Description
Jalapeno Popper Twists are a deliciously cheesy and spicy snack featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapenos. Perfectly crisp and golden-brown, these twists make an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3-4 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended for a flavorful filling.
- Roll Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into an approximately 12×12 inch square to provide ample space for the filling.
- Add Filling: Spread the cheese and jalapeno mixture evenly over half of the pastry square, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around edges to allow for sealing.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the uncovered half of the puff pastry over the filling, gently pressing the edges together to seal and prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 12 even strips for individual twists.
- Shape Twists: Twist each strip multiple times to create attractive spiral shapes, then arrange them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet for even baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each twist with the beaten egg to encourage a golden, glossy finish, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the twists in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown indicating crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the twists to cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the melty filling and flaky texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, do not remove all jalapeno seeds or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture before assembling.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with pepper jack or Monterey jack for varied flavor profiles.
- These twists freeze well: assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet, then bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
