Have you ever found yourself wandering through the kitchen, desperate for a snack that’s bold, cheesy, and a little bit daring? That’s exactly where I was last Sunday afternoon, staring at the fridge, feeling half-hungry, half-bored, and fully indecisive.
Then, a spark—bacon, cheese, and jalapenos caught my eye, and suddenly, I was on a culinary mission. These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Twists are the result of that moment of inspiration, a perfect storm of flavors that defies logic yet just works.
Picture this: crispy, salty bacon entwined with gooey cheese and a hint of spice that sneaks up on you—like a plot twist in a summer blockbuster.
Does it make sense? Not entirely.
Is it irresistible? Absolutely.
So, whether you’re having a lazy Sunday or a bustling game night, these twists are here to shake things up in the best possible way.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Unroll and stack both tubes of pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, pressing them gently together to adhere.
- Cut the stacked dough into four equal sections and roll each piece into an 8×10-inch rectangle. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, jalapeño, chives, and minced garlic.
- Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture onto one section of dough, layer another dough piece on top, add another third of the mixture, and repeat with the third dough piece. Place the final dough section on top and press down gently to seal the layers.
- Cut the dough stack into eight equal strips, then halve each strip to create 16 shorter strips. Twist and stretch each strip 3-5 times, form a circle by bringing the ends together, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Arrange the twisted dough circles on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each with about 2 tablespoons of shredded white cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- While the twists are baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and salt. Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat.
- After removing the twists from the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. Brush them with the garlic butter mixture and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) of pizza dough
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons chives, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
FAQ
- How can I adjust the spice level in these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Twists?
- To increase the spiciness, keep the seeds and membrane when dicing the jalapeño, or add additional jalapeños. For an even hotter kick, consider using a spicier pepper like Serrano or incorporating a spicier cheese such as pepper jack.
- Can I prepare these twists in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. For short-term storage, assemble the twists and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the twists without the cheese topping and bake them directly from the freezer when ready, adding extra time as needed.
- What are the best ways to store and reheat leftover twists?
- Allow the twists to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes. While you can use a microwave, it may reduce their crispiness.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
- Certainly! You can use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought, turkey bacon for a lighter option, or swap red onions with green onions or shallots. You can also choose your favorite cheese or a cheese blend.
- Is there a quick way to soften cream cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can soften cream cheese quickly by placing the wrapped block in warm water for 10-15 minutes, flipping it occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it on low power in short intervals until it reaches the desired softness, taking care not to overheat it.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese Efficiently: To quickly soften cream cheese, submerge the wrapped block in warm water for 10-15 minutes, flipping every few minutes. Alternatively, microwave it on low power in 15-20 second intervals, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny.
- Customize the Heat Level: For a spicier twist, keep the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños or add more peppers. If you prefer it milder, remove them entirely, or consider using a less spicy pepper.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the twists in advance by assembling them without the cheese on top. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Add cheese and bake directly from storage when ready.
- Ensure Even Dough Handling: Stack two layers of pizza dough before rolling them out. This technique makes the dough easier to manage and provides a stronger shape when baking the twists.
Equipment
- Pizza Dough Roller: If you don’t already have a rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough evenly.
- Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: For cutting the dough into strips.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets.
- Baking Sheets: If you don’t have large ones to accommodate all the twists at once.
- Small Saucepan: For melting butter and making the garlic butter topping.
- Pastry Brush: To brush the garlic butter over the warm twists.
