Pin it The first time I made these twists for a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally stopped mid conversation and said, what IS in these? I had to double the recipe for the next quarter because they disappeared in minutes. Something about that combination of flaky pastry and creamy jalapeño filling makes people forget all their table manners.
I actually discovered the secret to getting them extra golden by accident once when I got distracted making cocktails and let my oven preheat way too long. They came out looking like restaurant quality, and now I always let the oven get really hot before they go in. My brother in law still talks about those ones from Thanksgiving two years ago.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese: Make sure it is completely softened to room temperature or you will end up with lumpy filling and nobody wants that
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: The sharpness cuts through all that creaminess so do not swap for mild cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños: Fresh ones give you more heat but pickled add this nice tangy brightness that works beautifully
- 1 tsp garlic powder: This little bit of savory depth ties everything together perfectly
- 1 sheet puff pastry: Thaw it completely but keep it cold, working with warm puff pastry is honestly a nightmare
- 1 large egg: The egg wash is what gives you that gorgeous bakery shine that makes people think you bought them
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper because you do not want to deal with stuck on cheese later
- Make the filling:
- Mix everything until totally smooth, I use a fork and spend extra time mashing any cream cheese lumps against the bowl
- Prep the pastry:
- Roll out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 8 strips, a pizza cutter makes this so much easier than a knife
- Fill and fold:
- Pile filling onto one half of each strip then fold over and press edges together gently but firmly
- Create the twist:
- Twist each strip several times, the filling might peek through a bit and that is actually kind of pretty
- Add the shine:
- Beat that egg and brush it all over the tops, do not skip this step because it makes such a difference in how they look
- Bake to golden:
- 15 to 20 minutes until you see that perfect deep golden brown color
- Let them rest:
- Cool for just a few minutes because that filling gets molten hot and we want to keep all our friends safe
Pin it Last New Years Eve I made three batches back to back because we kept running out. Watching everyone reach past the vegetable platter again and again for these twists made me realize sometimes the simplest appetizers are the ones people actually want. My cousin who claims she hates spicy food ate four and asked for the recipe.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these twists completely, freeze them on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen solid. Bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes. I learned this when I was hosting a baby shower and could not handle last minute prep with a newborn.
Cheese Swaps
Pepper jack takes these to a whole new level of spicy while smoked gouda adds this incredible smoky depth that pairs so well with the jalapeños. Sometimes I do half sharp cheddar and half something fun just to keep people guessing.
Serving Ideas
Ranch dressing is classic but sriracha mixed into mayo creates this spicy creamy situation that sends these over the top. Crumbled bacon on top adds crunch and makes them feel even more indulgent.
- Set up a little dipping station with two or three sauce options
- Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top right before serving
- Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if your party runs long
Pin it These twists have become my go to whenever I need to feed a crowd because they never fail to disappear. Hope they become a staple in your house too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the twists completely, then refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve, adding 2–3 extra minutes if baking cold.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness—microwaving will make the pastry soggy.
- → Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Absolutely! Fresh jalapeños will have a brighter, grassier flavor and slightly more heat. Remove seeds and membranes for milder flavor, or leave them in if you love extra spice.
- → What other cheeses work well?
Pepper jack adds more heat, smoked gouda brings depth, or try Monterey Jack for milder flavor. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for proper filling consistency.
- → Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes! Freeze assembled, egg-washed twists on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 22–25 minutes.