Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists Recipe

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Craving a bold, cheesy snack with a little kick? These Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists combine creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and flaky puff pastry for a finger-licking appetizer. Perfect for parties, game day, or a quick snack, these twists are easy to make and disappear in minutes. Serve warm with ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

For the Twists:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 100 g (3.5 oz) shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack
• 60 g (2 oz) sliced jalapenos, fresh or pickled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Serving:

• Dipping sauces of choice (ranch, sriracha mayo, honey mustard)

Instructions for Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Position the rack in the center for even baking.

2. Make the Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth.

3. Roll & Slice the Pastry

• On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry to ~6 mm thickness.
• Cut into strips about 5 cm (2 inches) wide for uniform twists.

4. Fill & Twist

• Spoon the cheese mixture onto one half of each strip. Fold over and lightly seal edges.
• Twist each strip gently to form a spiral shape.

5. Brush & Bake

• Arrange twists on the baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Bake 15–20 minutes until puffed, crisp, and golden brown.

6. Serve

• Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips

• Keep puff pastry cold for the flakiest texture.
• Pinch ends tightly to prevent filling from leaking.
• Use an offset spatula to lift twists without breaking them.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and melty cheese.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick assembly using store-bought pastry.
• Rich, creamy filling with a perfect balance of heat from jalapenos.
• Perfect for entertaining, parties, or last-minute cravings.
• Customizable with fresh or pickled jalapenos.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend for extra flavor.
• Filling: Swap cream cheese with whipped ricotta for a lighter texture.
• Add-ins: Crumbled cooked bacon adds a smoky punch.
• Spice: Use fresh jalapenos for more heat, pickled for tanginess.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Assemble twists a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready.
• Store baked twists in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore flakiness.
• Freeze assembled twists flat on a sheet, then store in a container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen with extra 2–3 minutes.

Serving Ideas

• Arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces for parties.
• Garnish with extra chopped jalapenos or fresh herbs like cilantro.
• Pair with cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling lemonade for an elevated snack experience.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Calcium: 120 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Pickled jalapenos are tangy and mild, while fresh offer more heat and crunch.

Q: What dipping sauces work best?
A: Ranch, sriracha mayo, and honey mustard complement the cheesy, spicy flavors perfectly.

Q: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Q: How do I make pastry extra flaky?
A: Work quickly with cold pastry, brush with egg wash, and bake in a hot oven.

Q: Can I change the cheese?
A: Yes, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend all work well for smooth melting.

These Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists are a show-stopping appetizer that’s quick, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for gatherings, game day, or any time you crave a spicy, melty snack. Make extra—they won’t last long!

Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists

Olivia taling

These Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twists combine creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and flaky puff pastry into a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for parties, game day, or quick snacks, they bake up golden, crisp, and irresistibly cheesy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 100 g shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 60 g sliced jalapenos, fresh or pickled
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard (optional for serving)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth and evenly blended.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry to about 6 mm thickness and cut into strips approximately 2 inches wide.
• Spoon filling onto one half of each strip, fold over, and press edges to seal. Gently twist each strip to form spirals.
• Arrange twists on the prepared baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
• Cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold before shaping to ensure maximum flakiness. Seal edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking. Use full-fat cream cheese for richer flavor and adjust jalapeno quantity based on your preferred spice level. Best served warm for optimal texture.

Keyword cheesy jalapeno popper twists, easy party appetizer, jalapeno puff pastry appetizer, spicy cheese twists

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