These jalapeno popper pastry bites have all the classic ingredients we love in jalapeno poppers – spicy jalapenos, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions – all nestled in the center of bite-size puff pastry pinwheels that are twisted and baked to flaky, golden perfection. The perfect appetizer or snack everyone will enjoy.
Who says pastries have to be sweet? I know that’s how we get them most of the time from bakeries, but I like to switch things up. That’s why I love making these savory pastry bites loaded with jalapeno popper filling. They’re a delicious, savory twist on pastries that I’ve been serving as appetizers for years. These little bites are absolutely perfect, especially for parties or game day.
Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bites
These savory, spicy bites start with a puff pastry dough that I twist and wrap into pinwheels. Then, I top them with a jalapeno popper filling made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapenos, green onions, and zesty spices for huge flavor and a kick of heat. I bake them until golden brown and then watch them disappear! They’re ready in just about 35 minutes MAX, and everyone loves them. The puff pastry base is a wonderful change of pace from traditional jalapeno poppers, and it gives an extra layer of flavor that’s excellent.
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bite Recipe
- These bites combine all the beloved flavors of a jalapeno popper in one perfect bite-size package, and the puff pastry adds another layer of flavor with its buttery richness.
- They are easy to eat and pop in your mouth. The pinwheel design adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for casual gatherings, parties, potlucks, or a midday snack.
- They take the classic jalapeno popper concept and give it a fun twist with the puff pastry pinwheel.
- This unexpected presentation is sure to impress your guests and make these a memorable appetizer that will be requested time and time again.
Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bite Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients found in your kitchen or local grocery store to make these simple pastry bites.
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is twisted and wrapped to form a pinwheel base for the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the cool, creamy base for the bold popper filling.
- Bacon: Bacon adds crunch and a salty, smoky flavor to the filling.
- Jalapenos: Their bold flavor is the hallmark of jalapeno poppers. It’s right in the name!
- Seasoning: The filling is seasoned with bold spices to create an even bigger punch of flavor.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bites
Making these bites is a simple, straightforward process the requires very little effort. It only takes a limited knowledge of cooking to make these, and even if you’ve never cooked, you should still be able to make them relatively easily.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Then, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 3: Cook the Jalapenos
Add the jalapenos to the same pan and cook over medium heat until tender. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Beat the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. Then, add the seasonings and beat again. Finally, add the jalapenos, green onions, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese and stir until fully combined.
Step 5: Make the Pinwheels
Cut each pastry strip into 16 long strips. Then, twist each strip to make a braid. Place the end of one of the braids on the parchment paper and wrap it around itself to form a pinwheel. Repeat until all the braided strips are used.
Step 6: Add the Filling
Add a spoonful of the jalapeno popper mixture to the center of each pinwheel.
Step 7: Bake
Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl. Then, brush it over the pastries. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Always cook your bacon on medium heat. This allows it to get crispy without burning.
- Unless you like really spicy food, remove all the jalapeno seeds. Those are the hottest part.
- Fully soften your cream cheese for the richest, creamiest possible filling.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and NEVER touch your face when handling hot peppers.
Variations
- Try Hatch chiles for poppers that are a little more mellow.
- You can use turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, and low-fat cheddar cheese for a reduced-calorie version of this recipe.
- Use your favorite bacon for this recipe. They all work well!
What to Serve With Jalapeno Popper Puff Pastry Bites
Serve these bites with all the same dipping sauces you’d use for traditional jalapeno poppers.
- Ranch
- Bleu cheese dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard sauce
- Your favorite
Recipe FAQ
These are best when fresh from the oven. However, you can make the filling ahead of time and continue with the recipe as directed later in the day or the next day.
Puff pastry is usually used to make pies, tarts, and canapes. However, many people also use it for dishes like pot pies, as well.
Thawed puff pastry will last for 2 days in the refrigerator.
You can refrigerate these poppers for up to 4 days.
You sure can! They’ll last for up to a month when frozen correctly.
How to Store and Reheat Bite-Size Jalapeno Popper Pastries
Place these jalapeno popper pastry bites in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat the bites, place them on a plate and microwave at 30-second intervals until heated through.
Try This Delicious Jalapeno Popper Puff Pastry Bite Recipe Today
These jalapeno puff pastry bites are loaded with the classic flavors of jalapeno poppers along with the buttery flavor and flaky texture of puff pastry. It’s a delicious marriage of poppers and pastries that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds. You might even have to make a double batch. That’s okay because it’s also super easy. Give this one a try, and I know it will become your new favorite party food.
More Delicious Jalapeno Recipes You’ll Enjoy
These Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs are made with jalapeno poppers wrapped in boneless skinless chicken breasts, then wrapped with bacon, and smoked to perfection! A delicious appetizer or full meal.
Jalapeno Popper Pastry Bites
Ingredients
Jalapeno Popper Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 jalapeños, seeds and stems removed, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5-6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry sheets
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Jalapeno Popper Filling
- In a small frying pan, heat oil over medium heat and add jalapeños. Cook until jalapeños are tender. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Sprinkle in seasonings and beat until mixed well.
- Add jalapeños, green onions, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Using a spatula, mix well until fully combined.
Pastry
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into 16 long strips of pastry.
- Twist the strip until it forms a braided piece.
- Place one end of the long, twisted strip down onto the parchment paper and wrap the dough around it, starting in the center and creating a pinwheel base.
- Add a spoonful of jalapeno popper mixture to the center of each pastry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water.
- Brush each pastry with egg wash and bake for 15-17 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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