Jalapeño Popper Twists (Print)

Golden crisply twisted pastry with creamy cheese and zesty jalapeño filling, perfect for any occasion.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños, fresh or pickled
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Pastry

05 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
06 - 1 large egg, for egg wash

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well blended.
03 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 8 strips, each approximately 2 inches wide.
04 - Spoon a line of filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold each strip over the filling lengthwise, pressing gently to seal the edges.
05 - Carefully twist each filled strip several times to create a spiral pattern, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Beat the egg and brush the tops of the twists with egg wash for a glossy finish.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
08 - Let cool slightly. Serve warm for optimal flavor.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • They're ready in 30 minutes flat, so no stressing when you're running late to the game.
  • That creamy-cheesy-spicy combination hits differently when it's wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry.
  • You can make them ahead and just pop them back in the oven—your future self will thank you.
02 -
  • If your puff pastry is cold or hasn't fully thawed, it will crack when you twist it—thaw it properly or work gently and accept that a few might look less perfect.
  • Overcrowding the pan makes them steam instead of crisping, so give each twist breathing room on the baking sheet.
03 -
  • The puff pastry works best when it's completely thawed but still cold—find that sweet spot and your twists will puff gorgeously.
  • Don't fill the pastry too generously or the filling will leak out during baking, which sounds messy but actually just makes them look rustic and homemade.
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