Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are a sensational appetizer or snack that brings together the beloved flavors of classic jalapeño poppers in a convenient, flaky package. This delightful recipe features succulent chicken, crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, and a generous amount of melted cheddar, all perfectly encased in a golden, buttery puff pastry. It’s a warm, hearty, and utterly irresistible treat that’s ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying as a satisfying bite.
Irresistible Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels: Your Ultimate Party Appetizer
If you’re a fan of the bold, creamy, and subtly spicy combination found in traditional Jalapeño Poppers, and you appreciate the effortless elegance of pinwheel appetizers, then get ready to fall in love with these Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. This recipe marries the best of both worlds, creating a snack that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. When I first made these, they vanished from the serving platter before I even had a chance to properly clean up – a true testament to their popularity!
As the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting appetizer, and these pinwheels fit the bill perfectly for all jalapeño popper enthusiasts. In just about 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch, making them an excellent choice for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests. Planning for a larger crowd? No problem! This recipe is incredibly easy to double, ensuring you have enough to go around. And don’t limit them to just appetizers; these savory pinwheels are substantial enough to serve as a light lunch or a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
Why These Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels Will Be Your New Favorite
These aren’t just any appetizers; they’re a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why these baked pinwheels deserve a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, including prep and bake time, these pinwheels are perfect for when you need a delicious snack in a hurry. The simplicity of using pre-made puff pastry significantly cuts down on your kitchen time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The classic combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, savory bacon, and tender chicken is universally loved. Baked in flaky puff pastry, these pinwheels offer a delightful texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: While fantastic as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings, they can also serve as a hearty snack, a light lunch paired with a salad, or even a unique brunch item.
- Customizable Heat: Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, you can easily adjust the spiciness to suit your taste preferences and those of your guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Portions of this recipe can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble and bake closer to serving time, ensuring fresh, warm pinwheels every time.
“These were so good & a nice change from the usual. Everyone really enjoyed them!
– Janelle”
Frequently Asked Questions About Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
These pinwheels can indeed have a pleasant kick, but the heat level is entirely customizable to your preference. To reduce the spiciness, you can remove more of the seeds and membranes from the fresh jalapeños, or opt for a milder variety of chili. For a very mild version, or if you prefer no spice at all, substitute the jalapeños with canned diced green chiles. They’ll still provide a wonderful flavor without the heat.
Puff pastry can be delicate, and tearing often occurs if the cream cheese filling is too firm. It’s crucial that your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before mixing and spreading. This ensures it glides smoothly over the pastry without tugging or ripping it. Another common culprit is overworking or overfilling the pastry, which can make it excessively thin and prone to tearing even before it goes into the oven. Handle the pastry gently!
Not at all! While I personally love the addition of chicken for an extra boost of protein, delightful texture, and enhanced flavor, it is absolutely optional. These pinwheels are equally delicious without chicken, making them a fantastic vegetarian option if you skip the bacon too. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
If you’re like me and believe that a good dip elevates any snack, then you’re in for a treat! These savory pinwheels are truly exceptional when dipped in a creamy sauce. My top recommendation is a classic ranch dressing, as its cool tang perfectly complements the rich and spicy flavors of the pinwheels. Other fantastic options include a cool sour cream dip, a zesty avocado ranch, or even a simple sweet chili sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
Any leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them at their best and restore that delightful crispiness of the puff pastry, I recommend reheating them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and golden. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it may result in a softer pastry.
Essential Ingredients for Your Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Crafting these delectable pinwheels requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have or can easily find at your local grocery store. For exact measurements, refer to the full recipe card below.
- Sheet of Puff Pastry Dough: The foundation of our pinwheels! You can use either frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions) or the refrigerated variety found near canned biscuits. Frozen pastries often come with two sheets per package, making it convenient to double the recipe or save one for another creation like Pepperoni Pinwheels. Note that frozen pastry sheets typically have a fold line that might need gentle smoothing, while refrigerated dough is usually rolled without a seam.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature. This is key for a smooth, spreadable filling that won’t tear your delicate puff pastry. If you’re short on time, check out my Tips for Softening Cream Cheese Quickly.
