Name: Delicious Jalapeno Popper Twists for Your Next Game Day Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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); As needed Dipping Sauces (ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard)

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Introduction

Jalapeno Popper Twists are a flavorful and fun appetizer perfect for your next game day or party. With a crispy puff pastry exterior and a creamy, cheesy, spicy filling, these twists are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows several golden-brown croissants arranged closely on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each croissant has a flaky, crispy outer layer with darker toasted spots and a twisted shape. Inside, visible through the curl of the pastry, is a creamy white filling with green slices, likely jalapeño or similar pepper, and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The layers highlight the contrast between the crunchy outside and the smooth filling inside. The background is softly blurred with white dishes partially in view. 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, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips approximately 2 inches wide.
Step 4: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half of the strip over the filling and twist each strip several times to seal.
Step 5: Place the twisted pastries onto the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of each twist to help them brown evenly.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add finely chopped fresh jalapenos to the filling or sprinkle some cayenne pepper.
Use smoked cheddar for a deeper smoky flavor.
Substitute cream cheese with a mixture of cream cheese and ricotta for a lighter texture.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeno popper twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

The image shows several golden brown, flaky croissant-shaped pastries arranged closely together on a wooden board. Each pastry has a spiral twist effect with layers of puff pastry dough visible, showing a crispy, browned outer texture. The pastries are filled with a creamy white filling that oozes slightly from the center, topped with small pieces of green herbs and slices of green chili or pepper, adding color contrast. The surface beneath the board is a white marbled texture, and the background includes blurred hints of white bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the twists and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I use frozen jalapenos instead of fresh or pickled?

Frozen jalapenos can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.