Description
These Savory Jalapeño Popper Danish pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy, spicy filling of cream cheese, jalapeños, and melty cheeses, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack with a delightful blend of textures and a bit of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 10 frozen puff pastry squares, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling and Topping
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Granulated garlic, to taste
- 4–6 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
- Shape Puff Pastry: Take each thawed puff pastry square and fold it corner to corner. Then make two slits on each side to create the signature Danish ‘kite’ shape. Arrange each shaped piece onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Filling and Toppings: Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg wash to enhance browning. Spread a layer of softened cream cheese in the center of each pastry square. Season the cream cheese with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic according to your taste. Next, layer the thinly sliced jalapeños atop the cream cheese, followed by sprinkling on the shredded Colby Jack cheese, the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, and lastly, add a generous sprinkling of panko bread crumbs on top for crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the pastries turn golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold for easier handling and better puff.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
- For a crispier topping, brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash as well before baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs add crunch but can be omitted if you prefer a softer topping.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain flakiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
