Description
Jalapeño Popper Twists are a quick and delicious snack combining spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or any craving, these twists deliver a crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy bite that’s customizable to your preferred heat level and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Finely chop fresh jalapeños, removing seeds if a milder spice is preferred. In a bowl, combine chopped jalapeños, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled cooked bacon (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll to smooth out any creases. Cut the sheet into strips about 1 inch wide, adjusting size based on desired twist dimensions.
- Fill and Twist: Spoon a small amount of the jalapeño and cheese mixture along one edge of each pastry strip. Fold the opposite edge over the filling to enclose it. Twist each strip several times to create a spiral shape, sealing edges gently with fingers or a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush each twist lightly with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Place twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess in the pastry.
- Do not overfill the pastry strips to maintain neat twists and avoid filling leakage.
- Keep puff pastry cold until just before use for optimal flakiness and rise.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Serve Jalapeño Popper Twists warm for the best melty cheese and crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 twists
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper, spicy snack, puff pastry, appetizer, cheese twist, party food
