Description
Delightfully crispy and cheesy Jalapeno Popper Puff Pastry Straws bursting with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and bold seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden, twisted puff pastry straws offer a fun and flavorful twist on the classic jalapeño popper, baked to golden perfection for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (or 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture evenly over the entire sheet, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal later.
- Form the Straws: Carefully fold the puff pastry in half, enclosing the cheese mixture. Press down gently along the edges to seal the filling inside. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and gently twist it a few times to form a spiral or straw shape. Arrange the twisted straws evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each twisted pastry straw with the beaten egg. This will give the straws a beautiful golden color and shiny finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm with dips such as ranch, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by using fewer jalapeños or substituting with milder peppers.
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed and cold for easier handling and better puff.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the puff pastry and cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.
- These straws are best eaten warm but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
