Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists for Game Night Recipe

Introduction

These Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are the perfect game night snack, combining flaky pastry with a cheesy, spicy filling. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests with their bold flavors and fun twisted shape.

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry or pizza dough for a heartier option
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (goat cheese can be used)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (mozzarella can be used)
• 2 medium sliced jalapenos, fresh or pickled
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or use fresh minced garlic for more flavor)
• 1 large egg for egg wash (or use milk for a vegan option)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder until creamy and well-blended.
3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thick, then cut into strips about 2 inches wide.
4. Step 4: Place a generous spoonful of the cheesy filling on one half of each pastry strip, fold over, and seal the edges tightly to prevent leakage.
5. Step 5: Carefully twist each sealed pastry strip into a spiral shape.
6. Step 6: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash or milk for a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the twists are puffed and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Seal the edges well to avoid filling leakage during baking.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
• Try swapping cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, stretchy filling.
• Use pizza dough instead of puff pastry if you prefer a chewy texture.

Storage

Store any leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These twists are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these twists vegan?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives, and use plant-based puff pastry and a milk wash instead of egg wash.

What can I use if I don’t like spicy jalapenos?

You can replace jalapenos with mild peppers or omit them and add herbs like chives or parsley for flavor without the heat.

Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists for Game Night Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 115 reviews

These Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are a perfect game night snack, combining creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and flaky puff pastry. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these twists offer a cheesy, spicy kick that will have everyone coming back for more.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 twists 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 package Puff Pastry or pizza dough for a heartier option

Filling

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened (goat cheese can be used)
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (mozzarella can be used)
• 2 medium Jalapenos, sliced (fresh or pickled)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for more flavor)

Finishing

• 1 large Egg, for egg wash (or use milk for vegan option)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
3. Roll Out Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into strips about 2 inches wide.
4. Add Filling and Seal: Place a generous spoonful of the creamy jalapeno cheese filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
5. Shape Twists: Carefully take each sealed pastry strip and twist it into a spiral or twist shape. This not only looks visually appealing but also helps evenly distribute the filling.
6. Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the twists evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each twist with the beaten egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown on top.

Notes

• Seal the edges well to prevent the cheesy filling from leaking out during baking.
• For an extra spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese filling mixture.
• Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
• Substitute puff pastry with pizza dough for a more bread-like texture.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based cream cheese and milk instead of egg wash.

Keywords: jalapeno popper twists, spicy appetizer, game night snack, cheesy jalapeno twists, puff pastry appetizers