Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day
These Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining the classic creamy, spicy kick of jalapeño poppers with the irresistible flaky crispness of puff pastry. Perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering, they offer a burst of savory flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Easy to prepare and always a hit, prepare for them to disappear fast!
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Time
43 minutes
Servings
Makes 16-20 twists
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Irresistibly crispy and flaky puff pastry encasing a creamy, spicy, cheesy filling.
- Quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines classic flavors in an exciting new format.
- Versatile enough for game day, parties, or a delicious weekend snack.
- Offers a perfect balance of heat from the jalapeños and richness from the cheeses.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (approx. 375g) all-butter puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 120g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 60g (1/2 cup) pickled jalapeños, finely diced and well-drained (or 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded, deveined, and finely diced)
- 5g (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2g (1/2 teaspoon) sea salt
- 1g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 large egg, for egg wash
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) water or milk, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced and well-drained jalapeños, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated and evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cream cheese too runny.
- Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto a large piece of parchment paper. Roll it out slightly to approximately 30cm x 30cm (12 inches x 12 inches) and about 3-4mm (1/8 to 1/4 inch) thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 8-10 strips, each approximately 4-5cm (1.5-2 inches) wide and 15cm (6 inches) long.
- Take one pastry strip and spoon about 15-20g (1 tablespoon) of the cheesy jalapeño filling onto one half of its length, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the pastry strip over the filling, gently pressing down the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a more secure seal and decorative finish. Carefully twist each filled strip two or three times, creating an appealing spiral. Repeat this process for all remaining pastry strips and filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg with 15ml (1 tablespoon) of water or milk to create an egg wash. Arrange the twisted pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops and sides of each twist with the egg wash. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp finish.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the twists are ready when they are puffed, deeply golden brown, and the cheese filling is bubbly. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Rolling pin
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
- Keep the puff pastry as cold as possible (besides being thawed) while working with it. If it gets too warm, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before twisting.
- Press the edges firmly after folding to prevent the cheesy filling from oozing out during baking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space between each twist for even airflow and browning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve maximum flakiness, after twisting, chill the formed twists in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before applying the egg wash and baking. This helps the butter in the pastry solidify, creating distinct layers when baked.
- For an elevated taste, infuse your cream cheese by stirring in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or a teaspoon of onion powder along with the garlic powder.
- A secret to an even deeper golden crust is to sprinkle a tiny pinch of sugar into your egg wash. It enhances caramelization without adding noticeable sweetness.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover Jalapeño Popper Twists can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to regain crispness.
- Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat, or add finely crumbled cooked bacon bits to the filling for a smoky touch. For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with finely diced roasted bell peppers.
- Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the twists, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze them until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Absolutely! If using fresh jalapeños, make sure to seed and devein them thoroughly to control the heat, then dice them very finely. You can also quickly sauté them for a minute or two to soften them slightly before adding to the filling, though it's not strictly necessary.
My puff pastry is sticking. What should I do?
Puff pastry can be sticky when thawed. Ensure your work surface is lightly floured, and your rolling pin is also floured. Work quickly and keep the pastry chilled as much as possible. If it becomes too warm and sticky, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
How can I make these twists spicier?
For extra heat, leave some of the seeds and membranes in your fresh jalapeños, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese filling. You could also use a spicier cheese like pepper jack.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approx. 180-220 per twist, Protein: 5-7g, Fat: 15-18g, Carbs: 8-10g. (Estimates based on average ingredient quantities and portion size.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy, wheat (gluten), and egg. For a gluten-free version, ensure to use a certified gluten-free puff pastry. To make it dairy-free, substitute with plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
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