Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists for Game Night Recipe

Introduction

These Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are the perfect game night snack, combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy filling. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to disappear quickly once served.

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 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 softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, 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.
5. Step 5: Carefully twist each sealed pastry strip into a spiral shape.
6. Step 6: Arrange the twists on the baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the twists are puffed and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hotter chili peppers instead of jalapenos.
• Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a different spicy twist.
• If using pizza dough, roll it thinner to ensure even baking and flakiness.
• Brush with milk instead of egg wash for a dairy-free or vegan-friendly version.

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 maintain crispness. These are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking and cooked from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the twists and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then store in a freezer bag and bake from frozen later.

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

You can substitute jalapenos with milder peppers like banana peppers or roasted red peppers to reduce the heat while retaining great flavor.

Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists for Game Night Recipe

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These Irresistibly Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists are the perfect game night snack combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy, cheesy jalapeno filling. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they offer a delightful spicy kick balanced by sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese. Whether you choose traditional puff pastry or pizza dough for a heartier twist, these savory twists are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Rita
• 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

Dough

• 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 Sliced Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for more flavor)

Egg Wash

• 1 large Egg (for egg wash, or milk as a vegan alternative)

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 softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Mix well until creamy and fully blended to create a flavorful filling.
3. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips approximately 2 inches wide to form the base for your twists.
4. Add Filling and Seal: Place a generous spoonful of the cheesy jalapeno filling on one half of each pastry strip. Fold the other half over the filling and carefully press the edges together to seal tightly, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Twist the Pastry: Gently twist each sealed pastry strip into a spiral shape, arranging them so the filling layers are visible and evenly distributed.
6. Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked. For a vegan option, use milk instead.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the twists have puffed up and turned golden brown, indicating they are crispy and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a milder flavor, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds before slicing.
• Substitute cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier filling.
• Pizza dough can be used instead of puff pastry for a heartier texture.
• Egg wash can be replaced with milk for a vegan-friendly alternative, though browning may be less vibrant.
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
• These twists can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

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