Introduction

Oh, the holidays are coming up, or maybe it’s just a Tuesday and you’re craving something a little special. Remember those appetizer platters where the same old things made an appearance? Well, get ready to shake things up with these incredible Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists! They’re so ridiculously easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them a million times before. Plus, they bring that irresistible flavor combination that everyone goes wild for!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you can go from pantry to oven in under 20 minutes!
Easy: No fancy techniques here, just a few simple steps.
Giftable: Bake a batch and present them in a cute tin for a homemade treat.
Crowd-pleasing: The perfect bite for parties, game nights, or just because!

Ingredients

1 sheet Puff Pastry: This is your secret weapon for flaky, golden goodness. Find it in the freezer aisle!
4 oz Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes up nice and smooth.
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper, the better for that classic tangy flavor!
1/2 cup Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled): This is where the “spicy” comes in! Use fresh for more heat, or pickled for a tangy kick.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Just a little something extra to boost that savory flavor.
1 Egg: For that beautiful golden sheen on top.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get these tasty twists made! It’s as simple as 1, 2, (okay, 10, but they’re easy steps!).

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated. Just check the instructions on your puff pastry package for the perfect temperature.
Now, grab a bowl and let’s make that dreamy filling. Toss in your softened cream cheese, that glorious sharp cheddar, your sliced jalapenos, and the garlic powder. Mix it all up until it’s beautifully combined and no one ingredient is hogging the spotlight.
Next, gently unfold your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. I like to give my counter a little dusting of flour so it doesn’t stick.
Time to spread the love! Evenly spread that cheesy, jalapeno mixture all over the puff pastry. Just leave a tiny little border around the edges so nothing oozes out too much.
Now for the fun part – rolling! Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up your puff pastry. Think of it like a cozy little pastry sleeping bag.
Once it’s all rolled up, grab a sharp knife and cut it into about 1/2-inch thick slices. These are going to be your twists!
Give each little slice a gentle twist. This is what makes them so pretty and gives them that fun texture.
Arrange your twisted beauties on a baking sheet that’s been lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend here, it makes cleanup a breeze!
In a small bowl, beat your egg. Then, using a pastry brush (or even a spoon if you don’t have one!), brush the tops of your twists with the beaten egg. This is what gives them that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
Pop them into the preheated oven. Bake them according to your puff pastry package directions, or until they’re puffed up and a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them – they can go from perfect to browned really quickly!

Substitutions & Additions

Feel free to get creative with these! They’re super forgiving. Here are a few ideas:

Cheese Swap: If cheddar isn’t your jam, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or even a bit of Gruyere for a nutty flavor.
Spice Level: Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Less heat? Remove the seeds and membranes from your jalapenos before slicing.
Bacon Bits: Who doesn’t love bacon? Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley before baking can add a lovely fresh touch.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your twists even more amazing:

Don’t Overstuff: Resist the urge to pile on too much filling. A little goes a long way, and it prevents the pastry from getting soggy.
Chill Time: If your puff pastry feels too soft and sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. It’ll firm up and be easier to handle.
Prep Ahead: You can make the cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can even assemble the twists and keep them in the fridge (covered) for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
Sharp Knife is Key: Use a really sharp knife to cut your pastry rolls. This will give you clean cuts and help them keep their shape.

How to Store It

These twists are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To bring back that lovely crispiness, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. You can also freeze baked and cooled twists for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced jalapenos from a can?

Absolutely! Canned or pickled jalapenos work great and are super convenient. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the cheese mixture.

How spicy will these be?

The spice level will depend on the type of jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds and membranes. Fresh jalapenos tend to be spicier than pickled ones. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider removing the seeds and membranes or using a milder pepper.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese filling and even assemble the twists a few hours ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists

These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are an incredibly easy and fast appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. With a flaky puff pastry shell filled with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy jalapeno mixture, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Equipment

bowl
Baking Sheet Lined with parchment paper
Pastry brush Or a spoon
Sharp knife

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 sheet Puff Pastry Found in the freezer aisle
4 oz Cream Cheese Softened
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
0.5 cup Sliced Jalapenos Fresh or pickled, drained if canned/pickled
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Egg Beaten

Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions.
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeno mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Starting from a longer side, tightly roll up the puff pastry.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Cut the rolled puff pastry into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Gently twist each slice.
Arrange the twisted pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the twists with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
1 sheet Puff Pastry
Bake according to puff pastry package directions, or until puffed and golden brown.
1 sheet Puff Pastry

Notes

These twists are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container and reheated in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Unbaked twists can be frozen until firm and then transferred to a freezer bag for baking from frozen, and baked twists can be frozen for up to a month.