Name: Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American party food
Ingredients: Puff pastry sheets (thawed); Cream cheese (softened); Shredded cheddar cheese; Pickled jalapeños (chopped) or fresh jalapeños (finely diced); Garlic powder; Onion powder; Salt and pepper; Egg (for egg wash); Optional: green onions or chives for garnish

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Jalapeño popper puff pastry twists are one of my favorite party snacks to make when I want something bold, cheesy, and seriously fun to eat. They’ve got all the flavors of a classic jalapeño popper—creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, melty cheddar—wrapped up in golden, flaky puff pastry and twisted into a snackable spiral that disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and always a hit. The puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, the filling is gooey and flavorful, and I don’t have to deep-fry anything to get that jalapeño popper fix. Whether I’m hosting or just snacking, these twists always bring the heat and the crunch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
Cream cheese (softened)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Pickled jalapeños (chopped) or fresh jalapeños (finely diced)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Egg (for egg wash)
Optional: green onions or chives for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and spices in a bowl until smooth.
I roll out the puff pastry sheet and spread the filling evenly over one half.
I fold the sheet over to sandwich the filling, then press lightly to seal.
I cut the filled pastry into strips, then twist each strip a few times and place them on the baking sheet.
I brush the twists with egg wash for a golden finish.
I bake for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
I cool slightly before serving, and sometimes sprinkle with chopped green onions for color.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 twists.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for different cheese profiles.
For extra spice, I use fresh jalapeños with the seeds left in.
I make a version with scallions and smoked paprika for a smoky, savory twist.
I’ve also made them bite-sized for easier party serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warm and crispy again. I avoid the microwave—it makes the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble the twists and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours. Then I bake them just before serving.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. I freeze the unbaked twists on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. I bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Are they really spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños I use. Pickled ones are usually mild; fresh ones (especially with seeds) bring more kick.

Can I use store-bought crescent dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, though the texture is different. Puff pastry gives a crisp, flaky bite, while crescent dough is softer and breadier.

What can I serve these with?

I usually serve them on their own, but they’re great with ranch, sour cream, or even a spicy dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Jalapeño popper puff pastry twists are my go-to when I want something spicy, cheesy, and impossible to resist. They come together quickly, look impressive, and always fly off the tray at any gathering. Whether I’m making a snack for game day or bringing something to a potluck, these never let me down.