Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists for Game Night Recipe
Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are crispy, creamy, and packed with a zesty jalapeno kick perfect for game night or any casual gathering. Made with flaky puff pastry, a cheesy jalapeno filling, and baked to golden perfection, these twists offer a delightful blend of heat and creaminess in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package Puff Pastry or pizza dough for a heartier option
Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened (goat cheese can be used as a substitute)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (mozzarella can be used for milder taste)
- 2 medium Sliced Jalapenos, fresh or pickled
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for more flavor)
Finishing
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash; milk can be used as vegan alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Combine Filling: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until you get a creamy, well-blended filling that releases a delicious aroma.
- Roll Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the pastry into strips approximately 2 inches wide to create manageable pieces for twisting.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy jalapeno filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Twist: Carefully twist each sealed pastry strip into a spiral shape, which adds both texture and visual appeal to the twists.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Arrange the twists on the lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed up, golden brown, and emit a delightful cheesy jalapeno aroma.
Notes
- Seal the edges well to ensure the cheesy filling does not leak out during baking.
- For extra heat, mix a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the filling.
- To reduce spiciness, add more cream cheese or substitute some jalapenos with roasted bell peppers.
- You can freeze unbaked twists for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Keep an eye on baking time for the perfect crispy, golden texture—pull them out once puffed and browned.
Keywords: jalapeno popper twists, spicy appetizer, game night snacks, jalapeno recipes, cheesy twists, puff pastry snacks
