Easy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy, cheesy appetizers with jalapeño and bacon wrapped in golden puff pastry.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy & Cheese
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables
03 - 2–3 medium fresh jalapeños, seeds removed, finely diced
→ Meats (optional)
04 - 4 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped (omit for vegetarian)
→ Pantry
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pastry
08 - 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
→ Egg Wash
09 - 1 large egg, beaten
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, bacon (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
04 - Starting from the opposite long side, tightly roll up the pastry into a log. Pinch the edge to seal.
05 - Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
06 - Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg.
07 - Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
08 - Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The puff pastry creates these impossibly flaky layers that everyone fights over
- You can prep them hours ahead and bake when guests arrive
02 -
- Work quickly with the puff pastry once it's unfolded, or it becomes sticky and difficult to handle
- A sharp knife is essential for clean slices that don't squish the log
03 -
- Freeze the uncooked sliced pinwheels on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for bake-from-frozen convenience
- Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cuts