Introduction

These Jalapeno Popper Twists combine creamy cheese and zesty jalapenos wrapped in flaky puff pastry, making them perfect for game day snacking. Crispy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

The image shows a close-up of three golden-brown croissants lined up on a light wooden board. Each croissant is filled with visible layers of melted white cheese and green basil leaves peeking out between the flaky, crisp curls of pastry. The croissants have a shiny, slightly textured finish indicating freshness and flakiness. In the background, there is a small white cup filled with more green basil leaves, partially blurred. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a touch of blue fabric under the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2-inch wide strips.
Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of filling onto one half of each strip. Fold the other half over and gently twist to seal the strips together, creating twisted shapes.
Step 5: Brush the tops of the twisted pastry strips with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Step 6: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed to prevent tearing and achieve perfect twists.
Mix the filling thoroughly to avoid clumps and ensure even flavor distribution.
Avoid overfilling the pastry strips to prevent spills during baking; a heaping spoonful is sufficient.
Add crumbled crispy bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory kick.
Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based puff pastry for a vegan version.
Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier taste.
For extra heat, include diced habaneros or a splash of hot sauce.

Storage

You can store unbaked, assembled twists tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze unbaked twists individually for up to 3 months and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked twists keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and preserve crispiness, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven rather than using a microwave.

How to Serve

Three golden-brown croissants are placed close together on a wooden board, each croissant showing multiple flaky, crisp layers. Between the layers, melted white cheese and fresh green basil leaves are visible in several gaps, adding color contrast. In the background, a blurred white bowl filled with more green basil leaves sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a blue cloth visible nearby. The croissants have a shiny, slightly textured surface, showing their fresh bake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of jalapenos should I use?

You can use fresh jalapenos for a spicier result or pickled jalapenos for a milder, tangier flavor. Adjust the amount and whether you include seeds and membranes to control the heat level.

Can I freeze Jalapeno Popper Twists?

Yes! Freeze unbaked twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through evenly.