Description
These baked jalapeño popper pinwheels are a quick and easy appetizer featuring creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and flaky dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, they deliver classic popper flavor in a shareable, crowd-pleasing roll.
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing, optional)
- Extra sliced jalapeño rings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon (if using), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Unroll crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch seams together to form a large rectangle. If using puff pastry, roll out to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Spread the jalapeño popper filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice the log into 12–14 even pinwheels, about 3/4-inch thick. Arrange cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add extra jalapeño rings if desired.
- Bake for 16–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let pinwheels cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For less heat, use mild green chiles instead of jalapeños. Bacon is optional for vegetarians. Puff pastry can be used for extra flakiness. Chill the filling before spreading for easier slicing. Don’t overstuff the rolls to prevent oozing. Pinwheels can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving. Serve with ranch or chipotle dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 4
Keywords: jalapeño popper pinwheels, party rolls, cheesy appetizer, baked pinwheels, game day snacks, crescent roll recipes, easy appetizers, spicy snacks