Spicy Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer that combines puff pastry rolled with a creamy jalapeno popper filling, then baked to golden, flaky perfection. For added flavor, they’re brushed with garlic butter, making them an irresistible treat for your next party or gathering. Learn how to make these pinwheels in an air fryer for an extra twist! This recipe is a fun and spicy variation of my Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pinwheels.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry:
You will need one sheet of puff pastry for this recipe. Thaw according to package instructions. Alternatively, you can use a sheet of crescent roll dough.
Filling:
The filling consists of cream cheese, dry ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, jalapeno peppers, and cooked, crumbled bacon.
Garlic Butter:
For extra flavor, brush garlic butter over the tops of the baked pinwheels. Don’t skip this step! If you prefer, you can use a dip like jalapeno ranch dressing instead.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels in advance. Simply prepare the filling and spread it over the rolled-out dough. Roll the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake, up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, slice the log into equal-sized rounds and bake as directed. Brush the baked pinwheels with garlic butter.
Storing Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 cup (115g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and bacon. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry dough into a 9×12-inch (23x30cm) rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a ½ inch (1.3cm) border on the long edge.
- Wet the empty edge of the dough with water or a beaten egg to help it stick when rolled. Roll the dough into a tight log from the opposite long edge. Press gently along the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Brush the baked pinwheels with garlic butter and serve warm.
Notes
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels:
To make these pinwheels in an air fryer, first assemble the pinwheels as instructed. Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with garlic butter before serving. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model.
