Description

Jalapeño Popper Twists are crispy, cheesy snack bites made with flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, spicy jalapeños, and optional crispy bacon. Baked to golden perfection, these twists offer a delightful balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch, making them an irresistible party appetizer or snack perfect for dipping in ranch, honey mustard, or creamy chipotle sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Filling

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2–3 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but amazing)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For Assembly

1 egg (beaten — for egg wash)

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Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, finely diced jalapeños, crumbled cooked bacon if using, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Assemble: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a clean surface. Spread the prepared filling evenly over half of the pastry sheet. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, creating a layered ‘book’ fold. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
Twist: Gently twist each strip several times to form a spiral shape and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each twist with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden, shiny crust.
Bake: Bake the twists for 15 to 18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, allow the twists to cool slightly before serving as the cheese filling will be very hot.

Notes

Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat; keep seeds if you prefer spicier twists.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth filling.
Use either mozzarella or cheddar cheese according to your taste preference.
Optional bacon adds a smoky, savory element but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
Serve with dips such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor.
These twists can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven to regain crispiness.