Description
These Baked Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy and spicy appetizer featuring a creamy jalapeño popper filling rolled inside soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or game day, they combine the flavors of cream cheese, cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and crispy bacon in a fun and easy-to-eat pinwheel shape.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Finishing
- 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. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the refrigerated pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If using gluten-free dough, follow package instructions to roll out and prepare for baking.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Evenly spread the jalapeño popper filling over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Starting at one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape. Pinch the seam to seal the roll and prevent filling leakage.
- Slice and Bake: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled log into 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 of the pinwheels with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pinwheels are beautifully golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool for a couple of minutes. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Notes
- For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping.
- Substitute bacon with cooked pancetta or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free pizza dough can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities; follow package instructions carefully.
- Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or spicy mayo for complementary flavors.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
