Description
These Ultimate Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, chopped pickled jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Perfect for game day or party finger food, they bake up golden and puffed, offering a perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pinwheel Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Puff Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack cheeses, chopped pickled jalapeños, crumbled cooked bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed sheet of puff pastry. Spread the jalapeño and cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to help seal the roll.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Brush the edge with the beaten egg wash to seal the roll securely and prevent it from unrolling during baking.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the remaining beaten egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For more heat, substitute pickled jalapeños with fresh jalapeños.
- You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time and freeze them before baking; thaw slightly before baking as directed.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetarian bacon or omit the bacon altogether.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
