Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists Recipe
These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists feature flaky puff pastry twisted around a creamy, cheesy filling with a kick of jalapeno heat, perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Dough
- 1 package Puff Pastry or pizza dough for a heartier option
For the Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened (goat cheese can be used as a substitute)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (mozzarella can be used as a milder alternative)
- 2 medium Sliced Jalapenos, fresh or pickled
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor)
For the Finish
- 1 large Egg, beaten for egg wash (milk can be used as a vegan-friendly option)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until smooth, creamy, and the jalapenos are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 2 inches wide.
- Fill and Twist: Spoon a portion of the cheese and jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling and press gently along the edges to seal. Twist each strip to create an attractive spiral shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops generously with the beaten egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. Serve the twists warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or a creamy avocado dip for extra flavor.
- You can prepare the twists in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving to save time.
- Ensure the filling isn’t too wet by draining excess moisture from fresh jalapenos to avoid soggy pastry.
- Seal pastry edges firmly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Freeze unbaked twists in a single layer, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Keywords: Jalapeno popper twists, cheesy appetizer, party snacks, spicy appetizers, puff pastry snacks