Listen, I get it. You need a snack that’s going to wow the crowd at your next game day party or book club gathering, but you also don’t want to spend your entire afternoon slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where these Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists come in. They’re the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and ridiculously cheesy, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden puff pastry that’s impossible to resist. I first started making these when my friends challenged me to level up my standard party platter, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “more, please!”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists
- Seriously Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and store-bought puff pastry, you’re minutes away from snack heaven.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: The ultimate combo of creamy cheese and a gentle kick of heat appeals to just about everyone (just make a mild batch for the kiddos!).
- Impressively Easy: They look and taste like you fussed for hours, but our little secret is that they’re a total breeze to make.
- Endlessly Customizable: Not a fan of too much heat? Swap in milder peppers. Want to add some bacon? Go for it! This recipe is your playground.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab these simple ingredients to get started. The beauty is in their simplicity :
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Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10 twists 1x
Description
Irresistible spicy jalapeo popper twists This easy cheesy appetizer recipe features a flaky crust filled with cream cheese and jalapeos Perfect party snack
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning or coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rough 10×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cheesy jalapeño mixture evenly over one half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Press the edges down firmly to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch strips. Carefully grab each strip by the ends and give it a few twists.
- Place the twists on your prepared baking sheet, brush them with the beaten egg, and sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and gorgeous golden brown.
Notes
A simple and irresistible party snack featuring a creamy, spicy jalapeno and cheese filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry twists.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 twists
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning or coarse salt, for sprinkling
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Twists Step-by-Step
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy twist—it’s much easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps.
- Prep your workstation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until it’s all well combined.
- Roll and fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rough 10×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cheesy jalapeño mixture evenly over one half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold and twist: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Press the edges down firmly to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch strips. Carefully grab each strip by the ends and give it a few twists.
- Bake to perfection: Place the twists on your prepared baking sheet, brush them with the beaten egg, and sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and gorgeous golden brown.
My Favorite Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy, but a few basics make the job even easier.
- A good baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for easy clean-up!)
- A rolling pin
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter
- A pastry brush
Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
Here’s how to make this recipe truly your own and avoid any common kitchen hiccups.
- Spice Level: For a milder twist, remove all the seeds and membranes from your jalapeños. For an extra kick, leave some in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Cheese Please: Feel free to experiment with the cheeses! Pepper jack is a fantastic swap for cheddar if you want even more spice. For more cheesy inspiration, check out our guide to easy cheesy recipes.
- Add Some Crunch: For a smoky, crunchy element, mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked bacon or crispy fried onions into the filling.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to load up on the filling, but using too much can cause it to ooze out during baking. A smooth, even layer is key!
- Serve Warm: These are absolutely best served warm from the oven when the cheese is blissfully gooey.
The Perfect Pairings
While these twists are a star on their own, they love good company. Serve them with a cool, creamy dip like creamy avocado dip or a simple sour cream and chive situation to balance the heat. They’re the ideal finger food for a party spread that might also include juicy classic Buffalo wings or a big, refreshing salad.
Nutrition Information
Please note, these values are an estimate per twist (recipe makes approximately 10 twists).
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
There you have it! A snack that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for the recipe. Whether you’re prepping for a big game or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists deliver on flavor and fun without any of the fuss. I’d love to hear how yours turn out!
Your Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists Questions, Answered
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the twists a day in advance, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just brush with egg wash, sprinkle, and bake. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be going in cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers? I’m impressed! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or a 350°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness. The microwave will work in a pinch but will make them soft.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
Of course! The beauty of cooking is making it work for you. For less heat, poblano peppers are a great substitute. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a different flavor profile, you could even try this technique with a filling inspired by Spanish stuffed peppers.
Can I freeze unbaked jalapeno popper twists?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! After twisting, place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer.