Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? These Jalapeno Popper Twists are the perfect answer for your next winter gathering.
They bring all the creamy, spicy flavors you love in a snack. Best of all, they use simple store-bought shortcuts. You can have these ready for the oven in just 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Jalapeno Popper Twists
These twists are a total crowd-pleaser for any game day or holiday party. They offer a perfect balance of heat and cool cream cheese. The puff pastry makes them feel fancy without the hard work.
You only need a few basic ingredients from your fridge. They travel well to potlucks and stay crispy for hours. Beginner cooks love this recipe because it is very easy to master.
Simple Method
Making these is as easy as spreading and folding. You just mix your filling and spread it on the dough. A pizza cutter makes the slicing fast and even. Twisting the strips is actually quite fun and very satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Using pre-cooked bacon bits is a great time-saving shortcut for busy nights.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, shredded cheddar, and bacon bits until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold the bare half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges slightly to seal.
- Using a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Hold each strip at both ends and twist 2 to 3 times, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water to create an egg wash and brush over each twist.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm on a large platter for your guests. They look beautiful next to a bowl of creamy ranch dressing. You can also pair them with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Set the table, light a candle, and enjoy these with your favorite people. They are the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter night. Everyone will be asking you for the recipe before the night ends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To get that signature crunch back, avoid the microwave.
Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. This keeps the pastry flaky and the cheese perfectly melted. You can even freeze the unbaked twists for easy holiday prep later.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the egg wash for that beautiful golden color.
- Use a pizza cutter to get clean, even strips every time.
- Remove all seeds from the jalapenos to keep the heat mild.
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft before mixing.
- For Thanksgiving or Christmas, double the batch for a larger crowd.
- Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
- Space the twists out on the pan so they puff up properly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack for extra spice.
- Leave the bacon out for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Add a dash of garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture.
- In summer, swap jalapenos for mild diced green chiles.
- Dust the tops with a little extra cheese before baking.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the twists a few hours early. Keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This makes party hosting much easier and stress-free.
Are these Jalapeno Popper Twists too spicy for kids?
If you remove the seeds and ribs, they are quite mild. The cream cheese and pastry help balance the heat perfectly. Most kids find them fun to eat and very tasty.
I hope these crispy twists become a favorite at your next holiday party. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large jalapenos , seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 large eg g
- 1 tablespoon wate r
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, shredded cheddar, and bacon bits until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold the bare half of the pastry over the filling and press the edges slightly to seal.
- Using a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Hold each strip at both ends and twist 2 to 3 times, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water to create an egg wash and brush over each twist.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
