Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Twists

This twisted treat of flaky pizza dough loaded with cream cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and cheese has become my go-to party appetizer when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spicy jalapeños and savory bacon wrapped in buttery dough creates an irresistible bite that disappears faster than I can serve them.

I first made these twists for a Super Bowl gathering three years ago, and they've been requested at every game day since. Even my friend who claims to dislike spicy food ended up eating four of these in one sitting!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough tubes 2 provides the perfect flaky base and saves significant prep time compared to homemade dough
• Cream cheese 8 ounces creates a creamy foundation that holds everything together
• Thick cut bacon 4 slices adds smoky depth choose quality bacon for best flavor
• Red onion 1 small brings sweet sharpness that balances the rich ingredients
• Jalapeño pepper 1 medium provides customizable heat use fresh for best flavor
• Chives 2 teaspoons add subtle onion notes and beautiful color contrast
• Garlic 3 teaspoons total divided between filling and topping for aromatic depth
• White cheddar cheese 2 cups creates that irresistible pull when biting in
• Unsalted butter 3 tablespoons forms the glossy finish that makes these twists glisten
• Kosher salt 1 teaspoon enhances all flavors look for flaky kosher salt for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Workspace

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier. Make sure your cream cheese has been sitting out for at least 30 minutes to properly soften.

Prepare the Dough

Take both tubes of pizza dough and carefully unroll them. Stack the sheets directly on top of each other and press them together firmly with your palms. Using a sharp knife, cut this doubled dough into 4 equal rectangular sections. With a rolling pin, roll each section to approximately 8x10 inches, keeping the thickness as even as possible.

Create the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped chives, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The cream cheese should be soft enough that mixing requires minimal effort. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Assemble the Layers

Take one dough rectangle and spread one quarter of the filling mixture across the entire surface, leaving just a small border around the edges. Place another dough rectangle on top and repeat with more filling. Continue this process until you have a stack of all four dough pieces with filling between each layer.

Cut and Shape

Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into 16 equal strips. Take each strip and twist it several times, then form it into a circle, tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape. Place the formed twists onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for expansion.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese over the tops of the twists, allowing some to fall into the crevices. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dough is fully cooked and the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Prepare Garlic Butter

While the twists are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic and kosher salt, stirring until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and keep warm until the twists come out of the oven.

Finish and Serve

Allow the baked twists to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets. This brief cooling period helps the structure set. Gently brush the warm garlic butter over each twist, making sure to get some into all the nooks and crannies. Serve while still warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

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The jalapeño is truly the star ingredient in these twists. I remember watching my normally spice averse mother take a tentative first bite at our family reunion last summer. Her eyes widened with surprise as she discovered how the cream cheese perfectly tempers the heat, making these accessible even to those who typically avoid spicy foods.

Make Ahead Options

These bacon jalapeño twists can be prepared up to the baking stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the shaped twists tightly with plastic wrap on the baking sheets. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting them in the oven. This make ahead option is particularly helpful when hosting parties, as you can do most of the work the day before.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If jalapeños are too spicy, substitute bell peppers for color without heat. Vegetarians can omit bacon and add extra cheese or substitute with smoky roasted red peppers. For a different flavor profile, try pepper jack instead of white cheddar, or add a sprinkle of Italian herbs to the filling mixture. Those avoiding dairy can use dairy free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

These twists shine as part of an appetizer spread alongside complementary dips like ranch or a cool avocado crema that balances the heat. For a more substantial offering, pair them with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. When serving at parties, I arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their experience. They also make an excellent accompaniment to hearty soups or chilis during colder months.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these Bacon Jalapeño Twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these twists up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. For best results, apply the garlic butter just before serving.

→ How spicy are these Bacon Jalapeño Twists?

As prepared, these twists have a mild to medium heat level. For less spice, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño and use less of it. For more heat, leave some seeds in or substitute with a hotter pepper like serrano.

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully in this recipe. You'll need enough dough to create four 8x10 inch rectangles. Just ensure your dough is rolled thin enough to stack properly.

→ What can I substitute for the white cheddar cheese?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great as substitutes for the white cheddar. Choose based on your preference for meltability and flavor intensity.

→ How do I store and reheat leftover Bacon Jalapeño Twists?

Store leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

→ Can I freeze these Bacon Jalapeño Twists?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the shaped twists on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. For baked twists, cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer container. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 10-12 minutes.