Jalapeño Popper Twists (Print Version)

Flaky golden pastry spirals filled with cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How To Make It:

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 - Roll out puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 8 strips, each about 2 inches wide.
04 - Spoon a line of filling onto one half of each pastry strip. Fold each strip over filling lengthwise, pressing gently to seal edges.
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 to 20 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
08 - Let cool slightly before serving warm for best flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The golden twisted pastry makes these look like you spent hours in the kitchen when really they come together in minutes
  • That creamy cheesy filling with jalapeño bits scattered throughout creates this irresistible texture everyone fights over
  • You can prep everything ahead and just bake when guests arrive, which is basically hosting gold
02 -
  • If your puff pastry starts getting too soft and sticky while you work, pop the whole sheet pan in the fridge for 10 minutes and continue cold
  • The twists will leak a little cheese during baking and that is completely normal so just embrace those crispy cheese edges
03 -
  • Work quickly with puff pastry because it becomes unmanageable when it warms up too much
  • Freeze unbaked twists on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes
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