Classic Golden-Brown Jalapeño Popper Twists
These savory twists combine the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers with flaky, golden-brown puff pastry, creating a perfect appetizer or snack.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Bowl
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh jalapeño remove seeds for less heat
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.
Prepare and Fill Pastry
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, then cut it in half lengthwise.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over one pastry half, leaving a small border.
- Carefully fold the unfilled pastry half over the filling and press gently to seal the edges, forming a filled rectangle.
Cut, Twist, and Bake
- Cut the filled pastry into 1-inch-wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Gently twist each strip several times to create a spiral shape.
- Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them, and brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve
- Let the twists cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack; serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the cream cheese filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder heat.