When game night rolls around, you need snacks that are bold, crunchy, easy to grab, and impossible to stop eating. These Spicy Jalapeño Twists check every box. They’re flaky on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and deliver just the right amount of heat to keep everyone reaching for “just one more.”

Made with puff pastry, sliced jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese, these twists bake up golden and dramatic, making them look far more complicated than they actually are. They’re fast, affordable, and guaranteed to disappear before halftime.

Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a hungry family, or building a snack board that needs a spicy element, these jalapeño twists bring serious game-night energy.

Why These Jalapeño Twists Always Win

These twists combine three snack-time essentials: crunch, spice, and cheese. Puff pastry provides a buttery, flaky base, jalapeños add heat and brightness, and cheese melts into every fold.

They’re:

Easy to hold and dip
Perfect for sharing
Oven-baked (no frying mess)
Customizable for heat level

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt, to taste
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional dipping sauce (ranch, cheese sauce, or spicy mayo)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Brush the surface lightly with melted butter.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the pastry.
Distribute jalapeño slices across the cheese layer.
Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Gently press the toppings into the pastry.
Cut the pastry into long strips, about 1 inch wide.
Twist each strip several times and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each twist with egg wash.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed, golden, and crispy.
Cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Heat Level Tips

Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat
Add extra cayenne for bold spice lovers
Swap jalapeños for pickled peppers for tangy heat

Perfect Pairings

Serve these twists with:

Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli
Warm cheese dip
Spicy honey drizzle

They also pair beautifully with wings, sliders, and loaded nachos.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.