Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy and spicy appetizer perfect for game days or gatherings. These flaky puff pastry treats combine creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and zesty jalapenos for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
• 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos, and crumbled bacon. Set aside.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 9×12-inch rectangle.
4. Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½ inch border on one long edge.
5. Step 5: Moisten the empty border with a little water or beaten egg to help seal the roll. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Press gently along the seam to secure.
6. Step 6: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed.
8. Step 8: Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter by heating melted butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra kick, leave some jalapeno seeds in the mixture or substitute with a hotter pepper.
• Swap out bacon for cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and spreading.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels can also be frozen before baking; slice and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing stage and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked and bake straight from frozen when ready.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use crescent roll dough for a softer, less flaky texture, but the flavor and flakiness will be different.

Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe

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4.5 from 133 reviews

These Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, and bacon wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Baked until golden and brushed with a savory garlic butter, they offer a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and buttery flavors that make them ideal for parties or snacks.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
• 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Puff Pastry & Assembly

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions

Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pinwheels.
2. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, dry ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, finely diced jalapenos, and crumbled cooked bacon. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
3. Roll out puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry into a 9×12-inch (23×30 cm) rectangle to create an even surface for spreading the filling.
4. Spread filling over dough: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the puff pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border on one of the long edges to help seal the roll.
5. Roll the puff pastry into a log: Lightly wet the empty border edge with water or beaten egg to act as glue. Starting from the opposite long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Press along the seam gently to seal it.
6. Slice into pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces to create individual pinwheels.
7. Bake the pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Prepare garlic butter: While the pinwheels bake, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter is melted and fragrant.
9. Brush pinwheels with garlic butter and serve: When the pinwheels are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush generously with the warm garlic butter. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For less heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before dicing.
• You can substitute the mild cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice.
• Ensure the puff pastry is thawed properly to avoid tearing during rolling.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the log to maintain neat, even pinwheels.
• Pinwheels are best served warm but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, pinwheels, appetizer, jalapeno, cream cheese, puff pastry, bacon, party snack, savory snack