a nice sweet touch)
04 - ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

→ For the Wrapping and Toppings

05 - 1 package crescent dough sheet
06 - ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (plus that tablespoon of brine mentioned above)
07 - 1 package beef hot dogs, sliced into thirds (you'll need about 10 dogs total)
08 - 1 large egg for brushing
09 - 2 tablespoons coarse salt for sprinkling on top

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 375°F and position the rack right in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
02 - In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and that tablespoon of jalapeño brine until it's nice and smooth. If you're using the peach jam, mix that in too.
03 - Unroll your crescent dough and gently press down any edges that want to curl up. Using an offset spatula, spread that cream cheese mixture all over the dough, making sure to cover every bit. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly on top.
04 - Here's where you control the heat level. For mild flavor, chop those pickled jalapeños finely before sprinkling them over the cheese. Want more kick? Leave them in their round slices. For serious heat lovers, switch to fresh jalapeños with seeds and all.
05 - Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut along the long side of the dough to make 1-inch strips, then cut each strip into four pieces. You should end up with about 28 pieces - perfect for wrapping all those hot dog pieces.
06 - Place one piece of hot dog on each dough strip and roll it up, pressing the end gently to seal. Put them on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart, seam side down. You might need a second baking sheet or bake in batches.
07 - Whisk that egg with about a tablespoon of water, then brush the mixture over the tops and sides of each little roll. Sprinkle with coarse salt (or get creative with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds).
08 - Pop them in the oven for 13-15 minutes until they're beautifully golden brown. Serve them right away while they're still hot and crispy.

# Notes:

01 - These taste amazing with Nathan's uncured beef franks if you can find them, though any good quality hot dogs work great.
02 - Pickled jalapeños come in mild, medium, and hot varieties. The medium ones we used had almost no heat at all since they mellow out while cooking.
03 - No dipping sauce needed - these are delicious on their own, but mustard or Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce pair nicely if you want something extra.
04 - The peach jam addition is completely optional but adds a subtle sweetness that plays really well against the savory hot dogs.