Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Craving a snack that’s a little spicy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible? Look no further than Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels! These bite-sized beauties are loaded with the creamy, tangy filling of your favorite jalapeno poppers, wrapped up in a flaky, golden puff pastry. They’re the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an appetizer, or just indulging in a late-night snack, these pinwheels are sure to steal the show!

Why You’ll Love Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

Flavor Explosion

Packed with the savory goodness of cream cheese, jalapenos, and melted cheddar, these pinwheels are a true flavor explosion. They hit all the right notes: creamy, spicy, and cheesy—all wrapped up in a crispy, buttery puff pastry.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the fancy name fool you—these jalapeno popper pinwheels are actually super easy to whip up! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat.

Crowd-Pleaser

These pinwheels are the kind of snack that disappear in an instant. They’re a hit at parties, game nights, or just when you want to treat yourself to something delicious. You’ll love seeing how everyone goes for seconds (or thirds!).

Customizable Heat

Want more heat? Add extra jalapenos or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer it milder? Simply use fewer jalapenos or skip the seeds. You’re in control of the spice level!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These pinwheels are great for making ahead of time. Just assemble, freeze, and bake when you’re ready. You can even prepare them for a busy weeknight dinner and enjoy the crispy goodness in no time.

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels:

• Puff pastry sheets (store-bought for convenience, or homemade if you prefer)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh jalapenos (seeds removed for milder heat, or kept for extra spice)
• Cooked bacon (crumbled, optional but delicious!)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for brushing)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these mouthwatering Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pinwheels bake to golden perfection, with that beautiful flaky texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeno Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Finely chop your jalapenos (removing the seeds if you prefer less heat) and stir them into the cheese mixture. If you’re adding bacon, now’s the time to fold in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lay out your puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. If they’re too thick, you can gently roll them out with a rolling pin to get a thin, even layer. Spread the jalapeno and cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll up the puff pastry into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once rolled, slice the log into about 1-inch wide pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil

Brush the top of each pinwheel with a little olive oil. This will give them that perfect golden, crispy finish when they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re out of the oven, let the pinwheels cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness. They’re perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for an extra creamy bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 140
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 2% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

These pinwheels are absolutely delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them over the top:

With a Cool Dip

Pair these pinwheels with a cool, creamy dip like ranch dressing, sour cream, or blue cheese for a refreshing contrast to the spicy jalapenos. It’s a classic combo that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

As an Appetizer

These pinwheels are perfect for serving as an appetizer at your next gathering. Serve them with some fresh veggies, cheese platters, or other bite-sized appetizers to create a spread that your guests will love.

For a Quick Snack

Craving a little snack? These pinwheels are perfect for satisfying your hunger between meals. They’re savory, cheesy, and have just the right amount of kick.

With a Side Salad

If you want to make these pinwheels a full meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy pinwheels.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: These pinwheels can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them after slicing and bake them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Add Extra Heat: If you love extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. You can also use spicy jalapenos or add more of them for an even bigger kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and double the amount of jalapenos for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs a punch.
• Flaky Pastry Alternative: If puff pastry isn’t your thing, you can try using crescent roll dough for a softer texture or even tortilla wraps for a different spin on these pinwheels.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
A1: Yes! Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make these pinwheels without bacon?
A2: Absolutely! You can leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version. If you want to add some extra flavor, try using a bit of smoked paprika or onion powder instead.

Q3: Can I make these in advance?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze them and bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I make these without puff pastry?
A4: You could try using crescent roll dough or even pizza dough as a substitute for the puff pastry if you’re looking for a different texture.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore some crispness.

Q6: Can I use frozen jalapenos?
A6: You can use frozen jalapenos, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing into the filling. Fresh jalapenos will provide the best texture and flavor.

Q7: How can I make these milder?
A7: To make the pinwheels milder, simply remove the seeds from the jalapenos and use fewer of them. You can also substitute some of the jalapenos with sweet bell peppers for a less spicy option.

Q8: Can I serve these pinwheels with something other than ranch?
A8: Yes, you could serve them with a tangy blue cheese dip, creamy sour cream, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a little extra heat.

Q9: Can I bake these pinwheels without oil?
A9: While brushing the pinwheels with olive oil helps achieve that golden, crispy finish, you can skip the oil if you’d like. The pinwheels will still bake up nicely, but they might not have the same crispiness.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of pastry dough?
A10: Yes! You could use crescent roll dough, pie crust, or even tortillas if you’re looking for something different. Just keep in mind the texture and baking times might vary depending on what you choose.

Conclusion

These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are the perfect way to enjoy all the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeno poppers in a bite-sized, flaky package. With just the right amount of heat and cheesiness, they’re a snack you won’t be able to stop eating! Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging in a savory snack, these pinwheels are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

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