These Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, lunch, or snack option. Cream cheese, crumbled bacon, Cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños rolled up in puff pastry dough and baked until golden and delicious!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Don’t you just love a good appetizer option? One that can be made for just about any occasion and even enjoyed as a snack or lunch? These Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels just that! Easy to prepare ahead of time, customizable, and a crowd favorite! Also check out my Taco Pinwheels and Crack Chicken Pinwheels for more pinwheel recipes!
Jump to:
What are Pinwheels?
You may be wondering what a pinwheel is, right?! They are essentially a bite sized food item made by spreading a filling on a tortilla or bread, rolling it up, then slicing into rounds, revealing a combination of ingredients. They are often served as an appetizer, however, they make a great snack or on the go lunch option as well. There are lots of variations to choose from making them customizable for any taste. Also called roll ups, these are kid friendly and favorites with people of all ages!
Ingredients Needed
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts and step by step directions, scroll to the bottom of this post or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Cream Cheese– you’ll need 8 ounces cream cheese, use full fat for the most flavor, make sure it is at room temperature so it easily combines with the other ingredients. Any brand works!
- Bacon– cooked and crumbled, bacon bits work great too.
- Ranch– I use Ranch dressing seasoning mix, any brand works, however, I love using Hidden Valley for the best flavor.
- Cheese– shredded Colby Jack cheese, feel free to use Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Jalapenos– fresh jalapenos are best, if you like heat, keep the seeds in, if not, remove all the seeds including the white membrane.
- Puff Pastry Dough– you’ll need one sheet of puff pastry dough, be sure to let it thaw so it easily rolls up.
- Olive Oil– you’ll brush this on top of the pinwheels to prevent the, from getting soggy.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to add more flavor or change this up to use additional ingredients, here are some great options to try:
- Green Onions– chopped into the cream cheese mixture adds great flavor and color throughout.
- Garlic– whether using garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, this is a great flavor boost.
- Tortillas– if you don’t want to use puff pastry want to keep these a no-bake recipe, feel free to use 10-inch burrito size tortillas and simply omit the baking in the oven.
- Butter– in place of the olive oil, you can melt butter and brush on the top of the pinwheels before placing in the oven.
- Dip– serve with Ranch dressing, guacamole, or salsa as a dipping option.
- Chicken– if you want to make a more protein filled option, you can add in cooked, shredded chicken to make these Chicken Jalapeno Pinwheels.
How to make Pinwheels
Whether you’ve made pinwheels before or not, you will find that they are incredibly easy to make and basically fail proof. First, combine the cream cheese, cooked bacon, Ranch seasoning, cheese, and diced jalapenos in a mixing bowl. PRO TIP: Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to make this process easier. Second, roll your puff pastry out and brush on 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Roll up the filled dough and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes. PRO TIP: freezing the dough makes it easier to slice into. Don’t skip this step if possible. Third, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After dough has been in the freezer for 20 minutes, remove and slice into 8 pinwheels. Place on prepared baking sheet and brush remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil on top of each. Fourth, place baking sheet in preheated oven, 400 degrees, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve!
How to store Jalapeno Poppers Pinwheels
Due to the cream cheese filling, you need to refrigerate when not serving. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also wrap in plastic wrap if you don’t have a container. To freeze, place in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. If reheating, you can warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees or in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these pinwheels spicy?
Depends! If you leave the seeds in the jalapenos, they have a mild kick. To avoid heat, be sure to remove all the seeds.
If I want to use tortillas instead of the puff pastry, can I use flavored wraps?
Absolutely! That will add more flavor! I have used spinach wraps, gluten free wraps, sun-dried tomato, and even a garlic herb blend that was delicious. Any type works great!
Can I cook these in the air fryer versus oven?
Absolutely! Place pinwheels in basket and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 325°F, or until golden brown.
More Jalapeno Popper Recipes to try
Love the flavor of Jalapeno Poppers? Try these other great recipes:
Stuffed Jalapenos– a cheesy inside and bacon wrapped outside, making these a great appetizer for everyone! Prep ahead of time and simply grill/bake when needed!
Jalapeno Popper Chicken– packed with flavor and is a great, low carb way to enjoy Jalapeno Poppers! Perfect for summer grilling season!
Easy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole– combines all the flavors of cream cheese stuffed jalapenos with a classic pasta filled chicken casserole! A quick and easy dinner option perfect any night of the week!
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip– featuring creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon. Creamy, warm, spicy, and perfect for any party or gathering!
Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos– jalapeño halves filled with a sausage and cheese mixture for a cheesy and spicy appetizer. Great for game day or any occasion!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 4 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups Colby Jack Cheese shredded
- 2 jalapenos seeded and diced
- 13.2 oz puff pastry dough one sheet
- 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, Colby Jack cheese, and diced jalapeños. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix until well combined.
- Roll out the puff pastry dough and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the dough.
- Roll up the dough and place it in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough roll from the freezer and slice into 8 pinwheels. Place onto the prepared baking sheet and brush tops with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve!
Leave a Reply