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If you’re craving a party snack that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness, you absolutely need to try this Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe. Each bite balances the smooth tang of cream cheese with the crispy heat of jalapeños, all wrapped in flaky, golden dough that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve a treat, these pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe. Each element plays a vital role – from the creamy base to the spicy kick and the crispy, tender dough that holds it all together.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This provides a soft, flaky base that’s easy to roll and bakes to a perfect golden crust.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds the luscious, creamy texture that’s signature to jalapeño poppers.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, contributing a sharp, tangy flavor and gooey texture.
- Fresh jalapeños, finely chopped: Bring the essential spicy crunch; seeds can be removed to control the heat level.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): Adds smoky, savory depth that elevates every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances creaminess and helps bind the filling together smoothly.
- Garlic powder: Delivers subtle warmth and a hint of pungency without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and layers of flavor that round out the filling.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the pinwheels for a crispy, golden finish during baking.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish when served.
How to Make Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform—this filling is the heart and soul of your pinwheels, packed with flavor in every creamy, spicy bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a roughly 1/4-inch thick rectangle. If you’re using gluten-free dough, just be sure to follow your package instructions carefully for rolling out and baking to get the best texture and rise.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Spread the jalapeño popper filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Then, starting from one side, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the seam to seal your roll—this step keeps those cheesy, spicy layers perfectly wrapped up.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Grab a sharp knife and slice your rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart so they can expand and crisp up nicely. Brush the tops with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy finish as they bake.
Step 5: Bake the Pinwheels
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and you see the cheese bubbling inside—this is perfection on a baking sheet.
Step 6: Serve
Let the pinwheels rest for a couple of minutes once out of the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if you like a hint of herbal brightness, and pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, a cool sour cream dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo to make this Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe even more sensational.
How to Serve Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts perfectly with the rich, spicy filling. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of finely chopped green onions for extra visual appeal and a mild flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to balance out the richness and spice. For a more indulgent combo, serve alongside creamy mac and cheese or loaded potato skins for a hearty spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pinwheels on a beautiful serving platter in a spiral or staggered rows to showcase their swirl pattern. You can also serve them alongside an assorted dip station, featuring ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty chipotle sauce, inviting everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps keep the dough soft and the filling fresh without losing that signature flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some pinwheels for later, slice them before baking and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked pinwheels anytime without hassle.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and take away that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular refrigerated pizza dough for a gluten-free pizza dough. Be sure to follow the gluten-free dough’s instructions for rolling and baking to ensure the best texture.
How spicy are the jalapeños in this recipe?
The heat level depends on whether you include the seeds. Removing seeds and membranes reduces the spice significantly, making the dish accessible to those who prefer mild heat, while keeping them adds a pleasant kick.
Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just cover tightly and bake when you’re ready to serve for fresh, hot pinwheels every time.
What if I don’t eat pork? Can I skip the bacon?
Definitely! The bacon adds a smoky richness, but the filling is delicious on its own or you can substitute with cooked turkey bacon, crispy smoked tofu, or even omit it for a vegetarian-friendly option.
What dipping sauces work best with these pinwheels?
Classic ranch dressing is a top pick because its creamy coolness balances the spice beautifully. Other great choices include a spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a tangy chipotle dip for a flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe is a guaranteed way to bring bold flavor and fun to your table. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and golden, flaky dough makes every bite a little celebration. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Print
Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer featuring a creamy, spicy filling of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and bacon rolled inside soft pizza dough. Baked until golden and bubbly, they are perfect for parties, snacks, or game days, offering a satisfying blend of cheesy, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors in a fun pinwheel shape.
Ingredients
Pinwheel Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, or leave seeds for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Baking & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon if using, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until completely blended and smooth, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If using gluten-free dough, follow the package instructions carefully for rolling and baking as it may differ from regular dough.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread the jalapeño popper filling evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the roll. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal the dough well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Slice and Arrange: Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote golden browning and a crispy exterior.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pinwheels turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, especially near the edges.
- Serve: Remove the baked pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove jalapeño seeds before chopping. Leave seeds in for spicier pinwheels.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough and adjust baking times as needed.
- Bacon is optional but adds smoky flavor; you can substitute with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Pinwheels can be prepared ahead, sliced, and refrigerated before baking.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean slices and avoid filling spill out.
- These pinwheels pair well with ranch, sour cream, or spicy dipping sauces.
