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Jalapeño Popper Twists

Jalapeño Popper Twists

Jalapeño Popper Twists are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that perfectly blends spicy jalapeños, creamy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese inside flaky puff pastry twists. Ready in under 30 minutes, these bite-sized treats offer a flavorful, crunchy, and cheesy appetizer ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 34 fresh jalapeños, sliced lengthwise, seeds removed if milder heat is desired, then finely chopped
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 sheet (about 12x9 inches) store-bought puff pastry, thawed
  • 23 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Jalapeños and Filling: Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds if you want less heat. Finely chop the jalapeños. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon bits (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then fold in chopped jalapeños evenly.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheet as per package instructions. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll the sheet into a 12 by 9 inches rectangle to prepare for assembly.
  3. Spread the Filling Evenly: Spread the jalapeño cheese filling evenly over half of the puff pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaking during baking.
  4. Fold and Cut Strips: Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to seal it. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into roughly 1-inch wide strips.
  5. Twist and Brush with Egg Wash: Hold each strip at both ends and twist gently several times to form spiral twists. Place the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly to allow puffing. Brush each twist with the egg wash to help achieve a golden crust.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the twists in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and safety.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid leaking and soggy twists.
  • Keep puff pastry cold until just before baking for optimal puff and flakiness.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity and seed inclusion to control the spice level.
  • Use a pizza cutter for neat and quick dough slicing.
  • Serve the twists warm to enjoy melty cheese and crisp pastry.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, puff pastry snacks, spicy appetizers, cheesy twists, game day snacks, easy appetizers