Description
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Puff Pastry Straws are a delicious, spicy appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry twisted with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and diced jalapeños. These golden, crispy straws are perfect for game day snacks or any party gathering and can be easily prepared in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (fresh or jarred)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth, spicy cheese mixture.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle. This helps achieve even thickness for uniform baking.
- Assemble Pastry: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over one half of the puff pastry. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently along the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Cut and Twist Straws: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it several times to create the signature spiral shape, then place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each twisted pastry straw with the beaten egg. This step gives the straws a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the straws are puffed up and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the straws from the oven, sprinkle with chopped chives if desired, and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm and crisp.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, increase the amount of diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- These straws are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
- You can reheat leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp texture.
- Fresh jalapeños can be substituted with pickled jalapeños if preferred for a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 straw
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
