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Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery puff pastry twist filled with gooey melted cheese and a kick of jalapeño heat. These Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists are the ultimate snack—crispy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something delicious, trust me, you’re going to love these!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists
These twists are about more than just amazing flavor—they’re about fun, easy snacking! Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Crispy & Buttery: Thanks to the magic of puff pastry, every bite is flaky and golden.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese oozes between the layers, making them irresistibly savory.
- Just the Right Heat: Jalapeños add a spicy kick, but you can adjust them to your preference.
- Quick & Easy: With store-bought puff pastry, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party treat—they always disappear fast!
Ingredients in Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists
Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously cheesy twists:
- Puff Pastry: The star of the show! Buttery, flaky, and so easy to work with.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect combo of sharpness and stretchiness.
- Jalapeños: Freshly sliced for a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
- Egg Wash: Helps give that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and a pinch of salt enhance the flavor.
- Butter (Optional): A light brush of melted butter takes them to the next level.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these cheesy, flaky, and spicy delights:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Add the Filling: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over one half of the pastry, then scatter jalapeño slices on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt for extra flavor.
Fold & Press: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and gently press down. Use a rolling pin to lightly seal the layers together.
Cut Into Strips: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into strips about 1-inch wide.
Twist the Strips: Hold each end of a strip and twist in opposite directions to create a spiral shape.
Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush each twist with beaten egg to help it turn golden brown as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in! Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a creamy queso dip.
How to Serve Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists
These twists are so versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:
- Dipping Fun: Pair them with ranch, spicy salsa, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Game Day Snack: Perfect for serving at a party or while watching the big game.
- Brunch Addition: Add them to a breakfast or brunch spread for a cheesy, spicy kick.
- Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside tomato soup or a creamy chowder for a crispy contrast.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the pastry chilled until ready to use for the best texture.
- Go Easy on the Jalapeños: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds or use milder peppers.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or parmesan for new flavors.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and freeze before baking for an easy snack anytime!
- Reheat for Crispiness: Pop leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble the twists, freeze them on a tray, then bake straight from frozen.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A3: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q4: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A4: Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade pastry will make them even more special.
Q5: Can I add extra toppings?
A5: Yes! Try adding crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.
Q6: What other dips go well with these?
A6: They’re amazing with honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even a cheesy queso dip.
Q7: Can I make these without egg wash?
A7: Yes, but they won’t get as golden. A little melted butter can be a good alternative.
Q8: What if I don’t have fresh jalapeños?
A8: You can use pickled jalapeños or swap in red pepper flakes for a different kind of heat.
Q9: How do I make them extra crispy?
A9: Bake them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet so air circulates all around.
Q10: Can I use a different type of dough?
A10: Yes! Crescent roll dough or pizza dough can work, but the texture will be different.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists are the perfect combination of flaky, cheesy, and spicy—everything you want in a fun, shareable snack! Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Twists
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 straws 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy, cheesy jalapeno popper-inspired puff pastry twists are an easy and impressive appetizer! Layers of cream cheese, pickled jalapenos, salami, and three cheeses are sandwiched in flaky puff pastry, twisted, and baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or snacking!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
- 4 slices salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated (divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 1 egg, whisked
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) fan bake and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet (keep it on the parchment it comes with). If needed, lightly roll it out a bit more to expand.
2. Top the Pastry
- Spread the cream cheese evenly over the entire surface.
- On half of the pastry, evenly scatter the chopped jalapenos and salami.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar, Gruyere, and parmesan over the jalapenos and salami.
3. Slice and Twist the Straws
- Fold the bare half of the pastry over the topped section and press lightly to seal.
- Mark 2cm (¾-inch) wide sections along the folded edge. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice into strips.
- Carefully twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking tray. Some filling may fall out—just tuck it back in.
4. Add Cheese and Bake
- Brush the pastry twists with whisked egg and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep the twists up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Substitutions: Swap pickled jalapenos for fresh ones or try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta.