Description
Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring a soft pizza dough rolled with a creamy jalapeño, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon filling. These golden-baked pinwheels are perfect for parties or snack time, offering a flavorful twist on classic jalapeño poppers in an easy-to-eat spiral form.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version)
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon (if using), mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. For gluten-free dough, follow package instructions for rolling and baking.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Evenly spread the jalapeño popper filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seams to seal.
- Slice and Bake: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with olive oil to promote browning and crisping during baking.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until pinwheels are golden brown, and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove pinwheels from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy sriracha mayo.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from jalapeños before chopping.
- Bacon is optional but adds a smoky flavor; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot melted cheese.
- Pinwheels can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
