Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
These Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a crowd-favorite twist on the classic appetizer—featuring a creamy mix of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and bacon all rolled up in flaky crescent dough. Quick to prep, easy to bake, and bursting with bold flavor, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or brunch spreads. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent dough or puff pastry thawed if frozen
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 –3 fresh jalapeños finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: 1 green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional green onion.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent dough into a rectangle, sealing perforations if needed.
- Spread and Roll: Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log.
- Slice and Arrange: Slice into ¾-inch rounds and place flat on the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool Slightly: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temp.
Notes
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse softened cream cheese so it spreads easily and blends smoothly with other ingredients.
Chop jalapeños finely—remove seeds for mild heat, or leave some in for a kick.
Crisp cooked bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor—make sure it’s cooled before mixing in.
Use crescent dough, puff pastry, or flour tortillas depending on whether you're baking or serving cold.
If baking, roll tightly, chill for 10–15 minutes, then slice and bake for clean, even pinwheels. Serving Suggestions
Serve warm pinwheels fresh out of the oven as an appetizer or party snack.
Cold pinwheels (with tortillas) work great on charcuterie boards or picnic platters.
Pair with ranch, chipotle aioli, or sour cream-based dips.
Make them mini-sized for finger food or slice them thicker for a heartier bite.
Perfect for game day, potlucks, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Assemble, roll, and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Slice and bake or serve as needed.
Refrigerator: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheat: Reheat baked pinwheels in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed and crispy. Tasty Variations to Try
Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella for gooey goodness.
Spicy Buffalo Style: Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a touch of blue cheese to the filling.
Veggie Version: Swap bacon for chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
Everything Bagel Twist: Sprinkle the outside with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Southwest Kick: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a bold fusion flavor.