Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe
Introduction
These Jalapeno Popper Twists are a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Crispy puff pastry filled with creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos makes each bite irresistible. They’re easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
- As needed Dipping Sauces (ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth and well mixed.
- Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into strips approximately 2 inches wide.
- Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling, then twist each strip several times to seal.
- Step 5: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips & Variations
- For milder heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before slicing.
- Try adding cooked bacon or finely chopped green onions to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda to vary the taste.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, but these also taste great at room temperature.
Storage
Store leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen jalapenos for the filling?
It’s best to use fresh or pickled jalapenos to maintain texture and flavor. Frozen jalapenos tend to lose their crunch and can make the filling watery.
Can I prepare the twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the twists and place them on the baking sheet covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked straight from the fridge.
Print
Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Twists are a perfect game day snack featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, cheesy jalapeno mixture. Crispy on the outside and bursting with spicy, cheesy goodness on the inside, they are easy to make and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Other
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
- as needed Dipping Sauces (ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut it into strips approximately 2 inches wide to create individual twist portions.
- Fill and twist: Place a generous spoonful of the cheesy jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip, fold the pastry over the filling, then twist each strip to seal and create a spiral effect.
- Brush with egg wash: Arrange the twisted pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet and brush their tops lightly with beaten egg to encourage golden, shiny browning during baking.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up nicely.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapenos according to your spice preference or substitute with milder peppers.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some finely diced fresh jalapenos into the filling as well.
- These twists are best served warm with dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for enhanced flavor.
- Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed to avoid cracking and achieve better puffiness.
- Leftover twists can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeno popper twists, puff pastry appetizers, game day snacks, cheesy jalapeno bites, party appetizers
