Ingredients
– 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry base for the twists; flaky layers when baked
– 1/4 cup cream cheese helps fillings stick and adds creaminess
– 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped provides tangy heat; or about four fresh jalapenos as a substitute
– 4 slices bacon, chopped adds smoky, salty flavor (can be added raw or cooked)
– 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated and divided sharp cheddar gives classic popper flavor
– 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated and divided nutty, melts well for depth
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided adds a crispy, salty finish
– 1 egg, whisked egg wash for glossy, golden twists
– 4 oz cream cheese (softened) alternate measurement mentioned in FAQ for a slightly richer filling
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar alternate cheddar amount from FAQ, useful if you like extra cheesy filling
– 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapenos (drained) alternate phrasing from FAQ
– Optional bacon bits alternative to full bacon slices for convenience
– Optional garlic powder for a subtle savory boost
Instructions
1-First Step: Mise en place
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) fan bake and line a large oven tray with parchment paper. If your puff pastry is chilled, let it sit for a few minutes so it is pliable but still cold. Gather the cream cheese, chopped jalapenos, cheeses, bacon, and the egg for a wash.
2-Second Step: Prepare the pastry base
Roll out the ready-rolled puff pastry slightly if you want a thinner sheet. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. This helps the filling stick and keeps the layers flavorful.
3-Third Step: Add the filling
Scatter the chopped pickled jalapenos and chopped bacon evenly over one half of the pastry right to the edges. If you’re using raw bacon, chopping it small helps it cook through in the final bake. Sprinkle half of each cheese – cheddar, Gruyere, and parmesan – over the jalapenos and bacon.
4-Fourth Step: Seal and cut
Fold the other half of the pastry over the toppings and gently press to seal along the folded edge. Mark and slice strips approximately 2cm wide along the folded edge. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts.
5-Fifth Step: Twist and finish
Twist each strip several times to form twisted straws, placing them on the lined tray with enough room to expand. Brush each straw with the whisked egg, then scatter the remaining cheddar, Gruyere, and parmesan on top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
6-Final Step: Bake and rest
1. Place the tray in the preheated 400°F (200°C) fan oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Rotate the tray halfway if your oven has hot spots.
2. Let the straws rest on the tray for 5 minutes to crisp up further, then transfer to a serving platter.
3. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauces if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧈 Use all-butter puff pastry rather than vegetable oil-based for better flavor
🥓 Adding raw bacon helps it stay inside the pastry when twisting, but cooked bacon can be used
🌶️ Adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the spice level according to taste
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 353
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 399.5mg
- Fat: 27.2g
- Saturated Fat: 9.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15.4g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 11.6g
- Cholesterol: 60.7mg