Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels are a savory, cheesy appetizer with a spicy kick. These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapeños wrapped in flaky puff pastry, perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Step 5: Starting from one side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log.
6. Step 6: Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed.
9. Step 9: Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For less heat, use only one jalapeño or leave the seeds in for extra spice.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy flavor.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner option.
• Chill the rolled log in the fridge for 15 minutes before slicing to get cleaner pinwheels.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; just thaw fully before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing step, then refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. This helps maintain their shape and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use crescent roll dough as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels Recipe

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4.9 from 140 reviews

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels are a delicious and savory appetizer featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these pinwheels offer a delightful combination of spicy, cheesy, and smoky flavors.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

For Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases and create an even surface for the filling.
3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and crumbled cooked bacon until the mixture is well blended.
4. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out.
5. Roll Pastry: Starting from one side, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
6. Slice Pinwheels: Cut the rolled log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them spaced on the lined baking sheet.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to help give them a beautiful golden brown finish once baked.
8. Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Notes

• For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor or mild cheddar for a gentler taste.
• Ensure bacon is crisp before mixing to maintain texture without sogginess.
• Brushing with egg wash gives the pinwheels a shiny, golden crust; you can substitute with milk if preferred.
• These pinwheels can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Keywords: Jalapeño popper, bacon pinwheels, puff pastry appetizers, cheesy jalapeño snacks, party finger food