Jalapeño Popper Twists (Printable)

Golden flaky pastry twisted around creamy jalapeño cheese filling for a zesty appetizer.

# 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 - Combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
03 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 8 strips, each 2 inches wide.
04 - Spoon filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold strip over filling lengthwise and press edges gently to seal.
05 - Carefully twist each filled strip several times to create spiral shape. Place on prepared baking sheet.
06 - Beat egg and brush tops of twists with egg wash for glossy finish.
07 - Bake for 15-20 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
08 - Let cool slightly. Serve warm for best flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of creamy filling and flaky puff pastry creates that perfect hot appetizer that disappears from the platter
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something from a fancy bakery
02 -
  • If your puff pastry starts getting warm and sticky while you are working, pop the whole thing in the freezer for 5 minutes and start again
  • The twists will puff up significantly in the oven, so do not be alarmed if they look small going in
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter to slice your puff pastry strips, it gives you much cleaner edges than a knife
  • Twist gently but firmly, because over twisting can cause the filling to squeeze out the sides
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