Jalapeño Popper Twists

The first time I made these, my friend Sarah took one bite and literally stopped mid-conversation. That is when I knew these jalapeño popper twists were something special. The way the flaky pastry shatters against that creamy, spicy filling creates this perfect moment that makes everyone at the table go quiet for just a second before they reach for another.

Last Super Bowl, I made three batches and still ran out before halftime. My brother-in-law, who usually claims he does not like spicy food, kept casually wandering back to the kitchen until I caught him red-handed with his hand in the serving platter.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the filling more depth than mild cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños: Fresh ones have brighter flavor but pickled work beautifully too
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds an savory undertone that balances the heat
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results
• 1 large egg: The egg wash creates that gorgeous bakery-style shine

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the filling:

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then fold in cheddar, jalapeños, and garlic powder.

Prep the pastry:

Roll puff pastry to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 8 strips about 2 inches wide.

Fill and fold:

Spread filling down one half of each strip, fold over, and press edges to seal.

Twist and arrange:

Give each strip several twists to create spirals and place on the baking sheet.

Add the shine:

Beat the egg with a fork and brush generously over each twist.

Bake to golden:

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply golden and crisp.

Serve warm:

Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving.

Save

My daughter helped me twist the last batch once, and her imperfect spirals actually looked more rustic and charming than my careful ones. Sometimes the best moments in the kitchen are the ones you did not plan for.

Making Them Ahead

You can assemble these twists completely, freeze them on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 22 to 25 minutes, no thawing needed.

Spice Level Adjustments

For milder twists, scrape out the jalapeño seeds before slicing. Want more heat? Add a dash of cayenne to the filling or swap in some diced habanero.

Serving Suggestions

These disappear fastest with something cool and creamy on the side for dipping.

• Ranch dressing mixed with a squeeze of lime
• Sriracha mayo for extra creamy heat
• Sour cream with chopped fresh herbs

Save

Watch people's faces when they bite into that first warm, flaky, cheesy twist. That right there is why we cook.

Common Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the twists and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes before serving to restore crispiness.

→ How spicy are these jalapeño popper twists?

They offer mild to medium heat depending on your jalapeños. Pickled jalapeños provide milder flavor, while fresh ones deliver more spice. Remove seeds for less heat.

→ What dipping sauces work best?

Ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli complement the creamy filling perfectly. For extra heat, try chipotle sauce or jalapeño jelly.

→ Can I use different cheese varieties?

Absolutely. Pepper jack adds more spice, smoked gouda brings depth, or try Mexican blend for a flavor twist. Keep the total cheese amount the same.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to regain the flaky texture.

→ Can I freeze these twists?

Freeze assembled uncooked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 22-25 minutes, adding a few extra minutes.