Introduction

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any party or snack time. These flaky, golden puff pastry pinwheels combine cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh jalapeños for a flavorful bite that’s sure to impress.

The image shows round puff pastries arranged on a baking tray with a golden brown and flaky outer crust. Each pastry is made of multiple light, thin, flaky layers forming a spiral shape. In the center of each spiral, there is a green slice of zucchini topped with small pieces of crispy, browned bacon and melted cheese, creating a mix of yellowish-white and brown colors. The pastries have a shiny, glossy finish from a glaze, and the tray sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, leave a few jalapeño seeds in the mix or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Substitute cooked sausage or ham for bacon to change up the flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different cheesy kick.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to easily mix with the other ingredients.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

A group of baked spiraled rolls on a slightly wrinkled baking sheet, each roll showing multiple layers of golden-brown dough swirled with melted cheese and bits of cooked bacon, creating a warm orange and white marbled effect inside. The rolls have a soft and flaky texture, with small flecks of green herbs sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich colors. The edges of each roll are golden and lightly crisped, while the centers look creamy and cheesy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels, slice them, and place them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and bake within 24 hours for best results.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

These Jalapeño Popper Bacon Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with a spicy cream cheese filling, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Perfectly golden and packed with flavor, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.

Author: Marco
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

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

Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases, creating an even base for the filling.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
Roll Pastry: Starting from one side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside and the roll is firm.
Slice Pinwheels: Cut the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place each piece onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown.

Notes

For extra heat, include some of the jalapeño seeds or add finely diced fresh jalapeño on top before baking.
You can prepare these pinwheels a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time.
Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
Make sure the bacon is fully crisped for optimal texture in the filling.

Keywords: jalapeño popper, bacon pinwheels, puff pastry appetizer, spicy finger food, cream cheese pinwheels, party snacks