– **Title**: Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– 2-3 fresh jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the jalapeno popper mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one end to the other, to form a log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Once all tortillas are rolled, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
5. After chilling, remove from the refrigerator and unwrap. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into bite-sized pinwheels.
6. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
7. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base for our filling, providing creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you’re out, feel free to try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon gives a nice crunch. For a vegetarian version, use cooked and crumbled tempeh or a handful of pecans for crunch and texture!
Jalapeños: These bring the heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using bell peppers or mild green chilies instead. You can also leave the seeds in for more heat!
Crescent Roll Dough: If you can’t find this, puff pastry or even homemade pizza dough can work. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different!
How Can You Roll the Pinwheels Tightly Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the dough tightly can be tricky but it’s essential for those lovely pinwheels! Here’s how I do it:
- When you unroll the dough, use a rolling pin (or just your hands) to gently press it into an even rectangle.
- Spread the mixture evenly, making sure to leave some space at the edges. This prevents overflow when you roll it.
- Start at one long edge and roll it slowly and tightly. Keeping it taut will help avoid gaps.
- Seal the edge with a gentle press; this helps the pinwheel hold its shape.
- Use a sharp knife to slice evenly; a serrated knife works well!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (cooked)
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying these delicious pinwheels in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easier later on.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Don’t forget to press the seams together to form a nice rectangle, which will help keep everything together when we roll it up!
4. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, but make sure to leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once you have it all rolled up, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
6. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm jalapeno popper pinwheels as a tasty appetizer or snack, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese Instead?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just fine in this recipe. It may result in a slightly different texture, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just be sure to soften it thoroughly for easy mixing.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Foods?
No problem! You can substitute the jalapeños with sweet bell peppers or omit them altogether for a milder flavor. Using roasted red peppers can also add a nice color and sweetness without the heat.
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels a day ahead of time! Assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and place them in the fridge on the baking sheet. Just remember to bake them just before serving for the best texture.