- Diced Pickled Jalapeños: These provide the iconic jalapeño flavor. I particularly recommend “tamed” jalapeños (like Mezzetta Express Deli Sliced Tamed Jalapenos, not an affiliate link) if you prefer less heat, as they are specifically processed to have a milder kick, which is a blessing for those prone to heartburn!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a foundational savory depth.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic for a well-rounded aromatic base.
- Seasoned Salt: Enhances all the flavors with a savory blend.
- Poultry Seasoning (Optional): This might seem unconventional for a jalapeño popper recipe, but it adds a wonderfully complex and savory undertone that many find delightful. It’s a risk worth taking for an elevated flavor profile, but don’t feel obligated to buy it just for this recipe if you don’t already have it.
- Chili Powder (Optional): Another ingredient that truly deepens the flavor profile without necessarily adding much heat, especially if using a mild chili powder. It enhances the overall warmth and spice blend beautifully. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken from other meals. A rotisserie chicken also works incredibly well, providing tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides gooey, tangy goodness. A sharp or medium cheddar works best, but a cheddar-jack blend would also be fantastic.
- Cooked Chopped Bacon: The crispy, salty hero that perfectly balances the creamy and spicy elements. For convenience, pre-cooked real bacon pieces can be a real time-saver.
- Pickled Jalapeño Slices (Optional, for Topping): A few extra slices on top before baking not only adds a decorative touch but also signals the flavor profile to your guests.
How to Prepare Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Creating these savory pinwheels is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for perfect, golden-brown bites every time.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Carefully unroll your sheet of puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. If you are using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed and gently pinch closed any visible seams where it was folded. This creates a smooth canvas for your delicious filling. Set the pastry aside while you prepare the creamy mixture.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and the optional poultry seasoning and chili powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and relatively smooth.
- Now, add the shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture achieves a relatively smooth consistency.
- Take your prepared puff pastry sheet and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over its entire surface, making sure to leave about a ½-inch border clear along all the edges. This border will help seal the pinwheels.
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Evenly sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the cream cheese mixture. The bacon will add a delicious smoky and crispy element to every bite.
- Carefully and snugly roll the filled puff pastry sheet into a log, starting from one of the longer sides. This can be a delicate step, so take your time. For easier cutting, I highly recommend placing the rolled log into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This helps the pastry and filling firm up, making for cleaner, more precise slices.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 12 even pieces. A serrated knife helps prevent squishing the delicate pastry.
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Arrange each pinwheel cut-side up on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle each pinwheel with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and, if desired, top with a single pickled jalapeño slice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve your Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels warm and enjoy these incredible, crowd-pleasing bites!
More Pinwheel & Jalapeño Popper Inspired Recipes to Explore!
If you’ve enjoyed these Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels, you’ll be thrilled to discover more creative ways to incorporate these irresistible flavors into your meals and snacks. Here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that you might love:
- Pepperoni Pinwheels
- Taco Pinwheels
- Classic Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
- Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
- Jalapeño Popper Butter Swim Biscuits
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Chicken Casserole
- Crock Pot Jalapeño Popper Corn Dip
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
- Fiesta Pinwheels
- Cranberry Pinwheels
- Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Bread
- Jalapeño Popper Cheeseball
- Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
- Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Jalapeño Popper Wontons
Baked Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Everything you love about jalapeño poppers – a creamy cheese filling, crispy bacon, and tender chicken – all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry pinwheel. Perfect for parties or a delightful snack!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 pinwheels
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed using package instructions)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup diced pickled jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- ⅓ cup cooked, chopped bacon
- pickled jalapeño slices (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll 1 sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Make sure any seams are pinched closed. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, diced pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, poultry seasoning (if using), and chili powder (if using).
- Mix in 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is fairly smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a ½ inch border on the sides.
- Sprinkle ⅓ cup cooked, chopped bacon over the cream cheese mixture.
- Roll the sheet into a log (length-side). Note: At this point, it may be easiest to pop the log into the freezer to help it firm up a bit and make it easier to cut (about 10 minutes).
- Using a serrated knife, cut the log into 12 even pieces.
- Place each piece on a lined baking sheet then sprinkle each piece with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese and pickled jalapeño slices (optional).
- Bake for 25 minutes (until golden brown). Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 207kcal |
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 10g |
Fat: 14g |
Sodium: 512mg |
Fiber: 0.5g |
Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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