Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe

Introduction

These Jalapeno Popper Twists are flaky, creamy, and packed with cheesy, spicy flavor, making them the perfect appetizer for game day or any gathering. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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)
• Dipping sauces as needed: ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thick, then cut it into strips about 2 inches wide.
4. Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold over the other half and gently press to seal, then twist each strip several times to create a swirling effect.
5. Step 5: Place the twisted pastries on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for a delightful snack.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed to prevent tearing and to make rolling easier.
• Mix the filling thoroughly for an even flavor and creamy texture.
• Avoid overfilling the pastry strips to prevent bursting during baking.
• For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or swap jalapenos for habaneros.
• Add crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky twist.
• Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based puff pastry for a vegan version.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover Jalapeno Popper 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 10–15 minutes to restore their crispness. Unbaked twists can be frozen for up to 2 months; freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I choose the right jalapenos?

Choose firm, bright green jalapenos without dark spots. Smaller peppers tend to be milder, while larger ones are hotter. For a milder option, consider using bell peppers instead.

Can I freeze Jalapeno Popper Twists?

Yes! Freeze unbaked twists individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months and baked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 150 reviews

These Jalapeno Popper Twists are flaky, creamy, and packed with bold cheesy and spicy flavors, making them the perfect appetizer for game days or gatherings. Made with puff pastry, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sliced jalapenos, these twists deliver a deliciously crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful filling that’s sure to impress your guests.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 twists 1x
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Twists

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack for milder flavor)
• 1/2 cup Sliced Jalapenos, fresh or pickled
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 large Egg (for egg wash)

For Serving

• Dipping Sauces (ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard), as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing it to bake the twists evenly without sticking.
2. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
3. Prepare the dough: Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, then cut into strips about 2 inches wide to create the base for the twists.
4. Fill and twist: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip, fold the other half over the filling, gently press to seal, then twist each strip several times to achieve the signature spiral effect.
5. Brush with egg wash: Arrange the twisted pastries evenly on the prepared baking sheet and use the beaten egg to brush the tops, which will give the twists a beautiful golden, shiny finish after baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are puffed up, golden brown, and smell deliciously fragrant.
7. Serve warm: Once baked, serve the Jalapeno Popper Twists while warm with your preferred dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for an enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for best flavor and texture.
• Thaw puff pastry completely before working to avoid tearing.
• Mix cheese filling thoroughly to avoid pockets of unflavored cream cheese.
• Do not overfill pastry strips to prevent bursting during baking.
• Keep an eye on twists in the oven to avoid burning; they brown quickly toward the end.
• These twists can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
• Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk for egg wash.

Keywords: jalapeno popper twists, game day appetizers, puff pastry snacks, cheesy jalapeno bites, party appetizers, baked jalapeno twists, spicy cheese twists