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Lightened-Up Mummy Jalapeño Popper Bites

Lightened-Up Mummy Jalapeño Popper Bites - featured image

Crispy, creamy, and spicy baked jalapeño popper bites wrapped in phyllo dough to look like adorable mummies. A lightened-up version of the classic appetizer, perfect for Halloween parties or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 4–5 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 3–4 stalks)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 24 black olive slices (canned, pitted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the phyllo dough: Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets and lay them flat on a clean surface. Cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Take one sheet at a time and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat until you have 4 layers stacked.
  4. Cut the phyllo into strips: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked phyllo into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. You should get about 6-8 strips per stack.
  5. Form the bites: Take one strip of phyllo and place a small spoonful of filling (about 1 tablespoon) at one end. Gently roll the phyllo around the filling, like wrapping a tiny burrito. Leave a little space at the top for the ‘head.’ Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
  6. Add the eyes: Press two olive slices into the ‘head’ of each mummy, slightly apart, to look like eyes. Don’t push them in too deep.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. The filling should be hot and bubbly. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
  8. Cool slightly: Let the bites rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Work quickly with phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Don’t overfill the bites; use about 1 tablespoon of filling per bite. Seal seams by pressing gently when placing seam-side down. For make-ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 2-3 minutes to baking time. For freezing, assemble unbaked bites on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper, mummy, Halloween, appetizer, baked, lightened-up, phyllo dough, cream cheese, Greek yogurt