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Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists Recipe

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4.3 from 83 reviews

Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sliced jalapeños. These twists bake to a golden perfection, making them an irresistible snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings, served best with a side of cool ranch dressing.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 twists depending on strip thickness

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

  • 1–2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

Filling

  • 3 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
  • 6 oz cream cheese, very soft
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or black pepper

Topping and Serving

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: If using one sheet of puff pastry, cut it in half and work with one half. If using two sheets, work with one full sheet. Place the puff pastry on the prepared pan and gently roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Add Cream Cheese: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over half of the puff pastry surface.
  4. Add Jalapeños and Cheese: Evenly distribute the thinly sliced jalapeño peppers over the cream cheese layer. Then sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar over the jalapeños. Add a pinch of garlic powder or black pepper if desired for extra flavor.
  5. Fold and Seal: Fold the uncovered half of the puff pastry over the filling, gently pressing along the edges to seal the mixture inside.
  6. Slice and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded puff pastry into ½-inch wide strips. Carefully twist each strip a few times and arrange them spaced evenly on the baking pan.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Add Cheese: Brush the top of each twisted strip with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish while baking. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the tops of the twists.
  8. Bake: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Bake until the twists are puffed and deeply golden.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Be sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets completely before working with them to avoid cracking.
  • You can adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level or remove seeds for milder heat.
  • If you want extra crispiness, brush the twists with another layer of egg halfway through baking.
  • These twists are best served warm but can be reheated in a toaster oven to regain crispness.
  • For added flavor, try mixing some chopped cooked bacon or chives into the cream cheese before spreading.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American