Introduction

Jalapeno Popper Twists are a flavorful, cheesy snack perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Combining creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and flaky puff pastry, these twists are easy to make and irresistible to share.

A group of five golden-brown croissants sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each croissant is flaky with twisted layers, showing melted cheese crisply browned on top and sprinkled fresh green herbs. Between the pastry layers, white cheese and thin slices of green jalapeño peppers peek out, adding texture and color contrast. The croissants have a shiny, slightly glossy finish, and the background is blurred gently, giving focus to the warm, inviting pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thick, then cut it into strips about 2 inches wide.
Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy filling onto one half of each pastry strip, then fold over and twist each strip.
Step 5: Place the twisted bites on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add finely chopped fresh jalapenos to the filling along with the sliced ones.
Try swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy flavor.
Use a little smoked paprika in the filling for a subtle smoky twist.
Serve with a variety of dips like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard to suit different tastes.

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 about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

The image shows six golden-brown croissants arranged close together on a wooden board. Each croissant is twisted with flaky layers that have a crispy, slightly uneven texture. Between the folds of the croissants, there are white creamy cheese layers mixed with slices of green jalapeño peppers, topped with small bits of fresh green parsley. The light reflects softly off the croissants, emphasizing their warm color and airy layers. The background features a white marbled texture with some blurred white bowls in the distance, highlighting the croissants as the focal point. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can prepare the twists and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake them fresh just before serving.

Can I use frozen jalapenos instead of fresh or pickled?

Fresh or pickled jalapenos work best for texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture from sogging the pastry.

Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 146 reviews

These Jalapeno Popper Twists are a delicious, cheesy appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Made with flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapenos, then baked to golden perfection, they offer a crispy, flavorful bite that’s sure to impress your guests.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 12 twists 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed)

Filling

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

Topping

1 large Egg (for egg wash)

Serving

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the pastry into strips approximately 2 inches wide for twisting.
Fill and Twist: Place a generous amount of the cheesy jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other side over and twist the strips carefully to seal and create the twist shape.
Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the twisted pastry bites on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puffed up.
Serve: Let the twists cool slightly before serving with your choice of dipping sauces such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for added flavor.

Notes

Use fresh or pickled jalapenos based on your preferred spice level and flavor profile.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with other filling ingredients.
Twisting the pastry tightly helps the filling stay inside while baking.
The puff pastry must be fully thawed to prevent tearing when rolling and twisting.
These twists can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.
Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or if the twists are thicker or thinner.

Keywords: Jalapeno popper, appetizer, puff pastry, game day snack, cheesy jalapeno twists