Name: Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Get ready to fall in love with Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels – a mouthwatering fusion of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flaky flavors that’s just begging to be shared. Perfect for game day, a lively get-together, or a cozy night in, these pinwheels take everything you adore about jalapeno poppers and wrap it in buttery puff pastry for one seriously irresistible bite. Each swirl is packed with savory bacon, melty cheese, and a gentle kick of jalapeno, making them a go-to appetizer that’ll have friends and family hovering over the tray for seconds. Trust me, after one taste, these Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels will firmly claim a place among your favorite party snacks.

Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels is how each ingredient shines through with its own role. From the rich cheeses to the spicy jalapenos, these simple kitchen staples come together to create a snack that’s both easy to make and packed with character.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The base of our pinwheels, it bakes up golden and crisp, perfectly encasing the creamy filling.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings dreamy richness and holds the filling together for a luscious bite.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, classic flavor and that tantalizing cheese pull.
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Extra melty and mild; balances the sharpness of the cheddar and smooths the heat from the jalapeno.
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped: The co-star, delivering a pop of color and gentle spice; leave the seeds in if you want extra fire.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Smoky, savory, and totally crave-worthy; pre-cooked bacon bits can save time in a pinch.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle punch of savory depth.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors so each bite is perfectly seasoned.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives that bakery-style golden sheen on top for serious snack curb appeal.

How to Make Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s piping hot and ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels release easily and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until you’ve got a thick, evenly-mixed filling studded with green flecks of jalapeno and crisp bacon. This luxurious mixture is the secret to the pinwheels’ signature flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Place your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Roll it lightly if needed to even out the dough. Puff pastry is surprisingly forgiving, and you want an even layer so all your pinwheels bake at the same lovely rate.

Step 4: Spread and Roll

Gently spread the cream cheese mixture across your pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. Working from one end, roll the sheet into a tight log. The tighter the roll, the prettier your pinwheels will be when sliced.

Step 5: Slice into Pinwheels

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 1/2-inch pieces. Be careful not to press down too hard – a gentle sawing motion helps keep the pinwheels’ spiral shape.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Arrange the pinwheels cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with beaten egg – this is the trick to that gorgeous golden finish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden, then let them cool slightly so the cheese sets up just enough to make them easy to pick up.

How to Serve Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or cilantro adds color and a pop of freshness right before serving. You can also dust with a pinch of smoked paprika for added warmth and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels pair well with crisp veggie sticks, a light side salad, or a chilled ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking. For a heartier spread, try setting them out with sliders or wings on your game day table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the pinwheels on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies for a festive appetizer platter. Stack them onto skewers for easy party munching or add toothpicks with fun toppers for a playful touch at kids’ parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, though the puff pastry is at its flakiest on day one.

Freezing

You can freeze these pinwheels either before or after baking. For best results, freeze the sliced, unbaked pinwheels on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. Baked pinwheels can also be frozen and reheated later.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 6–8 minutes, or until warm and crisp. This helps revive the flaky pastry and gooey center better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to the slicing stage a day ahead, refrigerate, and then bake fresh when guests arrive. This makes party prep so much less stressful.

How can I make these vegetarian?

Simply leave out the bacon and you’ll still have wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and spicy pinwheels that everyone can enjoy.

Are Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels very spicy?

They have a gentle heat thanks to seeded jalapenos, but you can control the spice by leaving the seeds in for extra kick, or replace jalapenos with milder peppers if you prefer.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?

Leave a border when spreading the filling, don’t overstuff the roll, and make sure to pinch the seam shut. Chilling the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing also helps the pinwheels hold their shape.

Can I use store-bought bacon bits?

Yes! Pre-cooked bacon bits are a great time-saver and work beautifully in this recipe, just be sure they’re real bacon for that signature smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels from the oven and watching everyone dive in. If you’re looking for a can’t-miss appetizer, or just want to treat yourself, these spicy, cheesy spirals are a guaranteed hit. Give them a spin soon – your taste buds will thank you!

Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12–15 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a spicy and savory appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Puff pastry is filled with a creamy mixture of cheeses, jalapeños, and bacon, then rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
Roll Out Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface.
Add Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pastry, leaving a border. Roll the pastry tightly into a log.
Slice and Bake: Slice the log into pinwheels, place them on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.