Warm, cheesy, and a little spicy, these Jalapeno Popper Twists are a fast crowd-pleaser. Soft cream cheese and sharp cheddar fill flaky crescent dough, with fresh jalapeños adding a bright heat. They bake to a golden, crispy exterior and ooze cheesy goodness when you bite in. If you love jalapeño poppers, you might also enjoy a heartier take like these Beef Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls recipe for another party-friendly option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 twists
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (1 twist):
- Calories per serving: 210 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
Why Make This Jalapeno Popper Twists
These twists are quick to make and travel well. They pair creamy, tangy cheese with a peppery bite and a flaky crust. They smell buttery as they bake and have a crunchy outside with a soft, melty center. They work as an appetizer, snack, or game-day finger food. You can make them ahead and warm them before serving, which makes hosting easier.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Twists
Follow simple steps to build the filling, assemble the twists, and bake until golden. The recipe uses common pantry spices and fresh jalapeños for real flavor. Work quickly when filling the dough so the pastry stays cold and becomes flaky in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. If your crescent dough is cold, let it sit for 5 minutes so it is easy to unroll but still cool.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Cooking
Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface and cut it into triangles (use the pre-scored lines if present). Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Roll each triangle up toward the point, tucking the filling slightly as you go to form a twist. Place the filled twists seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Finishing
Lightly spray the tops of the twists with cooking spray for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then serve warm.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Twists
Serve warm on a platter for parties or family snacks. They pair well with ranch dressing, cool sour cream, or a simple cilantro-lime dipping sauce. For a main-meal feel, serve alongside a fresh salad or tomato soup. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color and aroma.
How to Store Jalapeno Popper Twists
- Room temperature: Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 2 hours only (cheese can sweat).
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to crisp the outside.
- Freezer: Freeze baked twists in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Popper Twists
- Use cold dough: Keeping the crescent dough cool helps it puff and flake when baked.
- Remove seeds for milder heat: Scoop out seeds and membranes from jalapeños if you prefer less spice. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Dry the peppers: Pat chopped jalapeños dry to avoid watery filling.
- Even filling: Spoon equal amounts of filling to ensure consistent baking.
- Crisp finish: A light brush of melted butter or a quick spray before baking gives a lovely golden color.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking to save time on party day.
Delicious Variations
- Bacon Cheddar Twist: Add 4 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese mix for smoky flavor.
- Spicy Pepper Mix: Swap 1 jalapeño for a chopped serrano for more heat.
- Veggie Twist: Add finely diced red bell pepper and green onion for color and crunch.
- Herb & Garlic: Mix in 1 tbsp chopped chives and 1 tsp fresh minced garlic for a fresh twist.
- Puff pastry version: Use puff pastry squares instead of crescent dough for extra flakiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, though freshly shredded cheddar melts a bit smoother and tastes fresher. -
Q: How spicy are these with 4–6 jalapeños?
A: Heat varies by pepper. Using 4 medium jalapeños yields mild-to-medium heat. Remove seeds and membranes for mild. Use more peppers or keep seeds for more kick. -
Q: Can I make these vegetarian or gluten-free?
A: For vegetarian, the recipe already is (no meat). For gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent-style dough. Check labels on spices and cheese for hidden gluten. -
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Let them rest at room temp 10 minutes before baking if very cold. -
Q: Why did my twists become soggy?
A: Sogginess can come from wet peppers or overfilling. Pat peppers dry, use measured filling, and ensure oven is fully preheated for quick baking. -
Q: How do I reheat leftover twists so they stay crispy?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp the exterior without drying the filling. -
Q: Can I freeze before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze assembled twists on a tray until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Jalapeno Popper Twists are a simple, tasty way to bring big flavor to any table. They bake quickly, travel well, and offer a satisfying mix of crunchy pastry and melty cheese with a peppery zip. For another puff-pastry-inspired take on poppers, try this detailed recipe for Jalapeño Popper Puff Pastry Twists – BRIGHT MOMENT CO.. Give them a try — they are sure to disappear fast.
Print
Jalapeno Popper Twists
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, cheesy, and a little spicy, these Jalapeno Popper Twists are a fast crowd-pleaser filled with cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–6 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface and cut it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Roll each triangle up toward the point, tucking the filling slightly to form a twist.
- Lightly spray the tops of the twists with cooking spray for a golden finish. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let sit for 2–3 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
These twists can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds and membranes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
