Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists That Everyone Will Love Recipe
Introduction
These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy cheese with a kick of jalapeno heat wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they’re easy to make and sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 package Puff Pastry (or pizza dough for a heartier option)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, goat cheese can be used)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (mozzarella can be used)
- 2 medium Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or use fresh minced garlic for more flavor)
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash, or use milk for vegan option)
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 softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into strips approximately 2 inches wide.
- Step 4: Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each pastry strip, fold it over, seal the edges, then twist to form a spiral shape.
- Step 5: Arrange the prepared twists on the baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the twists are puffed and golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For more heat, add extra jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Try using smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist.
- If using pizza dough, roll it thinner for a crispier texture.
- Brush with milk instead of egg for a vegan-friendly option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These twists are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before rolling and filling.
How spicy are these jalapeno twists?
The heat level depends on the jalapenos you use. Fresh jalapenos provide a moderate spice, while pickled ones are usually milder. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
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Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists That Everyone Will Love Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
Description
These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are a delightful appetizer combining creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and flaky puff pastry. Perfectly twisted and baked until golden, they offer a crispy exterior with a rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy filling that everyone will love as a snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package Puff Pastry (or pizza dough for a heartier option)
Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened (goat cheese can be used)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (mozzarella can be used)
- 2 medium Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or use fresh minced garlic for more flavor)
Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash, or use milk for vegan option)
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.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips approximately 2 inches wide for easy handling and twisting.
- Fill and Twist: Place a spoonful of the cheese and jalapeno filling on one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling, then press the edges firmly to seal. Twist each sealed strip gently to form a spiral shape, which will create interesting layers once baked.
- Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the twists evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the large egg and brush it lightly over each twist to give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the twists are fully puffed and have a golden-brown color. This ensures a crispy texture outside with a melty, flavorful filling inside.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from fresh jalapenos before slicing.
- Use pizza dough as an alternative for a heartier, chewier texture.
- Substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic to enhance the garlic flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and use milk instead of egg wash.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jalapeno popper, Puff pastry, Appetizer, Cheese twists, Spicy snack
