Alright, let’s talk about a game-changing appetizer: Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels! Picture this: a crispy, golden pastry swirled with a creamy, spicy filling that will have your taste buds dancing. These little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of heat, cheese, and crunch—trust me, they’re going to be your new favorite snack.
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The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make while still packing a punch of flavor. Whether you’re throwing a party, looking for a fun appetizer for a family dinner, or just in the mood for something cheesy and spicy, these jalapeño popper pinwheels check all the boxes. Ready to dive in?
Why You’ll Love Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your cravings—it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own or sharing with friends and family, these pinwheels are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal! You can serve these as part of a party spread or enjoy them on a cozy night in.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, but the result feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. No need to splurge for something amazing—this recipe proves you can get restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: The beauty of these pinwheels is in their simplicity. With just a few steps, you’ll have an irresistible dish ready to go. Even beginner cooks will feel like pros!
Customizable: Love things extra spicy? Add more jalapeños. Want to tame the heat a little? Go for a milder pepper. These pinwheels are all about making them your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a party, game day, or a weeknight dinner, these pinwheels will disappear faster than you can say “jalapeño popper.”
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these pinwheels—they’re made with just a handful of ingredients, but every bite bursts with flavor. Let’s break it down:
Pastry Base:
- Puff pastry
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s jump into the steps to create this spicy, cheesy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This will give your pinwheels that perfect golden, crispy texture.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the chopped jalapeños (and bacon bits, if you’re using them) and stir to combine.
Roll Out the Pastry: Unroll your puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire sheet of pastry, making sure to cover it well.
Shape the Pinwheels: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Once it’s fully rolled up, slice it into even pinwheels, about 1-inch thick.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, or just eat them on their own—they’re amazing either way.
How to Serve Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
These pinwheels are super versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
Dipping Sauces: Pair them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo for that extra flavor boost.
Fresh Veggies: A side of crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber can balance out the heat from the jalapeños.
Guacamole: Serve them with a side of guacamole for that creamy, cool contrast to the spicy filling.
As a Meal: These pinwheels can also be served alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger spread with other appetizers.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure these pinwheels turn out perfectly every time:
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the pinwheels in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy days or when you have guests coming over.
Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a huge fan of spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or go for a milder pepper variety. You can even add a little cream cheese to cool things down!
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Double the Batch: If you’re serving a crowd, you might want to make a double batch. These pinwheels disappear quickly!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can! Try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor and texture to the pinwheels.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead appetizer.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Q4: Can I freeze these pinwheels?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Just assemble them, slice, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q5: Can I make these vegetarian?
A5: Of course! Just leave out the bacon, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian version that still has plenty of flavor.
Q6: Can I use pre-made pastry dough?
A6: Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry or even crescent roll dough if you’re in a pinch.
Q7: How can I make these spicier?
A7: If you like things extra spicy, add more jalapeños, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
Q8: Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?
A8: Yes, pickled jalapeños will add a nice tangy flavor, though they might be a bit milder than fresh jalapeños. Just chop them up and use them the same way.
Q9: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A9: The pinwheels should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re still a little pale, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are the ultimate snack that combines bold flavors with irresistible crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick, tasty bite, these pinwheels will never let you down. Get ready for your new favorite go-to appetizer—these are sure to disappear fast!
Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Everything you love about jalapeno poppers wrapped up in a crispy puff pastry pinwheel! These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese – the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
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4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
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1/3 cup diced pickled jalapeños
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon seasoned salt
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1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
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1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
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1/3 cup cooked, chopped bacon
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Pickled jalapeno slices (for topping, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare puff pastry: Unroll 1 sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Ensure seams are pinched closed. Set aside.
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Make the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, diced pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, poultry seasoning (if using), and chili powder (if using). Mix until smooth.
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Add chicken and cheese: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth.
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Spread the filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border on the sides.
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Add bacon: Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
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Roll and chill: Roll the pastry sheet into a log, lengthwise. Optionally, place the log in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice.
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Cut and top: Using a serrated knife, cut the log into 12 even pieces. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each piece with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and top with pickled jalapeno slices (optional).
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Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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You can swap the cooked chicken for turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
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If you want extra heat, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
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For an extra crispy edge, brush the pinwheels with a little melted butter before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg